Keeping Common Birds Common

The velvety texture of sumac stems and the forking pattern of its branches, reminiscent of deer antlers, have led to this tree’s common name. Its fuzzy red berries or “drupes”, clustered in conical spikes, are eaten by numerous birds such as robins, bluebirds, chickadees, starlings, flickers, woodpeckers (including Pileated), Gray Catbirds, and Cedar Waxwings. The berries are particularly important in early spring when returning migrant birds have few other food options.