Birds attracted to Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Native to North America

STATE DISTRIBUTION (USDA): AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WV

CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE

Winterberry Identification and Relationship with Birds

Winterberry is a deciduous shrub that ranges from 3 to 12 feet tall, with a 3 to 12-foot spread and is famous for its countless red berries. The berries (of a pollinated female plant) arrive in fall and will persist through winter (unless they are eaten up by birds before then). The Eastern Bluebird and Cedar Waxwing are two of the most common Winterberry consumers, though the shrub will attract other bird species as well. Winterberry is a fantastic choice for not only attracting birds but also for winter bird photography, as it provides a beautiful background. In the wild Winterberry forms natural thickets, which creates an attractive nesting location for some breeding birds.

Birds Most Commonly Attracted to Winterberry

• American Robin
• Cedar Waxwing
• Eastern Bluebird
• Gray Catbird
• Northern Mockingbird