Backyard Bird Habitat

THe Problem

Habitat is the parts of an ecosystem a bird needs to survive, particularly food, shelter, and water. Habitat loss is the number one cause of bird population declines in the world, including here in the Bay Area. Across the U.S. and Canada, over 3 billion birds have been lost since 1970. As humans have converted the landscape into cities, towns, industry, and agriculture, the amount of space remaining for birds and other wildlife is diminishing.

In addition to the development of natural ecosystems for human use, we are also seeing a loss in abundance and diversity of insects due to their habitat loss as well as agricultural insecticide use. Almost all terrestrial bird species eat insects for some part of their diet. Without insects, birds cannot survive.

You can make a difference

You can create bird habitat wherever you live! Every space matters, no matter the size.

You can make a difference by planting native plants in your backyard, front yard, balcony, or shared green space.

Click below and pledge to create bird habitat.

Pledge Today!

The SOlution

Golden Gate Bird Alliance works at every scale to bring back and protect bird habitat. We advocate for more protected public spaces and restore habitat at 5 sites around the Bay Area. Join us for our habitat restoration work days.

But there’s one little space close to home that can make a difference: your own backyard! By planting native plants to support insects and birds, keeping cats indoors, and making sure your windows are bird-safe, you can can create bird habitat. There is no space too small, a front yard, hell strip, even a container garden on a balcony can make a difference. Read more in the resources below.

Additionally, in partnership with California Native Plant Society, we announce an annual slate of four focus plants. We work with local nurseries to make sure they are stocked and share more information about the wildlife they support in your backyard.