Rocky Mountain juniper for birds in Wyoming
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter. Native to Wyoming, where it feeds or shelters 45 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Juniperus scopulorum
- Native status
- Native in Wyoming
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries, conifer seed and cover
- Wyoming birds supported
- 45
- Nesting birds among them
- 41
Growing conditions in Wyoming
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Short, warm summers with cool nights.
Wyoming birds that use Rocky Mountain juniper
Year-round residents (24)
Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Steller's Jay, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, Canada Jay, Mountain Chickadee, Juniper Titmouse, Pygmy Nuthatch, Cassin's Finch, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red Crossbill, Pinyon Jay, Clark's Nutcracker, Band-tailed Pigeon, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Black-backed Woodpecker, American Three-toed Woodpecker
Summer breeders (17)
Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Kingbird, Spotted Towhee, Mountain Bluebird, Fox Sparrow, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Pine Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Ash-throated Flycatcher
Winter visitors (4)
Common Redpoll, Common Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, Bohemian Waxwing
Cold, very windy winters.
Nesting season it supports in Wyoming
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Rocky Mountain juniper:
- Black-capped Chickadee — May–July
- House Finch — May–August
- American Robin — May–July
- Northern Flicker — May–June
- Red-breasted Nuthatch — June
- Evening Grosbeak — July
- Pine Siskin — May–June
- Gray Catbird — June–July
- Brown Thrasher — May–July
- Cedar Waxwing — July–August
Native plants to pair with Rocky Mountain juniper in Wyoming
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Frequently asked
Is Rocky Mountain juniper native to Wyoming?
Yes. Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) is recorded as native in Wyoming. Wyoming spans USDA 3a–5b.
What birds does Rocky Mountain juniper attract in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, Rocky Mountain juniper supports 45 backyard birds, including Black-capped Chickadee, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak.
Does Rocky Mountain juniper help nesting birds in Wyoming?
41 of those birds nest in Wyoming: Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), House Finch (May–August), American Robin (May–July), Northern Flicker (May–June).
Which winter birds use Rocky Mountain juniper in Wyoming?
Winter visitors Common Redpoll, Common Redpoll, White-winged Crossbill, Bohemian Waxwing use it in Wyoming during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Wyoming
- 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.