Crepe myrtle trees are popular ornamental trees found throughout much of the southern United States. Their showy flowers attract a variety of bird species. Understanding which birds are attracted to crepe myrtles can help bird enthusiasts better enjoy the visitors to their yard.
Types of Birds Attracted to Crepe Myrtles
Many species of birds are attracted to crepe myrtles, especially when the trees are in bloom. The nectar and insects drawn to the flowers make crepe myrtles excellent foraging habitat. Some of the most common bird species seen in crepe myrtles include:
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds rely heavily on nectar for food, so they are highly attracted to the nectar-rich blooms on crepe myrtle trees. In most regions, ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most likely visitors. However, in the southwest US, black-chinned hummingbirds and rufous hummingbirds may also frequent crepe myrtles.
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers like downy, red-bellied, and northern flickers often forage for insects on crepe myrtles. They may cling to branches and trunks or perch while reaching for flower clusters. The bark also appeals to woodpeckers once autumn arrives and the trees lose their leaves.
Orioles
Orioles like orchard and Baltimore orioles regularly partake of both nectar and insects found on blooming crepe myrtles. Their colorful plumage makes them a visual treat for birders when viewed among the colorful flowers.
Tanagers
Summer tanagers pass through the southern US during spring migration and nest there in summer. Along with scarlet and western tanagers, they add a pop of color as they stop to eat crepe myrtle flowers.
Finches
American goldfinches and house finches both frequent crepe myrtles. They mainly eat the seeds but will also forage for insects among the flowers.
Wrens
Carolina and Bewick’s wrens often hunt for insects on crepe myrtles. They can be hard to spot as they poke through foliage and flowers, but their songs are a giveaway.
Warblers
A number of warbler species, including pine, yellow, common yellowthroat, and prairie warblers, may join mixed flocks that pass through crepe myrtles during migration. They consume both insects and nectar from the trees.
Sparrows
White-throated, white-crowned, chipping, and song sparrows visit crepe myrtles primarily to forage for insects among the blooms. They often scratch among fallen petals below the trees.
Bluebirds
Eastern bluebirds will hawk for insects around crepe myrtle trees, sometimes landing on branches or flowers to pick off bugs. Their colorful plumage stands out against the trees.
Bird Preferences by Crepe Myrtle Variety
Different crepe myrtle varieties have different bloom sizes, colors, and growth habits. This influences which birds are most often attracted to certain cultivars.
| Crepe Myrtle Variety | Birds Most Often Attracted |
|---|---|
| Natchez | Ruby-throated hummingbirds, northern flickers, Baltimore orioles |
| Muskogee | Ruby-throated hummingbirds, pine warblers, American goldfinches |
| Tuscarora | Ruby-throated hummingbirds, yellow warblers, eastern bluebirds |
| Pink Velour | Ruby-throated hummingbirds, scarlet tanagers, orchard orioles |
| Sarah’s Favorite | Ruby-throated hummingbirds, downy woodpeckers, white-crowned sparrows |
| Rhapsody in Pink | Ruby-throated hummingbirds, northern flickers, chipping sparrows |
As the table shows, some birds like hummingbirds and woodpeckers visit most crepe myrtle varieties. However, larger bloom sizes and warmer flower colors, like those of Pink Velour, tend to attract more orioles, tanagers, and other boldly colored birds. Compact cultivars like Sarah’s Favorite draw in smaller birds like sparrows.
Ideal Crepe Myrtle Landscaping for Birds
To make your crepe myrtles as bird-friendly as possible, keep these landscaping tips in mind:
- Plant crepe myrtles near or visible from bird feeders, nest boxes, or bird baths to increase traffic.
- Choose a variety of crepe myrtle cultivars to attract a diverse bird population.
- Allow crepe myrtles to mature so they developMore text More text More text More text More text More text More text More text More text More text More text More text More text More text More text More text
larger, multi-stemmed forms ideal for bird activities. - Prune crepe myrtles minimally to maintain natural shapes and maximize flowers.
- Provide water sources like drippers, misters, or small ponds that birds can access while visiting crepe myrtles.
- Refrain from using pesticides on or near crepe myrtles so birds have access to safe insects.
- Leave fallen leaves and flowers under crepe myrtles since birds will forage among them.
By keeping bird behavior in mind when landscaping with crepe myrtles, you can create an environment where both you and your feathered visitors can enjoy these beautiful, bird-friendly trees.
Conclusion
With their abundant flowers that provide nectar and attract insects, crepe myrtle trees are magnets for a diverse array of bird species. Everything from tiny hummingbirds to larger woodpeckers and orioles flock to the blooms each summer. Even in winter, the bark and seeds bring in foragers. Careful variety selection and bird-friendly landscaping practices can maximize the number and variety of birds drawn in. Getting to observe the birds enjoying the crepe myrtles you have planted is an exciting bonus that comes with growing these ornamental trees.
