Wild birds require a range of foods to provide both energy and protein. Food should be provided in small portions to minimize waste, and should be monitored frequently for mold.
Many people feed kitchen scraps to wild birds. While this can provide food sources that sustain wildlife populations, some items can make birds sick or cause them to choke on it.
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Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) provide birds with essential fatty acids and proteins, along with other important vitamins like E, iron and potassium.
Birders typically opt for hulled versions of sunflower seeds to save both time and money; however, newer varieties known as striped sunflower seeds feature thinner shells which make them easier for many birds to digest.
Black oil sunflower seeds attract robins, cardinals and grosbeaks while finches and tit and reed buntings enjoy eating the striped seeds. Seed mixes containing split peas or beans should be avoided since only larger species can consume them dry.
Peanuts
Peanuts are one of the most beloved garden bird foods. Packed full of protein and oil, peanuts provide essential nutritional balance necessary for many bird species.
As part of your bird feeding efforts, try offering in-shell peanuts whole or crushed them to attract larger species such as jays and crows; or crush them to help smaller birds like titmice and woodpeckers break apart their shells more easily. However, be wary that large, whole peanuts could pose a choking hazard for certain birds so make sure not to feed them to young babies.
Dried Food
Many types of dried food can be fed as supplements to seed mixes for wild birds. Flaked maize and peanut granule mixes are especially suitable for blackbirds, dunnocks and finches; suet is frequently preferred by titmice, greenfinches and wrens.
Many kitchen scraps, pantry grains and pet food products can be fed to birds as food sources to reduce feed costs while providing them with access to different forms of nutrition they might otherwise miss out on. This provides birds with variety and keeps costs under control while offering them access to foods they may otherwise go without.
This bird food contains no wheat filler and is low-fat and vitamin fortified, with low nitrate levels so as not to harm gardens or feeders. Ideal for feeder use!
Seed Mixes
Seed mixes can help attract different kinds of birds to your feeders, including black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. Safflower seed is another popular ingredient; it helps deter squirrels from taking over feeders while doves and titmice alike enjoy eating it!
Avoid inexpensive blends containing filler seeds such as milo and wheat that may be consumed by birds and end up as weeds in your lawn!
Sunflower Hearts
Bird food packed with oil and protein is a year-round favourite among many species, helping maintain feathers, skin, beaks and beaks in good condition. Ground feeder species like tits and finches find them irresistibly attractive as an alternative to filler grains that often go rancid or block up bird tables.
Similar to black oil seeds, sunflower seed hull-less seeds allow birds to consume them more quickly and efficiently with reduced energy expenditure. Furthermore, sunflower shell-less seeds offer a cheaper option that may be easier for some birds to open – perfect if specific species dominate your feeder!
Mealworms
Mealworms provide birds with an abundant source of protein and essential fatty oils to aid in building strong bones and feathers. Mealworms can be added to seed mixes or fed alone in dish feeders and appeal to their natural instinct for consumption of insects.
Birders commonly feed mealworms to attract insectivorous birds like blue tits and robins. It is important to remember, however, that feeding mealworms is no replacement for offering birds with adequate nutrition through seeds, suet pellets and other sources; such food items provide energy, fats and essential vitamins and nutrients they require.
Kitchen Scraps
From rhubarb leaves and apple seeds to stale bread and carrot top greens, many of the materials we typically throw away have another use in the garden – some even sprout back up into new plants!
Plants that produce nuts and seeds, such as native hickory and walnut trees, attract finches and sparrows. Coneflowers and Joe-Pye Weed also attract birds. Hummingbirds frequently visit these sources of nectar as sources for nectar feedings.
Birds can provide natural pest control in your garden, helping reduce mosquitoes and other unwanted insects such as ticks. When these natural defenses fail, Sevin may be necessary as an additional layer of defense against unwanted critters.
