Feeding wild birds can be an incredibly rewarding experience, bringing you closer to nature and contributing to their well-being, especially during harsh weather. However, it’s crucial to do it responsibly. Offering the wrong food can be detrimental to their health. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what to feed wild birds, ensuring you’re providing them with nutritious and safe options.
Understanding Wild Bird Diets
Before you start scattering seeds, it’s essential to understand that different bird species have different dietary needs. What attracts a robin might not appeal to a finch. Understanding their natural diet is the first step towards providing appropriate supplemental food.
Seed-Eating Birds
Birds like finches, sparrows, and cardinals are primarily seed-eaters. They have strong beaks designed to crack open seeds and extract the nutritious kernels inside. Their diet naturally consists of various seeds found in weeds, grasses, and trees.
Insect-Eating Birds
Robins, bluebirds, and wrens are primarily insectivores, especially during the breeding season. They forage for insects, larvae, and spiders to fuel their high energy needs and feed their young.
Fruit-Eating Birds
Some birds, like waxwings and mockingbirds, have a preference for fruits, especially berries. They play an important role in seed dispersal.
Nectar-Feeding Birds
Hummingbirds are perhaps the most well-known nectar feeders. They have long, slender beaks perfectly adapted for extracting nectar from flowers.
The Best Foods to Offer Wild Birds
Now that you have an idea of different dietary preferences, let’s explore the best food options you can offer in your backyard.
Seeds: The Cornerstone of Bird Feeding
Seeds are the most popular and widely accepted food for wild birds. Black oil sunflower seeds are an excellent choice because they are high in oil content, providing birds with a good source of energy. They also have thin shells, making them easy for birds of all sizes to crack open.
Nyjer (thistle) seeds are another favorite, especially among finches. These tiny, oil-rich seeds are specifically designed for specialized feeders with small openings.
White-striped sunflower seeds are larger than black oil sunflower seeds and have thicker shells. While some larger birds can crack them open easily, smaller birds may struggle.
Safflower seeds are a good option if you want to attract birds like cardinals and discourage squirrels, as squirrels tend to avoid them.
Mixed birdseed is commonly available but can be less desirable to birds. Often, these mixes contain filler seeds like red millet or cracked corn, which many birds won’t eat. This can lead to wasted food and a messy feeding area. If you choose a mixed birdseed, look for one with a high percentage of sunflower seeds and avoid those with a lot of filler.
Fruits and Berries: A Sweet Treat
Many birds enjoy fruits, especially during the fall and winter when natural food sources are scarce. You can offer fruits in several ways.
Fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are highly nutritious and appealing to many birds.
Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, and currants are a good alternative to fresh fruit and can be offered year-round. Soak them in water before offering them, especially during dry periods.
Apple slices are another simple and affordable option. Cut them into small pieces that birds can easily manage.
Insects and Protein Sources: Essential for Growth
Insects are crucial for insect-eating birds, especially during the breeding season when they need to feed their young.
Mealworms are a readily available and nutritious protein source. You can purchase them live or dried. Offering live mealworms is especially attractive to birds like bluebirds and robins.
Suet is a high-energy food made from rendered animal fat. It’s an excellent source of calories, especially during the cold winter months. You can buy commercially prepared suet cakes or make your own. Consider adding ingredients like seeds, nuts, and dried fruits to make it even more appealing to birds. Be mindful of the weather, though, and avoid offering suet during hot weather, as it can melt and become rancid.
Nuts: A High-Energy Option
Nuts are a great source of fat and protein for birds.
Peanuts are a popular choice and can be offered shelled or unshelled. Be sure to offer unsalted peanuts, as salt can be harmful to birds. You can also offer peanut butter, but only in small quantities and mixed with cornmeal or oats to prevent choking. Never offer peanut butter straight from the jar.
Other nuts like walnuts, pecans, and almonds can also be offered in small pieces.
Nectar: Fuel for Hummingbirds
If you want to attract hummingbirds, offering nectar is essential.
Homemade hummingbird nectar is easy to make. Simply mix one part white granulated sugar with four parts water. Boil the water, add the sugar, and stir until dissolved. Let the mixture cool completely before filling your hummingbird feeder. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds.
Clean your hummingbird feeder regularly, at least every two to three days, to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Wild Birds
While many foods are safe and nutritious for wild birds, some can be harmful or even deadly. Avoid offering these foods:
- Bread: Bread offers little nutritional value and can fill birds up without providing them with the essential nutrients they need. It can also attract pests like rodents.
- Processed foods: Foods like chips, crackers, and cookies are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can be detrimental to bird health.
- Chocolate: Chocolate is toxic to birds and should never be offered.
- Avocado: Avocado contains persin, a fungicidal toxin that can be harmful to birds.
- Salt: Too much salt can be harmful to birds, so avoid offering salty foods like salted nuts or chips.
- Dairy products: Birds cannot digest lactose, so dairy products like milk and cheese can cause digestive problems.
- Onions and garlic: These vegetables contain compounds that can be toxic to birds.
- Foods containing mold: Moldy food can contain harmful toxins that can make birds sick.
Providing Water for Wild Birds
Water is just as important as food for wild birds, especially during hot summer months and freezing winter months. Providing a reliable source of clean water can attract a wide variety of birds to your backyard.
Bird baths are a great way to provide water for birds. Choose a bird bath that is shallow and has a rough surface to provide a good grip for birds. Clean your bird bath regularly to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
A heated bird bath is essential during the winter months to prevent the water from freezing.
Dripping water sources like a hose with a slow drip or a commercial dripper can also attract birds, as they are drawn to the sound of water.
Choosing the Right Bird Feeder
The type of bird feeder you choose can influence which birds you attract and how effectively the food is dispensed.
Tube feeders are designed for small clinging birds like finches and chickadees. They typically have small perches and openings that make it difficult for larger birds to access the food.
Hopper feeders are larger feeders that can hold a significant amount of seed. They are suitable for a variety of birds, including cardinals, jays, and sparrows.
Platform feeders are simple, open feeders that can accommodate a wide range of birds. They are a good option for offering fruits, nuts, and mealworms.
Suet feeders are designed specifically for holding suet cakes. They typically consist of a wire cage that the birds can cling to while feeding.
Hummingbird feeders are designed to hold nectar and have small feeding ports that hummingbirds can access with their long beaks.
Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Feeding Environment
Keeping your bird feeding area clean and safe is essential to prevent the spread of disease and ensure the well-being of your feathered visitors.
Clean your feeders regularly: Clean your bird feeders at least once every two weeks, or more frequently if they become soiled. Remove any old food, scrub the feeder with soap and water, and rinse thoroughly. Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it.
Rake up spilled seed: Spilled seed can attract rodents and other pests. Rake up any spilled seed regularly to keep the area clean.
Provide fresh water: Change the water in your bird bath or water source daily to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
Prevent window collisions: Bird collisions with windows are a common cause of bird mortality. Prevent collisions by placing decals or stickers on your windows or by using window screens.
Conclusion: Enjoying the Rewards of Bird Feeding
Feeding wild birds can be a wonderful way to connect with nature and support these fascinating creatures. By providing the right food, water, and a safe feeding environment, you can attract a wide variety of birds to your backyard and enjoy their beauty and song. Remember to be responsible and follow the guidelines outlined in this guide to ensure the health and well-being of your feathered friends. Providing supplemental food can make a real difference, particularly during periods of natural food scarcity or extreme weather conditions. So, grab your birdseed, fill your feeders, and get ready to enjoy the company of your backyard birds!
What are the best types of birdseed to attract a variety of birds?
Different birds are attracted to different types of seeds. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite of many species due to their high oil content and relatively thin shells, making them easy to crack open. White-striped sunflower seeds are larger and harder to crack, appealing more to larger birds like cardinals and grosbeaks.
Nyjer seeds are tiny, oil-rich seeds that are especially attractive to finches. Safflower seeds are another good option, as they are less attractive to squirrels than sunflower seeds, while still appealing to cardinals and other songbirds. A mix of these seeds in a platform or hopper feeder can bring a diverse range of birds to your backyard.
Can I feed birds bread?
While birds can eat bread, it’s not a nutritious food source for them. Bread is essentially empty calories and doesn’t provide the protein, vitamins, and minerals that birds need to thrive. Overfeeding birds bread can lead to malnutrition and even obesity, making them more vulnerable to disease and predation.
Think of bread as junk food for birds. A small amount of whole-wheat bread, given occasionally, is unlikely to cause significant harm. However, avoid feeding moldy bread or large quantities of white bread. Opt for more nutritious options like seeds, nuts, and berries instead.
Is it safe to feed birds peanuts?
Peanuts can be a great source of protein and fat for birds, especially during the winter months. However, it’s crucial to offer them safely to avoid choking hazards, particularly for fledglings. Always offer peanuts that are unsalted and free from aflatoxins (a type of mold that can be harmful to birds).
Shelled peanuts or peanut pieces are preferable to whole peanuts, especially for smaller birds. Peanut butter can also be offered, but it should be diluted with cornmeal or rolled oats to prevent it from sticking to birds’ beaks and potentially causing suffocation.
What fruits and vegetables are safe for birds to eat?
Many birds enjoy fruits and vegetables as a supplemental food source. Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are popular choices. Grapes (cut in half) and apples (cored and sliced) are also readily accepted by many species.
Cooked sweet potatoes, peas, and corn (off the cob) can also provide valuable nutrients. Avoid feeding birds avocados, as they contain persin, a compound that is toxic to many bird species. Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before offering them to birds.
How can I keep squirrels away from my bird feeders?
Squirrels can be persistent pests when it comes to bird feeders. There are several strategies you can employ to deter them. One option is to use squirrel-resistant feeders, which are designed with cages or baffles that prevent squirrels from reaching the seed.
Placing feeders on poles with baffles can also be effective. Location is key; position feeders at least 10 feet away from trees, fences, or other structures that squirrels can use to jump onto them. You can also try offering safflower seeds, which squirrels generally don’t like, but many birds do.
Should I provide water for birds, even if there’s a natural source nearby?
Providing a reliable source of fresh, clean water is crucial for birds, especially during dry periods or in urban environments where natural sources may be scarce or polluted. Birds need water not only for drinking but also for bathing, which helps them maintain their plumage and regulate their body temperature.
A simple bird bath, a shallow dish, or even a gently dripping hose can provide a welcoming water source. Remember to clean the water source regularly to prevent the buildup of algae and bacteria, ensuring the water remains safe and appealing to birds. Change the water daily or every other day.
How often should I clean my bird feeders?
Regular cleaning of bird feeders is essential to prevent the spread of disease among birds. Dirty feeders can harbor harmful bacteria, mold, and parasites that can make birds sick. Aim to clean your feeders at least once every two weeks, or more frequently if you notice signs of mold or excessive debris.
Empty the feeder completely and scrub it thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Rinse it well with clean water and allow it to dry completely before refilling it with fresh birdseed. You can also use a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) to disinfect the feeder, but be sure to rinse it thoroughly afterwards to remove any residual bleach.