Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

best native trees for birds

Looking to attract native birds to your garden or landscape? Choosing the best native trees for birds in New Zealand can transform your outdoor space into a thriving haven for feathered friends. Native trees not only provide essential food, shelter, and nesting sites for species like tūī, kererū, fantail, and silvereye, but they also nurture local biodiversity. Whether you’re restoring a rural property or simply enhancing your backyard, planting bird-friendly trees is a rewarding step toward supporting wildlife.

Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.

Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark red flowers bloom across the tree in summer and are great for attracting birds. The flowers are complemented by long, narrow leaves that are mid-green and held densely on upright branches. This tree grows with a somewhat narrow habit, reaching approximately 30 m in height and 8 m in width. Knightia excelsa is commonly included in native revegetation projects, grown as a specimen in extensive gardens or parks, or planted to attract birds.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 30.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Coastal, Native
A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.

Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing 6–10 metres tall, it makes an excellent shade or specimen tree in both urban and rural settings. Titoki is wind-tolerant, frost-hardy in most areas, and well-suited to coastal conditions. Its inconspicuous flowers are followed by striking red and black fruit, which attracts native birds and adds seasonal interest to New Zealand gardens and landscapes.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$299.92
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$358.98
Hedycarya arborea tree with lush green foliage.

Hedycarya arborea

Hedycarya arborea, commonly known as Pigeonwood, is a New Zealand native tree valued for its attractive foliage and wildlife benefits. This evergreen...

From$438.39
A Sophora chathamica tree growing in a garden with green foliage.

Sophora chathamica

Sophora chathamica (Coastal Kōwhai) is a stunning New Zealand native tree known for its masses of bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring...

From$358.98
Sophora fulvida tree with masses of yellow flowers.

Sophora fulvida

Sophora fulvida (Southern Kōwhai) is a beautiful New Zealand native tree admired for its golden yellow flowers and fine green foliage. Flowering in...

From$457.29
A Sophora godleyi specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora godleyi (Godleys Kowhai)

Sophora godleyi is a magnificent New Zealand native tree valued for its graceful weeping branches and bright yellow flowers that appear in spring...

From$358.98
Nestegis montana narrow green leaves on a tree.

Nestegis montana (Narrow-Leaved Maire)

Nestegis montana is a hardy and attractive native tree of New Zealand, known for its upright growth habit and glossy green foliage. This evergreen...

From$299.92
Vitex lucens (Puriri) lush, green foliage.

Vitex lucens

Vitex lucens, commonly known as Puriri, is a striking New Zealand native tree prized for its lush foliage, vibrant pink to red tubular flowers, and...

From$299.92
Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.

Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

From$25.58
A Kunzea robusta shrub with masses of pretty, white flowers.

Kunzea robusta

Kunzea robusta, commonly known as Kanuka or the White Tea Tree, is a fast-growing, NZ native tree. It features small, dark green leaves that release...

From$205.02
carpodetus-serratus-4

Carpodetus serratus

Carpodetus serratus, commonly known as the Putaputaweta Tree or Marble Leaf, is an attractive, NZ native tree with spreading branches that host...

From$343.89
Sophora microphylla specimen tree covered in yellow flowers.

Sophora microphylla (Small Leaved Kōwhai)

Sophora microphylla, commonly known as Weeping Kowhai, is a treasured New Zealand native tree admired for its graceful, drooping branches and masses...

From$25.58
Full sized Pseudopanax ferox (Fierce Lancewood) at four years old.

Pseudopanax ferox (Toothed Lancewood)

Pseudopanax ferox, commonly known as Fierce or Toothed Lancewood, is a NZ native tree that features interesting juvenile and mature forms. The...

From$22.88
Cordyline australis trees growing as a cluster.

Cordyline australis

Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree or tī kōuka, is a hardy and iconic New Zealand native. It features long, sword-like green leaves...

From$24.23
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.

Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$453.48
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.

Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$97.13
A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.

Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger)

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a fast-growing NZ native tree that typically reaches 4–6 m tall. It features...

From$18.83
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).

Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$277.74
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

From$28.28
Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry) tree with masses of black berries.

Aristotelia serrata (Wineberry)

Aristotelia serrata, commonly known as Wineberry or Makomako, is a fast-growing, deciduous native tree of New Zealand. It features serrated green...

From$6.68
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

From$343.89
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.

Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.23
fuscospora-solandri-

Fuscospora solandri (Black Beech)

Commonly known as Black Beech, this is a large, evergreen tree native to NZ. The foliage comprises small, dark green leaves which are held densely in...

From$358.98
Melia azedarach tree.

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach, commonly known as Bead Tree, White Cedar or Persian Lilac, is a fast-growing deciduous tree admired for its feathery foliage and...

From$343.89
schinus-molle-3

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree)

Schinus molle, commonly known as the California Pepper Tree, is an evergreen tree grown for its attractive form and foliage. The leaves are bright...

From$299.92
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis Flamingo is a highly colourful, deciduous tree featuring bright, salmon-pink foliage in spring which ages to cream-yellow, and then...

From$28.28
ulmus-lobel-

Ulmus Lobel (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus Lobel is a variety of Dutch Elm tree grown for its colourful foliage and narrow form. The leaves emerge a fresh green colour in spring, age to...

From$343.89
sequoiadendron-giganteum-

Sequoiadendron giganteum (Sequoia gigantea Tree)

Sequoiadendron giganteum, commonly known as the Giant Redwood, is a large, evergreen tree and aptly named for its red coloured wood. It features...

From$299.92
magnolia-strawberry-fields-1

Magnolia Strawberry Fields (Strawberry Fields Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Strawberry Fields is a stunning deciduous tree that bears masses of large and showy, semi-double, deep red flowers through late winter and...

From$432.79
magnolia-amethyst-flame-2

Magnolia Amethyst Flame (Amethyst Flame Magnolia Tree)

Magnolia Amethyst Flame is a smaller tree that bears masses of large and showy, bright red-purple flowers in late winter and early spring on the...

From$299.92
Knightia excelsa

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alectryon, Aristotelia, Beilschmiedia, Carpodetus, Cedrela, Cordyline, Dacrydium, Fuscospora, Hedycarya, Knightia, Kunzea, Magnolia, Melia, Metrosideros, Nestegis, Plagianthus, Prumnopitys, Pseudopanax, Schinus, Sequoiadendron, Sophora, Sorbus Ulmus and Vitex, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees Evergreen Trees and Magnolia Trees.

Search best native trees for birds

Why Choose Native Trees for Birds?

Native trees have co-evolved with New Zealand's birds, offering fruit, nectar, and safe nesting sites through every season. Unlike exotics, native species supply the right nutrients and habitat, encouraging year-round visits and supporting the unique ecosystem. Many native trees flower and fruit at different times, ensuring there’s always something on offer for hungry birds.

Top Native Trees to Attract Birds

If you’re searching for the best native trees for birds, consider these expert picks:

Knightia excelsa

Also known as Rewarewa, Knightia excelsa produces striking red flowers filled with nectar that attract tūī and bellbirds. The flowers form in late spring and summer, supporting birds during key periods.

Alectryon excelsus

The Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) offers glossy black fruit and fleshy red arils much loved by kererū and other fruit-eating birds. Its dense foliage also provides shelter and nesting spots.

Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

With large purple fruit and lush canopy, Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) is a must-have for encouraging kererū and tūī. Its berries ripen in winter, helping birds through scarce periods. The large leaves offer shade and nesting protection.

Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

The Limestone Kowhai (Sophora longicarinata) dazzles with golden flowers packed with nectar, attracting bellbirds and tūī. As a semi-deciduous species, it brings seasonal color to your garden as well as feeding birds through autumn and spring.

Hedycarya arborea

The Pigeonwood, Hedycarya arborea, is famed for its fruity berry clusters which are a favourite of kererū, particularly during late summer. This fast-growing tree also offers dense cover for nesting birds.

Getting Started With Bird-Friendly Gardening

Planting for birds means arranging trees in groups to mimic natural habitat. Mix flowering, fruiting, and evergreen species for a continuous food supply and year-round shelter. Consider underplanting with native shrubs and grasses to provide additional foraging areas and nesting materials.

By selecting the best native trees for birds, you’ll enjoy increased bird activity, vibrant gardens, and the satisfaction of helping preserve New Zealand’s unique wildlife. Explore our Knightia excelsa, Alectryon excelsus, Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire), Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai), and Hedycarya arborea to start your bird-friendly planting journey.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

There’s more to explore beyond Azalea Pink Ice and Lomandra 'Tanika' — like the subtle beauty of Weigela Wine And Roses (Wine & Roses Weigela), Lagerstroemia 'Bergerac', and Ajuga reptans.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews