4 Colors That Attract Birds to Your Backyard: An Overview

Last Updated on May 20 2025

Birds have excellent vision and are attracted to colors, so that’s why many people put colorful objects and birdhouses in their backyards. Colors can attract various bird species to your backyard if you know how to choose the right color. 

To create a bird-friendly environment in your backyard, you should consider changing the color scheme to be alluring for birds. Today, we will discuss why birds are attracted to color, which colors attract the most birds, and reveal more details about this fun topic.

Why Should You Attract Birds to Your Backyard?

Having birds in your yard can have many benefits for both sides. You will provide birds with shelter, water, and food, while they will make your backyard beautiful and tidy. Here are our top reasons why you should attract birds to your yards and gardens:

The 4 Colors That Attract Birds To Your Backyard

Every bird species has a color preference, so not all birds will like the same colors. Still, bright colors attract many birds, although some species have preferences for specific color shades. 

1. Blue-green

Adding the blue-green color to your backyard will help you attract more birds. Many bird species are drawn to this color, although there’s no proven reason for why this color lures so many birds. Birds such as blue jays, bluebirds, and starlings are very attracted to blue-green.

2. Yellow

Yellow commonly attracts cardinals, so you could add yellow hues in your backyard to lure them. This color can also attract nocturnal bird species.

3. Red/pink/orange

Red/pink/orange is pretty effective to attract birds to your backyard. This color mainly attracts hummingbirds and siskins. Many bird species are drawn to flowers in these colors, so incorporating such details in your backyard will make it alluring.

4. Earthy-neutral colors

Earthy-neutral colors will draw birds that like to fit into their environment. These tones usually attract thrushes, doves, and quails.

Colors to Avoid When Trying to Attract Birds

There is one color that you should simply avoid if you want to have winged friends in your backyard. White can be a sign of aggression or danger for many brid breeds. So, instead of attracting birds, this color will scare them away from your home. 

It’s better to choose any other neutral tone, but white shouldn’t be on the list.

Why are birds attracted to color?

Birds have excellent sight, and they can see colors invisible to the human eye. They can quickly recognize different shades of color and are attracted to specific colors for several reasons.

Colors help birds recognize their species, and it even helps to attract mates. Colors can also be indicators of danger.

How to use color to attract birds?

There are plenty of ways to incorporate colors in your backyard and attract birds. You can paint your birdhouses, add more flowers and trees to the landscape, or add colorful feeders and decorations.

Birds will be very fond of colorful bushes, shrubs, and flowers as they will provide food, shelter, and nesting places. If you don’t want flowers, there are alternatives to add color to your garden. You could paint your fence, add colorful, decorative details, or create bright birdbaths.

You should ensure that the colors are visible from the sky, so position colorful objects carefully. For painting, use water-based paints that are not harmful to birds.

Related Read:

• 28 Common Backyard Birds in Alabama (with Pictures)
• What Is Puerto Rico’s State Bird? How Was It Decided?
• Puerto Rico Birding – Tips, Hotspots, and Guide

Conclusion

There’s no better way to attract birds to your backyard than to provide a bird-friendly environment that looks inviting and warm. If birds have sufficient food and water sources and a comfortable place for nesting, they will likely stay in your backyard. So, add a touch of color to lure birds to your garden and provide them with everything they need to help them survive.

Featured Image Credit: Bonnie Taylor Barry, Shutterstock