Birds have better color vision than we humans do, and use color as a cue to tell them other important information. Bright plumage in another bird indicates health and a good mating prospect, bright fruit is at the peak of its nutrition, and the brightest flowers are filled with nectar and insects. Because birds are so attuned to color, you can use it in your yard creatively to attract birds, particularly in late fall and winter when a monochrome landscape makes it more noticeable.
Different birds like different colors. Hummingbirds are attracted to a broad range of colors including red, pink, orange, and yellow; Orioles enjoy orange, Goldfinches and warblers prefer yellow, and bluebirds and jays are drawn by blue.
Duller colors such as gray, brown, and dull green attract doves, quail, and ground feeders because the camouflage aspect makes them feel safe and secure.
As a general rule, white signals alarm and danger to most birds. Avoid white unless you’d like to warn birds away from your yard.
While color will attract birds, it won’t make them stay. Situate your color element by a bird bath or feeder to give them a reason to return. Be sure that it’s visible from the sky as they fly overhead so that newbies can see it and be made curious. Use items which move frequently (such as pinwheels) sparingly as they may warn away cautious birds.
