Sparrows are ground foragers who enjoy feeding on seeds, grains and nuts found both at bird feeders and tables as well as from their surroundings. Although some individuals prefer bird feeders or tables over hunting out food directly on the ground.
Bread is not recommended as food for wild sparrows as it doesn’t provide sufficient nutrition, potentially leading to digestive issues and keeping other birds away from your feeders. Food containing wheat would likely not be consumed by them and may deter other species.
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Sunflower Seed
Sparrows enjoy feeding on various seeds, particularly sunflower seeds which provide them with energy in the form of fat and have an easy shell that’s easier to crack open than others.
There are various varieties of sunflower seeds, such as striped and black oil seeds. Striped ones feature thick husks which make it difficult for sparrows to crack open; on the other hand, black oil seeds’ thinner husks make it much simpler for sparrows to consume them.
Suet is another wonderful food source for sparrows during the winter. Wildlife Sciences offers a melt-resistant formula consisting of beef, sunflower hearts, and processed grains which is sure to attract sparrows.
Peanuts
Sparrows are eager feeders, eagerly devouring any type of bird seed you put out. Though whole peanuts won’t attract them as their tiny beaks couldn’t manage them, peanut granules or chips should. Just ensure they contain less salt and sugar; too much moisture could spoil their treats quickly!
Woodpeckers (including Downy and Western Nuthatches ) and jays are other birds who enjoy peanuts, as are jays. Rufous-tailed sparrows found in oak woodlands and residential areas in the West love peanut pieces as snacks; be wary when feeding squirrels as this may attract squirrels who will rob birds of food they need; don’t feed rice to squirrels either, which can be poisonous to them.
Fruits
Sparrows are predominantly ground foragers, though they also enjoy visiting bird feeders to find food such as seeds, grains and fruit. Sparrows also love eating insects and grubs!
Ideally, when selecting a seed mix for sparrows, avoid including any fillers such as flax and canary seed as these could clog their beaks. Since sparrows have small beaks they require smaller kernels – one such sparrow-approved mix is the Brinvale Sparrow Blend with sunflower hearts and red millet.
Oranges and papaya dice are two delicious food sources for sparrows that should be offered occasionally; both fruits are high in vitamin C, folate and potassium and provide great sources of protein as well. Feeding too much at one time may cause digestive discomfort for the birds; suet is another excellent protein source that’s especially popular during the winter season.
Insects
Sparrows are opportunistic feeders, eating whatever food sources they can find. Their favorite wild foods include buckwheat, crabgrass and grass seeds as well as ragweed, safflower and sunflower seeds; in crops they feed on soybeans, wheat, barley red millet white proso milo cracked corn soybeans as well as livestock feed discarded food in urban environments.
Baby sparrows are fed rehydrated insects and other small invertebrates from their parents as a source of nourishment, making them vulnerable prey for predators that prey upon them.
If you want to attract sparrows, plant an array of trees and shrubs that provide nesting sites. Also put out a bird bath and feeder with striped sunflower seeds, black oil sunflower seeds, shelled safflower seed, thistle seeds and non-melting suet cakes; make sure that there is always fresh, clean water available; additionally plant berry bushes or brambles as sources of food for sparrows and other songbirds.
