Buffaloberry for birds in New Mexico
Tart red fruit that persists into winter. Native to New Mexico, where it feeds or shelters 28 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Shepherdia argentea
- Native status
- Native in New Mexico
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9a
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- New Mexico birds supported
- 28
- Nesting birds among them
- 26
Growing conditions in New Mexico
Arid to semi-arid, with Chihuahuan desert in the south and mountain forest above 7,000 ft.
Hot, dry early summer followed by the July–August monsoon.
New Mexico birds that use Buffaloberry
Year-round residents (17)
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Northern Mockingbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, European Starling, Juniper Titmouse, Spotted Towhee, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Gila Woodpecker, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher, Phainopepla, Band-tailed Pigeon, Cactus Wren
Summer breeders (9)
Gray Catbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, White-winged Dove, Gray Catbird, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (2)
Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations.
Nesting season it supports in New Mexico
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Buffaloberry:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Gray Catbird — May–July
- Northern Mockingbird — March–August
- Yellow-rumped Warbler — May–July
- European Starling — April–June
- Juniper Titmouse — April–June
- Spotted Towhee — April–July
Native plants to pair with Buffaloberry in New Mexico
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Frequently asked
Is Buffaloberry native to New Mexico?
Yes. Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is recorded as native in New Mexico. New Mexico spans USDA 4b–9a.
What birds does Buffaloberry attract in New Mexico?
In New Mexico, Buffaloberry supports 28 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird.
Does Buffaloberry help nesting birds in New Mexico?
26 of those birds nest in New Mexico: Northern Cardinal (April–August), House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July), Northern Flicker (April–June).
Which winter birds use Buffaloberry in New Mexico?
Winter visitors Cedar Waxwing, Hermit Thrush use it in New Mexico during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Mexico
- 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.