Red twig dogwoods (Cornus sericea) are attractive winter ornamentals with bright red stems. Known for their beautiful leaves and bark, they also offer food and shelter for birds.
American Robins (Turdus migratorius): In fall and winter, American robins eat red twig dogwood berries. The fruit's high energy content sustains these birds in cold times.
Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) use red twig dogwoods for food and refuge. They consume the shrub's berries in winter and hide from predators and harsh weather behind its dense leaves.
Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis): Red twig dogwoods attract northern cardinals in fall and winter for their berries. They stand out with their brilliant red plumage and unique crest.
American Goldfinches (Spinus tristis): Small, bright American goldfinches eat red twig dogwood seeds. Although they mostly eat seeds from other plants, they may visit the shrub for its berries in late summer and early fall.
White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis): White-throated sparrows are ground-feeding birds that may visit red twig dogwoods to forage for fallen berries. These sparrows have a distinctive white throat patch and yellow markings on their head.
What birds are attracted to red twig dogwoods?