Components of a Nature habitat

Page 1 A Plant's Home© WindStar Wildlife Institute

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Once you learn the four elements of a wildlife habitat –food, water, cover and space – you can move on to the

16 components of a habitat.

When you become familiar with both the elements andcomponents, you’ll have the information you need to

enhance your habitat for years to come.

Components of aWildlife Habitat

There are eight structuralcomponents and eight living or

plant components to fulfill theneeds of a habitat. These becomeyour building blocks in establishingor enhancing a wildlife habitat.

If you have all 16 components in

your habitat, you will attract amultitude of different species ofwildlife for viewing orphotographing.

STRUCTURAL COMPONENTSOF A WILDLIFE HABITAT

FeedersFeeders are used to supplement

the foods provided by trees,shrubs, flowers, crops in foodplots, vines, and ground covers.Most people set up feedingstations outside a window in thehouse where they can easily viewthe feeders and take photographs.

In most areas of the country,you can attract 20 to 25 speciesof birds to feeders. The best all-around bird seed is black oilsunflower. It can be used in trayfeeders, cylindrical and hopperfeeders, plus it can be spread onthe ground for ground feedingbirds (and chipmunks andsquirrels).

s Cylindrical Feeders – may bemade of plastic or metal.Small seed pods dispenseniger thistle seeds which arepreferred by goldfinches, housefinches, and pine siskins.

Larger seed pods dispensesunflower or seed mixes. A capslips off the feeder for easilyfilling.

s Hopper Feeders – may bemade of wood, plastic, ormetal and come in a variety ofsizes. One side of the top

Page 2 A Plant's Home© WindStar Wildlife Institute

usually is hinged for easy fillingof sunflower or seed mixes.Metal hoppers sometimeshave a counter-balancedplatform which closes accessto the seed when heavier birdsor squirrels attempt to feed.

s Suet Feeders – may be amesh potato or onion bag, ormade of metal like hardwarecloth. You can make one ofwood by drilling 1-1/2" holes inthick pieces of wood (such asa 2x4) and push the suet into

the holes. If a metal feeder isused, a bird’s tongue canfreeze to the metal whilefeeding. You can buy suetcakes which can be put out atany time or you can getunrendered fat from mostgrocery stores to use when it

is cold outside (in warmtemperatures, the fat canbecome rancid).

s Hummingbird Feeders –usually are made from glass orplastic. They are red in color to

resemble flowers wherehummingbirds harvest nectar.It is best to scatter severalfeeders in your habitat as thetiny birds are combative andwill spend lots of time drivingoff other hummingbirds. Thefeeders must be keep filled

with room temperature sugarwater (four parts of boilingwater to one part canesugar) and cleaned with adilute solution of chlorinebleach (soak for an hour andrinse) several times a week inhot weather. Red foodcoloring is not necessary.

s Squirrel Feeders – can bemade by mounting ears ofcorn on long spikes that arefastened to decks or treesaway from your bird feeders.

Squirrels can damage nearlyany type of feeder that is not

“squirrel proof." The Institutesells a heavy-duty PVC BirdPostª feeder that isguaranteed squirrel-proof.

s Fruit Feeders – can be madeby forcing a large nail throughhalf of an orange or apple andnailing it to a tree or post.The fruit will attractBaltimore orioles, red-belliedwoodpeckers, catbirds, andred squirrels.

Dust and GritDust and grit are important to

birds. Pheasants, wild turkeys,

and some species of songbirds willtake a dust “bath" to controlexternal parasites.

You can easily provide dust inyour backyard habitat by addingfinely pulverized soil to an area nomore than 2 ft. in diameter.

Feeders

The Institute recommends that you photocopy the components chart and put itup where you can see it from time to time. Then youÕll be able to channel your

thoughts toward coming up with really creative and exciting enhancementprojects for your wildlife habitat or others. The chart is also a great tool to usewhen a neighbor, friend, or relative asks you how they can attract more wildlifeto their property.

Sixteen Components of Wildlife Habitat– Landscaping for Wildlife

StructuralComponents

PlantComponents

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Grit (coarse sand) is needed bybirds in their gizzards to grind uptheir food.

Some people add sand to theirbird feed, while others just provideit in a tray near their feedingstation.

WaterWater is just as important as

food, but often is one of thefactors limiting the presence ofwildlife. If you have water, you willattract many more species ofwildlife. Remember, dripping orflowing water is more attractive towildlife than still water. And,shallow water is preferred overdeep water by most wildlife. Watercan be provided in many forms:

s Bird Baths – can be plastic orconcrete, heated or unheated,formal or as informal as anupturned garbage can lid. If

you have a problem with catskilling your feeder andsongbirds, make sure the birdbath is at least 15 ft. awayfrom trees and shrubs, wherecats can hide before pouncing.A dripper or mister are goodadditions. Specially designedheaters are available for birdbaths or you can go to a farmsupply store and buy a heateddog dish for around $20. Besure to add a flat rock in thecenter where birds can standwhile drinking and bathing.

s Ponds – can be lined with concrete, plastic, or rubber. If you want toattract songbirds, ducks, frogs, toads, and salamanders, make itabout 10 ft. across and 1 to 2 ft. deep. Placing soil on top of the linerin the bottom of the pool, will make it possible to seed native aquaticplants such as cattail, water lily, arrowhead, marsh marigold, or

duckweed. Or, you can plant in pots and place them on the bottom.

If you can accommodate a larger pond (30 to 40 ft. across), you’llbe able to attract more wildlife such as crayfish, salamanders,newts, more species of frogs, garter snakes, birds, and turtles.Construct at least one-third of the bank with a gradual inclinetoward the deep point. Place a brush pile in the shallow water andyou will attract frogs, toads, and salamanders who will lay their eggsthere. Rocks placed along the water’s edge will serve as sunningareas for turtles and snakes.

s Bogs and Wetlands – can be as simple as a mud puddle forbutterflies to a sizable overflow area for your pond to a wetlandsarea fed by a spring or stream. These areas attract a wide variety ofspecies such as ducks, geese, grebes, herons, blackbirds, terns,marsh wrens, muskrats, minks, raccoons, and many others. Followthis rule of thumb – for each acre of wetlands, there should be twoto four acres of grassy nesting cover.

SaltSalt is essential in the diet of wildlife. Some species, including deer,

moose, pine grosbeaks, and crossbills, will seek salt deposits. Others cansatisfy their need from trace elements in their diet. Some states willallow residents to place salt blocks on their property, others will not.

Another way to supply salt is to fill a burlap sack half full of granularsalt and hang it from a tree where rain can leach the salt into the soil.Make sure the tree is one that you wouldn’t miss, as the salt willprobably eventually kill the tree. Wildlife will seek these areas out.

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Cut Banks, Cliffs, and CavesCut banks, cliffs, and caves should not be created if they don’t already

exist. Cliffs will attract bats, bank swallows, kingfishers, and peregrinefalcons. Cut banks attract fox, badgers, coyotes, and groundhogs. And,bats are attracted to caves.

Brush and Rock PilesBrush and rock piles provide escape cover, nesting, and den sites for

species such as weasels, rabbits, groundhogs, skunks, snakes, quail, andothers. If you place a brush or rock pile on the edge of a small pond, withpart of it under the water, you will have a fitting habitat for amphibian andreptile species.

Brush or rock piles placed away from water, should be in or next tosheltered areas such as along the edges of fields or in shrubs or secondgrowth areas. If you have more than a few acres, the brush pile should beat least 15 ft. across. Put larger logs on the bottom and criss-cross them.Then gradually add medium ones, ending up with small trees or branches ontop.

Nest BoxesNest boxes are used by nearly 50

species of wildlife. Wildlife seek them outwhen they cannot find suitable tree cavities.

In several cases, such as the Eastern Bluebird,the boxes and work of thousands of volunteers, areresponsible for bringing the birds back from nearendangered status.

Boxes can be constructed of numerous materials but the best isprobably red cedar, which does not require any type of protective coating.The size of the box and entrance hole are critical to each species.

Snags, Fallen Trees, and PerchesUnfortunately, when most people see a dead tree (snag), they want to

cut it down immediately. They don’t realize that a dead tree is home tonumerous insects and cavity nesting/den species of wildlife. In theMidwest, more than 40 species of birds and about 30 mammal speciesuse them.

Insect larvae are often under the bark or in the soft wood. Woodpeckers

have the skill to create cavities that are often used by other species such

as wood ducks and owls. A snagneeds to be at least six inches indiameter and 15 ft. tall. And, thebigger, the better. Some people willcut down a snag, move it to theirresidence, and replant it in theiryard near a window where they canwatch the wildlife it attracts.

Branches (perches) overhangingwater are preferred by herons andkingfishers so they can swoop infrom their lofty perches and get afish dinner. Flycatchers do thesame thing, only they wantinsects. On dry land, perches areused by hawks, eagles, vultures,and falcons to spot prey.

LIVING COMPONENTSOF A WILDLIFE HABITAT

ConifersConifers (sometimes known as

evergreens) include trees and

shrubs that do not lose theirneedles in winter. Species includefirs, spruces, pines, arborvitae,junipers, yews, and cedars.

This group of plants is critical towildlife. The cover and shelter theyprovide is invaluable. In addition,wildlife eat the seeds, buds, twigs,sap, and needles. Plus, the treesalways stay green, and make thehabitat look better. Forty-eightspecies of birds prefer the easternwhite pine. For example, turkeyseat the seeds and needles, andyellow-bellied sapsuckers eat thesap. Branches and cavities areused for nesting.

Other favorite conifers arebalsam fir, eastern red cedar,spruces, and eastern hemlock.Canada yew is highly preferred bydeer and is generally wiped outwherever significant number ofdeer are present.

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Summer PlantsSummer fruit, berry, and cover

plants include trees, shrubs,aquatic plants, and vines whichproduce food from June throughAugust. The biggest group in thiscomponent are those plants thatproduce fruits and berries in the

summer. Wildlife species attractedare American robin, junco,woodpeckers, brown thrashers,blue jays, catbirds, bluebird, woodthrush, cedar waxwing, oriole,scarlet tanager, cardinal,butterflies, cowbird, pheasant,deer, grouse, squirrel, raccoon, redfox, and pheasant.

This group of plants tends tospread and create thicketsproducing excellent cover. Some ofthese plants are: raspberries,blackberries, serviceberries, wildplum, chokecherries, lilac-floweredhoneysuckle, cherry, and amurmaples. Climbing vines create

nesting cover and fruits. The bestfruit trees for wildlife aremulberries, chokecherries, andblack cherries.

The best tall shrubs are bushapricots, chokecherries,birdcherries, and serviceberries.Plums and cherries are goodmedium shrubs. The best lowshrubs are cherries, honeysuckle,raspberries, elderberries,blackberries, and blueberries.Grapes are the best vines andstrawberries are the best forb.

If you want to create a shelterbelt, elderberries, scarlet elder,

American plum, cherries, serviceberries, and mulberries are best.

For aquatic areas consider:smartweed (used by 66 species),bulrush (52 species), pondweed(40 species), wigeon grass (33species), wild millet (29 species),spike rush (29 species), wild rice

(23 species), cattails (17 species),wild celery (16 species), andduckweed (16 species).

honeysuckle, cherry, and amurmaples. Climbing vines createnesting cover and fruits. The bestfruit trees for wildlife are

mulberries, chokecherries, andblack cherries.

The best tall shrubs are bushapricots, chokecherries,birdcherries, and serviceberries.Plums and cherries are goodmedium shrubs.

The best low shrubs are cherries,honeysuckle, raspberries,elderberries, blackberries, andblueberries. Grapes are the bestvines and strawberries are thebest forb.

If you want to create a shelterbelt, elderberries, scarlet elder,

American plum, cherries, serviceberries, and mulberries are best.

For aquatic areas consider:smartweed (used by 66 species),bulrush (52 species), pondweed(40 species), wigeon grass (33species), wild millet (29 species),spike rush (29 species), wild rice(23 species), cattails (17 species),wild celery (16 species), andduckweed (16 species).

Fall PlantsFall fruits, grains, and cover

plants allow migratory birds tobuild up fat reserves prior to

migration. Non-migratory speciesneed this Fall food to build up their“food pantries" or add to their fatreserves so they can make itthrough the winter.

Gray catbirds, brown thrashers,American robins, chickadees,juncos, purple finches, cardinals,

cedar waxwings, wood thrushes,nuthatches, grosbeaks, ruffedgrouse, bluebirds, wood ducks,pheasants, and orioles seek outthe fruit of the red osierdogwood, gray dogwood,mountain ash, winterberry, andcottoneasters.

Grains such as corn are valuedby nearly 100 species as iswheat, oats, and grain sorghum.

Winter PlantsWinter fruits and cover plants

can make the difference whetherwildlife survive the winter. In orderfor this food to be availableduring the winter, it must havepersistence and low appeal towildlife when the fruit firstappears. Examples are:snowberry, crabapple, chokeberry,staghorn, sumac, bittersweet,highbush cranberry, wahoo, and

Virginia creeper.

Some of these fruits are bitterwhen they first ripen. Othersmust freeze and thaw severaltimes until the fruits break downand become more palatable.

Butterfly, Bee, and Moth PlantsButterfly, bee, and moth plants

will add class to your habitat. Youmight want to create a garden ofnative prairie wildflowers or nativewoodland wildflowers.

The most common butterfliesattracted include monarch,

painted lady, comma, red-spottedpurple, tiger swallowtail,fritillaries, red admiral, sulphurs,cabbage, and blues. If you arewanted to attract a moth, youmight have the clearwing orsphinx visit your garden. Beesthat are nectar feeders arebumblebees and honeybees.

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Butterflies require two kinds of food – one type for the caterpillars andanother for the adult butterfly. Butterfly caterpillars will feast onbirches, aspens, willows, hackberry, cherries, and oak trees, legumes,grasses, herbs, blueberries, asters, alfalfa, vetches, clovers, bluegrass,little bluestem, hollyhock, milkweed, lupines, black-eyed Susan, marigolds,violets, sedges, and dock plants.

For nectar, the adult butterflies prefer aster, red clover, thistle, purpleconeflower, blazing star, Joe Pye-weed, goldenrod, ironweed, vetches,peppermint, carrot, dill, and parsley. Bees and butterflies prefer “single-flowered" plants as the nectar is richer and easier to access. Forexample, peonies, lilacs, and marigolds.

Bees are attracted to nearly 50 plants. The best are daffodil, sweetmock orange, cherry, apple, plum, peach, apricot, almond, grape hyacinth,jonquil, pussy willow, and lilac.

They also like evening primrose, penstemons, petunia, phlox, moss rose,salvia, sedum, goldenrod, thistle, coralberry, wolfberry, snowberry,marigold, clover, verbena, broccoli, and sunflowers. Herb gardens areespecially attractive to them, including lavender, mint, spearmint,peppermint, lemon balm, sweet marjoram, rosemary, sage, dill, and thyme.

Moths can be attracted to flower gardens. Clearwing moths areattracted to Sweet William, petunias, fireweed, dame’s rocket, eveningprimrose, sweet mock orange, and phlox. Sphinx moths prefer trumpetcreeper, lilies, cardinal flower, phlox, and old-fashioned weigela.

Grasses and LegumesGrasses and legumes can be found in large yards or rural fields. Many

birds use these for nesting, including pheasants, meadowlarks, mallards,and blue-winged teal. Plant eating wildlife such as Whitetail deer, rabbits,groundhogs, and meadow voles prefer these plants.

These are also good for cover of ground nesting birds and theiroffspring. Perhaps that’s why predators such as red fox, red-tailedhawks, American kestrels, owls, coyotes, weasels, and skunks alsofrequent the area for a meal.

Native grasses like switchgrass, big and little bluestem, Indiangrass,and sideoats gramma are making a comeback. Add some nativewildflowers and you have a wildflower meadow.

Hummingbird PlantsHummingbird plants are nectar producing and include these favorites:

American columbine, foxglove, penstemon, petunia, hardy fuchsia,trumpet honeysuckle, bergamot, cardinal flower, dwarf blue gentian,hosta, trumpet vine, scarlet runner beans, and salvia.

Another wildlife species that likes nectar is the northern oriole whichprefers blossoms of red or orange flowers such as hollyhock, trumpetvine, lilies, scarlet trumpet honeysuckle, and trees such as plum, cherry,apricot, and almond.

Nut and Acorn TreesNut and acorn trees are often

referred to as “mast." In the Fall,mast is sought after by wild

turkey, Whitetail deer, woodducks, squirrels (red, gray, andfox), pheasant, ruffed grouse,Bobwhite quail, raccoon, blackbear, mallard ducks, and more.

Among the trees that producemast are: black walnut, hickory,butternut, oak, and hazel. If youwant to add a component thatwill last a long time, then thesetrees are for you. Some of theoaks have been known to produceacorns for 400 years, asopposed to a shrub that mayonly last a few years.

Many of these trees contain

cavities that are used by nearlyone hundred species of wildlife.

In summary, by providing thefour elements of a wildlifehabitat and as many of the 16components as possible, you willimprove the quality of yourhabitat and should attract morewildlife.

This article was written byThomas D. Patrick, President and

Founder of the WindStar WildlifeInstitute, a national, non-profitconservation organization whosemission is to help individuals andfamilies establish or improve the

wildlife habitat on their properties.

For more information or for thename of a Master Wildlife Habitat

Naturalist in your area, pleasecontact:

WindStar Wildlife Institute

E-mail: [email protected]://www.windstar.org