Buffaloberry for birds in Nevada
Tart red fruit that persists into winter. Native to Nevada, where it feeds or shelters 28 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Shepherdia argentea
- Native status
- Native in Nevada
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–10a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Nevada birds supported
- 28
- Nesting birds among them
- 26
Growing conditions in Nevada
Great Basin cold desert in the north and Mojave hot desert around Las Vegas.
Very hot, dry summers; water is the top attractant.
Nevada birds that use Buffaloberry
Year-round residents (15)
House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Juniper Titmouse, Spotted Towhee, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Gila Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Phainopepla, Band-tailed Pigeon, Cactus Wren
Summer breeders (11)
Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Kingbird, Fox Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, White-winged Dove, Hermit Thrush, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Ash-throated Flycatcher
Winter visitors (2)
Cold, dry winters in Reno and the north; mild winters in the south.
Nesting season it supports in Nevada
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Buffaloberry:
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Northern Mockingbird — March–August
- Cedar Waxwing — June–August
- Yellow-rumped Warbler — May–July
- Eastern Kingbird — May–July
- European Starling — April–June
- Juniper Titmouse — April–June
- Spotted Towhee — April–July
Native plants to pair with Buffaloberry in Nevada
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Frequently asked
Is Buffaloberry native to Nevada?
Yes. Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is recorded as native in Nevada. Nevada spans USDA 4a–10a.
What birds does Buffaloberry attract in Nevada?
In Nevada, Buffaloberry supports 28 backyard birds, including House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Yellow-rumped Warbler.
Does Buffaloberry help nesting birds in Nevada?
26 of those birds nest in Nevada: House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July), Northern Flicker (April–June), Northern Mockingbird (March–August).
Which winter birds use Buffaloberry in Nevada?
Winter visitors Pine Grosbeak, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Nevada during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Nevada
- 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.