I've found five dwarf shrubs that produce berries favored by wildlife, especially birds. These bushes should work well in containers on your porch, patio, deck, or balcony.

1. Ilex vomitoria 'Schillings Dwarf'
   Schilling's Dwarf Holly
   

   
   
   Image: Tropic Traditions
   

   • female plants produce the berries, but have a male plant, too, for fertilization
   • Zones 7-10, evergreen
   • 4-6 foot height and spread, with infrequent pruning
   • sun to partial shade
2. Nandina domestica Wood's Dwarf
   Wood's Dwarf Nandina
   

   
   
   Image: Rushing Nursery
   

   • Zones 6-9
   • 1.5 feet to 2 feet
   • evergreen, with green/red/burgundy foliage
   • white flowers to bright red berries
3. Cornus canadensis
   Bunchberry
   
   • may not be easy to grow in a container for a novice gardener
   • Zones 4-8
   • 24-36 in. height and width
   • partial shade
4. Viburnum opulus 'Nanum'
   Dwarf European Cranberry Bush
   
   • Zones 3-9
   • 2-3 feet height and width, mounding
   • Partial shade
   • beautiful foliage, bronze-green to glossy green to vibrant red
5. Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'
   Dwarf Winterberry Holly 'Red Sprite'
   
   • Zone 4
   • 1/2 in. fruits can be plentiful
   • 2-3 foot height
   • sun to partial shade

Caution

Sometimes shrubs touted to attract wildlife with their berries, won't. Several reasons exist why some bushes will not attract wildlife.