Attracting birds to your backyard can be a rewarding experience, filling your days with cheerful chirps and vibrant colors. But knowing what to feed them is crucial to ensuring their well-being and keeping them coming back for more. Forget the generic “birdseed” label – understanding avian dietary preferences is key to creating a veritable bird buffet that caters to their individual tastes.
Understanding Bird Diets: More Than Just Seeds
While seeds are a staple in many bird diets, they represent only a fraction of the diverse nutritional needs of our feathered friends. Different species have evolved to consume a wide range of food sources, from insects and fruits to nectar and nuts. Understanding these variations is crucial for providing a balanced and attractive food offering.
The term “bird food” is broad. It encompasses everything birds consume, from naturally occurring sources in the wild to commercially available seed mixes and suet cakes. A bird’s dietary needs change with the seasons, with breeding season requiring more protein and winter demanding high-energy fats.
Seed Preferences: A Varied Palate
Even within the realm of seeds, birds exhibit strong preferences. Smaller birds, such as finches and sparrows, often prefer smaller seeds like millet and nyjer (thistle) seeds. Larger birds, like cardinals and grosbeaks, enjoy larger seeds such as sunflower seeds.
Black oil sunflower seeds are a universal favorite. Their high oil content provides excellent energy, and their thin shells are easy to crack open, even for smaller birds. They are readily consumed by a wide variety of species, making them an excellent choice for a general-purpose bird feeder.
Striped sunflower seeds, while larger, have thicker shells that can be more difficult for smaller birds to manage. While still enjoyed by some species, they are not as universally appealing as black oil sunflower seeds.
Millet, particularly white proso millet, is a favorite of ground-feeding birds like doves, sparrows, and juncos. It’s a small, readily digestible seed that provides a good source of carbohydrates.
Nyjer seeds, also known as thistle seeds, are tiny, oil-rich seeds that are particularly attractive to finches, especially goldfinches. They require a specialized feeder with small openings to prevent spillage.
Safflower seeds are another option, and they have the added benefit of being less attractive to squirrels, making them a good choice if you’re trying to deter these furry visitors. Cardinals, grosbeaks, and doves often enjoy safflower seeds.
Beyond Seeds: A World of Insects, Fruits, and More
Many birds supplement their seed-based diets with insects, especially during breeding season when they need extra protein to feed their young. Offering mealworms, either live or dried, can be a great way to attract insect-eating birds like bluebirds, robins, and wrens.
Mealworms are a high-protein treat that many birds find irresistible. They can be offered in a dedicated mealworm feeder or scattered on the ground.
Fruits are another important food source for many birds, particularly during migration and the non-breeding season. Berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and serviceberries, are excellent choices to plant in your yard. You can also offer cut-up fruits like apples, bananas, and grapes on a platform feeder.
Nectar is a crucial energy source for hummingbirds, who are attracted to brightly colored flowers. Planting nectar-rich flowers like salvia, bee balm, and trumpet vine will provide a natural food source for these tiny birds. You can also use hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar-water solution (one part sugar to four parts water).
Suet: A High-Energy Winter Boost
During the colder months, birds need extra energy to stay warm. Suet, a high-fat food made from animal fat, provides a concentrated source of calories that can help birds survive harsh winter conditions.
Suet is particularly important during winter when natural food sources are scarce. It can be purchased in pre-made cakes or made at home.
Suet cakes can be plain or mixed with other ingredients like seeds, nuts, and berries to further enhance their appeal. They are typically placed in wire cages that allow birds to peck at the suet without making a mess.
Attracting Specific Bird Species: Tailoring Your Offerings
To truly maximize your bird-feeding success, consider the specific species you want to attract and tailor your offerings to their individual preferences.
Attracting Cardinals
Cardinals are attracted to feeders that offer black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and peanuts. They prefer platform feeders or hopper feeders that provide ample space for them to perch and feed.
Attracting Finches
Finches, particularly goldfinches, are drawn to nyjer (thistle) seeds. Use a specialized nyjer seed feeder with small openings to prevent seed spillage. They also enjoy black oil sunflower seeds and millet.
Attracting Bluebirds
Bluebirds are primarily insectivores, so offering mealworms is the best way to attract them. They will also eat berries and small fruits. Consider providing a bluebird house to encourage them to nest in your yard.
Attracting Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are attracted to suet, especially suet cakes that contain nuts and seeds. They also enjoy black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts. Providing a suet feeder with a tail prop will make it easier for them to feed.
Attracting Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are attracted to nectar-rich flowers and hummingbird feeders filled with sugar-water solution. Plant brightly colored flowers like salvia, bee balm, and trumpet vine to provide a natural food source. Clean your hummingbird feeders regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Beyond Food: Creating a Bird-Friendly Habitat
Providing food is just one aspect of attracting birds to your yard. Creating a bird-friendly habitat that offers shelter, water, and nesting sites is equally important.
Planting native trees and shrubs will provide birds with natural food sources, shelter from the elements, and nesting sites. Consider adding a bird bath to provide a source of fresh water for drinking and bathing.
A bird bath is essential for attracting birds, especially during hot weather. Keep it clean and filled with fresh water.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your yard, as these chemicals can harm birds and other wildlife. Consider leaving some leaf litter on the ground to provide habitat for insects, which are an important food source for many birds.
Choosing the Right Bird Feeder: A Matter of Design and Functionality
The type of bird feeder you choose can significantly impact which birds you attract. Different feeder designs cater to different feeding behaviors and seed preferences.
Hopper feeders, also known as house feeders, are a popular choice for dispensing seeds. They provide ample space for birds to perch and feed, and they protect the seeds from the elements.
Platform feeders are simple, open platforms that can be used to offer a variety of foods, including seeds, fruits, and mealworms. They are particularly attractive to ground-feeding birds like doves and sparrows.
Tube feeders are designed for dispensing seeds, and they often have perches that allow multiple birds to feed at once. They are a good choice for attracting smaller birds like finches and chickadees.
Suet feeders are designed specifically for holding suet cakes. They typically consist of a wire cage that allows birds to peck at the suet.
Nyjer seed feeders have small openings that are specifically designed for dispensing nyjer seeds. They are essential for attracting finches like goldfinches.
Seasonal Considerations: Adapting to Changing Needs
Bird feeding is not a one-size-fits-all activity. Birds’ dietary needs change with the seasons, so it’s important to adjust your offerings accordingly.
During the spring and summer, birds need more protein to support breeding and raising their young. Offer mealworms, suet cakes with insects, and a variety of seeds to meet their increased protein needs.
During the fall, birds need to build up their fat reserves for the winter. Offer high-energy foods like black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet cakes to help them prepare for the colder months.
During the winter, birds need to conserve energy and stay warm. Offer high-fat foods like suet and peanuts to provide them with the calories they need to survive harsh conditions. Ensure a consistent supply of food, as natural sources may be scarce.
Maintaining Cleanliness: Protecting Bird Health
Keeping your bird feeders clean is essential for preventing the spread of disease among birds. Dirty feeders can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi that can make birds sick.
Clean your bird feeders regularly, at least once every two weeks, using hot, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before refilling them.
Rake up any spilled seed around your feeders to prevent the growth of mold and attract rodents. If you notice any sick or diseased birds, remove your feeders and clean them thoroughly.
Regular cleaning is crucial for preventing the spread of disease. Use hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
Ethical Considerations: Feeding Responsibly
While bird feeding can be a rewarding activity, it’s important to do it responsibly and avoid harming the birds you’re trying to help.
Avoid offering foods that are harmful to birds, such as bread, processed foods, and salty snacks. These foods offer little nutritional value and can actually be detrimental to their health.
Avoid overfeeding birds, as this can lead to dependency and prevent them from foraging for natural food sources. Offer a variety of foods in moderation and allow birds to supplement their diets with natural food sources.
Be aware of the potential for attracting unwanted wildlife, such as squirrels and rodents. Use squirrel-resistant feeders and clean up any spilled seed to minimize the attraction of these animals.
What is the most universally appealing bird food that attracts a wide variety of species?
Black oil sunflower seeds are often considered the most universally appealing bird food due to their high oil content and relatively thin shells. This makes them easy for a wide range of birds, from finches to cardinals and even larger birds like jays, to crack open and consume. The high oil content provides a significant energy source, which is especially valuable during colder months and breeding season.
Moreover, black oil sunflower seeds are relatively inexpensive and readily available at most bird feeding supply stores. Their versatility in attracting numerous species makes them an excellent starting point for anyone looking to create a bird-friendly backyard and observe a diverse array of avian visitors. By offering black oil sunflower seeds, you’re likely to cater to the dietary needs of a broad spectrum of bird species.
Are there any specific bird foods that attract birds known to eat insects?
While many insectivorous birds will forage for insects naturally, you can attract them to your feeding area by offering suet cakes that contain insects or mealworms. Suet is a high-energy food made from rendered animal fat, and when mixed with insects like mealworms, it becomes an irresistible treat for birds that primarily feed on insects in their natural habitat. Common birds attracted to suet with insects include woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and wrens.
Additionally, consider offering live or dried mealworms in a shallow dish. Mealworms are a highly nutritious source of protein and are particularly attractive to insect-eating birds, especially during the breeding season when they need extra protein to feed their young. Providing these specialized food sources can significantly increase the diversity of bird species visiting your yard.
How do I choose the right bird feeder for the type of bird food I want to offer?
The type of bird feeder you choose is crucial for effectively offering specific bird foods. Tube feeders with small perches are ideal for offering small seeds like thistle (nyjer) or sunflower chips, attracting finches and other small seed-eating birds. Hopper feeders, which dispense seeds as birds eat them, are suitable for larger seeds like black oil sunflower seeds and mixed seed blends, attracting a broader range of birds.
Platform feeders, which are simply flat surfaces, are excellent for offering larger food items like peanuts, fruit, or suet, attracting ground-feeding birds like jays, doves, and robins. Suet feeders are specifically designed to hold suet cakes and are usually made of wire mesh, allowing birds to cling to them while they eat. Selecting the appropriate feeder ensures that the birds you want to attract can easily access and enjoy the food you are providing.
Is it safe to feed birds bread or processed foods?
Generally, it’s not recommended to feed birds bread or processed foods as they offer minimal nutritional value and can be detrimental to their health. Bread, in particular, is essentially empty calories and can fill birds up without providing the essential nutrients they need for growth, development, and survival. Excessive consumption of bread can lead to malnutrition and other health problems.
Processed foods often contain high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can also be harmful to birds. These ingredients can disrupt their natural digestive processes and lead to health issues like obesity and heart problems. It’s always best to stick to natural bird foods like seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects to ensure that birds are getting a balanced and nutritious diet.
What are some good alternatives to commercial birdseed mixes?
Commercial birdseed mixes often contain filler ingredients like red millet and cracked corn, which many birds don’t prefer. Good alternatives include offering single types of seeds, such as black oil sunflower seeds, white striped sunflower seeds, thistle (nyjer) seed, and peanuts, allowing you to cater to specific bird preferences. This approach minimizes waste and ensures birds are consuming foods that provide them with essential nutrients.
Another great alternative is to offer natural food sources like native berries and fruits. Planting native trees and shrubs that produce berries provides a sustainable and nutritious food source for birds throughout the year. Consider planting serviceberries, dogwoods, and elderberries to attract a variety of bird species to your yard, providing them with a natural and healthy diet.
How can I prevent squirrels from dominating my bird feeders?
Preventing squirrels from dominating bird feeders requires a combination of strategies. Using squirrel-resistant feeders, which are designed to block squirrels from accessing the seed, is a good starting point. These feeders often have cages around the seed that only allow smaller birds to reach the feeding ports, or they use weight-activated mechanisms that close off access when a squirrel tries to climb on.
Another effective strategy is to offer safflower seeds, which birds like, but squirrels generally dislike. You can also place your feeders strategically, ensuring they are far away from trees, fences, and other structures that squirrels can use to jump onto them. Adding a baffle, which is a dome-shaped or cylindrical barrier, above or below the feeder can also deter squirrels from climbing up the pole or jumping down onto the feeder.
Is it important to clean bird feeders regularly, and how often should I do it?
Yes, it is essential to clean bird feeders regularly to prevent the spread of diseases among birds. Dirty feeders can harbor harmful bacteria, mold, and parasites, which can lead to illnesses that can be detrimental to bird populations. Regular cleaning helps maintain a healthy feeding environment for the birds visiting your yard.
Ideally, bird feeders should be cleaned at least once every two weeks, or more frequently if you notice signs of mold, excessive debris, or sick birds. To clean a feeder, empty out any remaining seed, scrub it thoroughly with hot, soapy water, and then rinse it completely. After rinsing, disinfect the feeder with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water), allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it again very thoroughly. Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it with fresh seed.