Biologists talk about diversity in terms of both species diversity, the number and kind of species found in a particular area, as well as structural diversity, the form of the community. A typical yard with lawn, raked flower beds, and specimen shade trees is not diverse by either measurement. It may be tidy, but it provides habitat for very few native species.

Birds are also necessary components of balanced ecosystems, no matter if you live in the mountains or on the plains, in a suburban neighborhood, or in the foothills. More and more gardeners are realizing the importance of attracting birds to their gardens.