Eastern red cedar for birds in Connecticut
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter. Native to Connecticut, where it feeds or shelters 39 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus virginiana
- Native status
- Native in Connecticut
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5b–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- Connecticut birds supported
- 39
- Nesting birds among them
- 31
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 Eastern red cedar
Year-round residents (17)
Northern Cardinal, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Eastern Towhee, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red Crossbill, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, White-winged Crossbill, Monk Parakeet
Summer breeders (14)
Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Pine Warbler, Wood Thrush, Eastern Kingbird, Scarlet Tanager, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (8)
Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, 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 Eastern red cedar:
- Northern Cardinal — April–August
- Eastern Bluebird — April–August
- Black-capped Chickadee — April–July
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Red-breasted Nuthatch — May–June
- Baltimore Oriole — May–July
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — May–July
Native plants to pair with Eastern red cedar in Connecticut
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Frequently asked
Is Eastern red cedar native to Connecticut?
Yes. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is recorded as native in Connecticut. Connecticut spans USDA 5b–7b.
What birds does Eastern red cedar attract in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, Eastern red cedar supports 39 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, Purple Finch, American Robin.
Does Eastern red cedar help nesting birds in Connecticut?
31 of those birds nest in Connecticut: Northern Cardinal (April–August), Eastern Bluebird (April–August), Black-capped Chickadee (April–July), House Finch (April–August).
Which winter birds use Eastern red cedar in Connecticut?
Winter visitors Purple Finch, White-throated Sparrow, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Fox Sparrow, Pine Grosbeak, 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.