What Do Small Wild Birds Eat?

what do small wild birds eat

You might be asking yourself, what do small wild birds eat? The answer is cheese! Yes, it is an excellent source of nutrients for birds, and even small bits of stale cheese are fine for these creatures. The same is true of rice, which birds readily take as grains. While it has a bad reputation for being harmful to birds, it is actually safe to feed rice to birds. Compared to other types of food, rice is very low in nutritional value, but is a great source of carbohydrates for the birds.

Chewy Online Pet Supplies


35% Off at Chewy.com

+ Free Shipping

Save Now

Contents

Hard-boiled eggs

Some small wild birds enjoy the nutritional value of hard-boiled eggs. They are high in calcium and an inexpensive food source. In addition to eating the white and yolk, birds will also eat the shell. If you’re feeding your birds hard-boiled eggs, it’s important to cook the eggs for about 10 to 15 minutes. You don’t want to overcook them, though, or the eggs will become rubbery.

White millet

You may be wondering what small wild birds eat. In fact, most do not. In fact, many of them will ignore your feeders entirely. But it doesn’t mean they don’t eat millet. These tiny seed-loving creatures are surprisingly nutritious, and the white proso millet they enjoy is just as healthy for them. The white proso millet is also popular with mourning doves, red-winged blackbirds, and ground-feeding sparrows. This small millet is also a favorite of brown-headed cowbirds and house sparrows.

Cooked rice

Whether it’s short or long-grain, you can easily prepare a tasty treat for your little friend. Larger birds, especially ground-feeding species, prefer soft, moist rice while smaller ground-feeders enjoy dry, crispy varieties. However, don’t use instant or over-cooked rice – these foods are too dry for birds. You can also make rice balls to hide treats inside.

Potatoes

Why do small wild birds eat potatoes? Because they’re high in carbohydrates, fiber, and fat, potatoes are a perfect food for birds. They’re also high in antioxidants. In addition to containing these essential nutrients, potatoes are also high in fiber and low in starch. Soaking the potatoes before feeding them to birds will eliminate the starch that can be harmful to birds. This will prevent your bird from eating too many potatoes.

Porridge oats

If you are wondering whether small wild birds eat porridge oat, the answer is yes. Oats are a great source of slow-release carbohydrates. However, you must be careful about what type of grease you give your birds. Soft fats can stick to the bird’s body and feet. The best thing to do is to mix lard with oatmeal oats. Pure fats will not stick to the bird’s body or feet.

Cooked stale bread

Small wild birds will eat almost any food scraps you leave out on the counter. The classic choice is stale bread. Be sure to break it up into small pieces and soak it in water first before giving it to your bird. Avoid feeding your bird chocolate or avocado, as these can cause a sudden increase in heart rate or tremors. Cooked rice and pasta are acceptable treats for birds, as they are rich in carbohydrates.

Cakes of suet

Suet is a type of white fat found in the hearts of cattle and sheep. It is also used in the manufacture of soap and candles. This solid fat is often pressed into cakes for use by birds. Suet cakes can be a delicious treat for small wild birds. Wild birds love suet cakes and consume them in winter months. Here are some of the benefits of suet for wild birds.

Nuts

Small wild birds eat most types of nuts, including peanuts, chestnuts, almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts, and Brazil nuts. While some nuts are a little more palatable for humans, other types are safe for birds. Small birds eat nuts that are natural and without coatings. While most nuts are safe for birds, they can’t eat nuts that have been roasted or salted. So, if you’re concerned about the health of your pet bird, you can give it the occasional nut as a treat.