American elderberry for birds in Connecticut
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species. Native to Connecticut, where it feeds or shelters 93 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Sambucus canadensis
- Native status
- Native in Connecticut
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, insects for nestlings
- Connecticut birds supported
- 93
- Nesting birds among them
- 85
Growing conditions in Connecticut
Humid continental with maritime moderation along Long Island Sound.
Warm, humid summers; peak nesting runs May through July.
Connecticut birds that use American elderberry
Year-round residents (39)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, House Finch, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Song Sparrow, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Screech-Owl, European Starling, American Crow, Cooper's Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, American Kestrel, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher, Eastern Meadowlark, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Winter Wren, Hooded Merganser, Bald Eagle, Red-shouldered Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, Monk Parakeet
Summer breeders (46)
Eastern Bluebird, Purple Martin, House Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Eastern Phoebe, Chimney Swift, Pine Warbler, Wood Thrush, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Black-and-white Warbler, Ovenbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Least Flycatcher, Cliff Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Bank Swallow, Common Nighthawk, Eastern Whip-poor-will, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, American Woodcock, Green Heron, Great Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Turkey Vulture, Osprey, Swamp Sparrow, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Bobolink
Winter visitors (8)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Merlin, Bohemian Waxwing
Snowy winters with regular nor'easters; feeders carry chickadees, titmice and juncos through January and February.
Nesting season it supports in Connecticut
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use American elderberry:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — April–August
- Black-capped Chickadee — April–July
- Purple Martin — May–July
- Downy Woodpecker — April–June
- Hairy Woodpecker — April–June
- Tufted Titmouse — April–June
- White-breasted Nuthatch — April–June
- House Wren — May–August
- House Finch — April–August
Native plants to pair with American elderberry in Connecticut
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Frequently asked
Is American elderberry native to Connecticut?
Yes. American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is recorded as native in Connecticut. Connecticut spans USDA 5b–7b.
What birds does American elderberry attract in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, American elderberry supports 93 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, Purple Martin, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker.
Does American elderberry help nesting birds in Connecticut?
85 of those birds nest in Connecticut: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), Black-capped Chickadee (April–July), Purple Martin (May–July).
Which winter birds use American elderberry in Connecticut?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, Merlin, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Connecticut during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Connecticut
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.