Best Foods to Feed Wild Birds in Your Backyard
Feeding wild birds is a rewarding way to connect with nature right in your backyard. From sparrows and finches to cardinals and woodpeckers, each species has its own dietary needs and preferences.
Offering the right kinds of food not only supports their well-being but also invites more feathered visitors to your space. Whether you're just starting or looking to expand your bird-feeding setup, knowing which foods are safe and beneficial is key.
Seeds That Keep Birds Coming Back
Seeds are a staple in most wild birds' diets, and many backyard feeders rely on them for their convenience and popularity. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite for a wide variety of species thanks to their thin shells and high-fat content. They’re ideal for small songbirds like chickadees and nuthatches.
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Nyjer seeds (sometimes called thistle seeds) are another great choice, especially if you're hoping to attract finches or siskins. These tiny, oil-rich seeds are best offered in specialized feeders that prevent waste and spoilage.
If you're trying to cater to a broader audience, consider offering a mixed seed blend—just make sure it’s free from fillers like red millet or cracked corn, which many birds leave behind. High-quality blends can bring in everything from jays to mourning doves.
Fruits That Offer a Sweet Surprise
Not all wild birds eat fruit, but for species that do, fresh offerings can be a delightful change. Sliced apples, oranges, and grapes are popular with orioles, tanagers, and even robins. Make sure to remove any seeds or pits, especially from apples and cherries, which can be harmful in large quantities.
Dried fruit is another good option, particularly during colder months when fresh produce is scarce. Just be sure it's unsweetened and free from preservatives like sulfur dioxide. Raisins soaked in water for a few hours become a soft and safe treat for many species.
In the fall, you can also leave berries on shrubs like dogwood, serviceberry, or viburnum, offering birds a natural snack that lasts into winter.
Nuts That Provide Valuable Energy
Nuts are packed with protein and fats, making them an excellent choice for birds during colder seasons. Peanuts, either shelled or unshelled, attract woodpeckers, blue jays, and even chickadees. Offer them in wire mesh feeders or on platform trays—but always avoid salted or flavored varieties.
Chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans can also be offered, particularly if you're feeding larger birds. Just like with peanuts, make sure they're plain and unsalted. Keep an eye out for mold, especially during humid months, as spoiled nuts can be harmful to birds.
Kitchen Scraps That Are Bird-Friendly
While not everything from your kitchen is suitable, there are a few leftovers that birds can enjoy in moderation. Cooked rice or plain pasta offers quick energy, especially for ground-feeding birds like sparrows and doves. Small bits of bread, while not ideal as a regular food source, can be given occasionally if it’s whole grain and free of mold.
Hard cheese scraps, particularly mild varieties, can provide fat and calcium. Crumble them into small pieces and avoid anything too salty or processed. Similarly, unsalted bits of cooked egg offer protein and are especially appreciated during breeding season.
It’s always best to offer scraps sparingly and ensure they don’t spoil quickly. Too much leftover food can attract pests or create unhealthy feeding conditions.
Insects and Protein-Rich Options
Protein plays a vital role in birds’ diets, especially during the spring when they’re feeding chicks. Mealworms, whether live or dried, are a top pick for insect-eating species like robins, bluebirds, and wrens. They’re easy to offer in shallow dishes and are usually well-received.
Crickets and waxworms can also be provided if you’re feeling adventurous, but they’re best for more advanced birders. You can also help birds find natural protein by maintaining a garden that encourages insects—planting native flowers, avoiding pesticides, and letting leaf litter collect can all support local bug populations.
If you're not keen on live food, suet cakes—made from rendered fat—are another excellent protein-rich option, especially in colder weather. You can find them with added seeds, berries, or mealworms to suit various preferences.
Foods to Avoid at All Costs
Not everything that seems harmless is safe for birds. Avocado, chocolate, onions, and salty snacks are all no-go items, as they contain compounds that can be toxic. Similarly, raw beans, especially kidney beans, have lectins that can be harmful even in small amounts.
Milk and dairy-heavy products should also be avoided. Birds lack the enzymes to digest lactose properly, and while a few crumbs of cheese might be fine, too much dairy can cause digestive issues.
Also, steer clear of anything moldy or spoiled, including old bread or fermented fruit. These can introduce harmful bacteria or toxins into a bird’s system, doing more harm than good.
Creating a Feeding Setup That Works
Offering a variety of food is just one part of the equation. Ensuring your setup is clean, safe, and well-located will make your space even more inviting. Keep feeders sanitized by washing them regularly with warm, soapy water and rinsing thoroughly. Dirty feeders can spread disease, especially when birds are feeding in close quarters.
Use multiple feeders if possible to reduce competition and allow different species to enjoy their preferred foods. Place feeders in areas where birds can easily see predators, and consider offering nearby shrubs or trees for shelter.
Finally, provide fresh water, especially during dry or freezing months. A birdbath or shallow dish can make a huge difference, even if you don’t have the budget for a fancy fountain.
Welcoming Nature Into Your Routine
Feeding wild birds isn't just about helping them—it's also a chance to slow down and enjoy moments of stillness and beauty.
By offering thoughtful food choices and creating a safe space, you're building a connection with nature that can bring joy year-round.
Whether you’re sipping coffee while watching the morning crowd at your feeder or listening to birdsong while gardening, these small interactions can become the most grounding part of your day.
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Last update on 2025-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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