Attracting birds to your garden or backyard is a rewarding experience. Their vibrant colors, melodious songs, and fascinating behaviors can bring joy and a sense of connection to nature. Providing supplemental food is a great way to support local bird populations, especially during times when natural food sources are scarce. But what exactly constitutes the “best” food to put out? The answer, as you’ll discover, is multifaceted and depends on several factors, including the time of year, the types of birds you wish to attract, and your local environment.
Understanding Bird Feeding Basics
Before diving into specific food types, it’s essential to grasp some fundamental principles of bird feeding. Providing a consistent and reliable food source is key. Birds quickly learn where to find food, and they may become dependent on your offerings, especially during harsh weather conditions. Cleanliness is also paramount. Dirty feeders can harbor harmful bacteria and fungi, which can lead to the spread of diseases among birds. Regular cleaning with soap and water (and occasional disinfection with a diluted bleach solution) is crucial for maintaining a healthy feeding environment.
Another important aspect to consider is the placement of your feeders. Position them in locations that offer some protection from predators, such as near shrubs or trees, but not so close that cats or other animals can easily ambush the birds. Also, be mindful of potential window collisions. Placing feeders closer to windows (within 3 feet) or further away (beyond 30 feet) can help minimize this risk.
Finally, remember that offering water is just as important as offering food. A bird bath, kept clean and filled with fresh water, will attract a wide variety of birds, providing them with essential hydration and a place to bathe and preen their feathers.
Sunflower Seeds: A Bird Feeding Staple
Sunflower seeds are arguably the most popular and versatile bird food. They are highly nutritious, packed with oil, and relished by a wide range of bird species. There are two main types of sunflower seeds commonly used in bird feeding: black oil sunflower seeds and striped sunflower seeds.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Black oil sunflower seeds are generally considered the superior choice. They have a higher oil content than striped sunflower seeds, providing birds with more energy. Their thin shells are also easier for smaller birds to crack open, making them accessible to a broader range of species. Expect to attract cardinals, finches, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, and even woodpeckers with these seeds.
Striped Sunflower Seeds
Striped sunflower seeds are larger and have thicker shells than black oil sunflower seeds. While they are still nutritious, they are more challenging for smaller birds to handle. Larger-billed birds, such as jays, grosbeaks, and some squirrels, tend to prefer them. Offering a mix of both black oil and striped sunflower seeds can cater to a wider variety of birds.
It is important to store sunflower seeds in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming rancid or infested with insects.
Nyjer Seeds: A Finch Favorite
Nyjer seeds, also known as thistle seeds, are tiny, oil-rich seeds that are particularly attractive to finches, especially goldfinches, house finches, and purple finches. These seeds are typically sold in specialized feeders with small ports designed to prevent the seeds from spilling out.
Nyjer seeds have a relatively short shelf life, so it’s important to purchase them in small quantities and store them properly to maintain their freshness. Look for seeds that are black and shiny, rather than dull or gray.
Suet: High-Energy Fuel for Insectivores
Suet is a high-energy food made from animal fat, often mixed with seeds, nuts, fruits, or insects. It is particularly valuable during the colder months when insects are scarce and birds need extra calories to stay warm. Suet is especially attractive to insectivorous birds, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and wrens.
Types of Suet
Suet comes in various forms, including cakes, balls, and nuggets. It can be plain or mixed with a variety of ingredients to attract different types of birds. For example, suet cakes with berries are popular with robins and other fruit-eating birds, while suet cakes with insects are attractive to insectivores.
Rendering suet before feeding helps to remove impurities and makes it easier for birds to digest. Never use bacon grease or other cooked fats, as these can contain harmful additives and may spoil quickly.
Suet Feeders
Suet is typically offered in specialized feeders, such as wire cages or wooden holders. These feeders are designed to prevent birds from carrying away large chunks of suet, which could pose a choking hazard. In warm weather, suet can become soft and messy, so it’s best to offer it in shaded areas or to use no-melt suet formulas.
Peanuts: A Protein-Packed Treat
Peanuts are another excellent source of protein and fat for birds. They are particularly attractive to jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice. Peanuts can be offered in several forms, including shelled, unshelled, and peanut butter.
Shelled vs. Unshelled Peanuts
Shelled peanuts are easier for birds to eat, especially smaller species. However, unshelled peanuts provide birds with a bit of a challenge, which can be mentally stimulating. They also tend to be less expensive than shelled peanuts.
Be sure to purchase peanuts that are specifically intended for bird feeding. Avoid salted or flavored peanuts, as these can be harmful to birds.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter can be a great source of energy for birds, especially during the winter months. However, it’s important to offer it in a way that prevents birds from choking. Mix peanut butter with cornmeal or oatmeal to create a crumbly texture that is easier for birds to swallow.
Never offer peanut butter straight from the jar, as it can be sticky and dangerous for birds. You can also purchase commercially prepared peanut butter bird food, which is specially formulated to be safe and nutritious for birds.
Fruit: A Sweet Treat for Many Species
Many birds enjoy eating fruit, especially during the fall and winter months when natural fruit sources are scarce. Fruit can be offered in a variety of ways, including sliced apples, berries, grapes, and oranges.
Types of Fruit to Offer
Berries are a particularly popular choice for birds, including robins, bluebirds, cardinals, and mockingbirds. You can offer fresh or frozen berries, or plant berry-producing shrubs and trees in your garden to provide a natural food source.
Sliced apples and oranges are also attractive to many birds, especially during the winter months. Grapes can be offered whole or cut in half, depending on the size of the bird.
Presenting Fruit to Birds
You can offer fruit on platform feeders, in fruit feeders, or by simply placing it on the ground. Be sure to remove any uneaten fruit regularly to prevent it from rotting and attracting pests.
Mealworms: An Insectivorous Delight
Mealworms are the larval form of the mealworm beetle. They are a high-protein food source that is particularly attractive to insectivorous birds, such as bluebirds, robins, and wrens. Mealworms can be offered live or dried.
Live vs. Dried Mealworms
Live mealworms are generally more attractive to birds, but they require more care and maintenance. Dried mealworms are easier to store and handle, but they may not be as appealing to some birds.
Offering Mealworms to Birds
Mealworms can be offered in platform feeders, dish feeders, or simply scattered on the ground. It’s important to offer them in small quantities, as they can spoil quickly in warm weather.
Seed Mixes: A Convenient Option
Seed mixes can be a convenient way to offer a variety of foods to birds. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality seed mix that contains a variety of nutritious seeds. Avoid mixes that are filled with filler seeds, such as red millet, which are not attractive to most birds.
Look for seed mixes that contain a high percentage of sunflower seeds, white proso millet, and cracked corn. These seeds are attractive to a wide variety of birds.
When offering seed mixes, be sure to clean your feeders regularly to prevent the build-up of mold and bacteria.
Other Foods to Consider
In addition to the foods listed above, there are several other foods that you can offer to birds, including:
- Cracked corn: Attractive to ground-feeding birds, such as doves, quail, and sparrows.
- Millet: A small, round seed that is attractive to finches and other small birds.
- Safflower seeds: A white seed that is attractive to cardinals and other birds, but is less attractive to squirrels.
- Nectar: A sugary liquid that is attractive to hummingbirds and orioles.
Foods to Avoid
There are also several foods that you should avoid offering to birds, as they can be harmful to their health. These include:
- Bread: Provides little nutritional value and can fill birds up, preventing them from eating more nutritious foods.
- Processed foods: Often contain high levels of salt, sugar, and other additives that can be harmful to birds.
- Chocolate: Toxic to birds.
- Avocado: Also toxic to birds.
- Onions and garlic: Can cause digestive problems in birds.
- Milk: Birds cannot digest lactose.
Maintaining a Healthy Feeding Environment
Providing food for birds is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to do it responsibly. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can create a healthy and inviting feeding environment for your feathered friends. Remember to clean your feeders regularly, offer a variety of nutritious foods, and avoid offering harmful foods. By doing so, you can help to support local bird populations and enjoy the beauty and wonder of birds in your own backyard.
What is the best overall food to attract a wide variety of birds to my backyard?
Black oil sunflower seeds are widely considered the best overall bird food due to their high oil content and thin shells, making them easy for birds of all sizes and beak types to crack open. They are a favorite of many species, including finches, cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, and even larger birds like jays and woodpeckers. Providing black oil sunflower seeds ensures a steady stream of feathered visitors to your feeders.
Beyond their palatability, black oil sunflower seeds offer significant nutritional value. The high oil content translates to a concentrated source of energy, especially important during the colder months when birds need to maintain their body temperature. The ease with which they are consumed also minimizes wasted effort for smaller birds, allowing them to conserve energy while feeding.
Are peanuts safe to feed birds, and if so, what kind should I offer?
Yes, peanuts are a safe and nutritious food source for many bird species, provided they are offered correctly. Always choose unsalted, unflavored peanuts to avoid harming birds with excessive sodium or artificial additives. Shelled peanuts or peanut hearts are preferred, as they eliminate the risk of birds choking on whole peanuts or shells. Ensure the peanuts are fresh and free from mold or aflatoxins, which can be harmful to birds.
Peanuts are a high-energy food rich in protein and fat, making them particularly attractive to birds like jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. You can offer them in specialized peanut feeders designed to prevent squirrels from dominating the food source. Regularly clean feeders to prevent the build-up of mold or bacteria, ensuring a safe and healthy feeding environment for your avian visitors.
What foods should I avoid feeding birds, and why?
Several foods are harmful and should be avoided when feeding birds. Bread, while seemingly harmless, offers little nutritional value and can lead to malnutrition. Processed foods, such as crackers and chips, contain excessive salt and unhealthy fats that can negatively impact bird health. Milk is also not suitable for birds, as they lack the ability to digest lactose properly.
Additionally, avoid offering cooked bones or meat scraps, as they can attract unwanted pests and potentially harbor bacteria. Chocolate is toxic to birds and should never be offered. Always prioritize providing natural, unprocessed foods that offer genuine nutritional benefits to the birds visiting your yard. Research any unfamiliar food thoroughly before offering it to birds to ensure its safety.
How can I attract specific types of birds to my feeders?
To attract specific bird species, tailor your food offerings to their preferred diets. For example, suet is excellent for attracting woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches, while thistle seed (nyjer) is a favorite of finches. Fruit, such as berries and sliced apples, will entice robins, bluebirds, and waxwings. Mealworms, especially during nesting season, are relished by bluebirds and robins.
Placement of feeders also plays a role. Ground-feeding birds like doves and juncos prefer seeds scattered on the ground or on low platforms, while birds like finches and chickadees prefer hanging feeders. Offering a variety of food types and feeder styles increases your chances of attracting a wider range of species to your yard. Research the preferred foods and habitats of the birds you wish to attract to maximize your success.
Is it better to use a platform feeder, a tube feeder, or a suet feeder?
The best type of feeder depends on the type of food you are offering and the bird species you wish to attract. Platform feeders are versatile and can accommodate a wide variety of seeds, nuts, and fruits, making them suitable for ground-feeding birds and larger species. Tube feeders are excellent for dispensing seeds like sunflower and nyjer, attracting smaller clinging birds such as finches and chickadees.
Suet feeders are specifically designed to hold suet cakes, which are high-fat treats loved by woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Consider offering a variety of feeder types to cater to different bird species and food preferences. Clean each type of feeder regularly to prevent the build-up of mold, bacteria, or spoiled food.
How often should I clean my bird feeders, and what should I use?
Bird feeders should be cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of disease among birds. A thorough cleaning every two weeks is generally recommended, but more frequent cleaning may be necessary during periods of heavy use or wet weather. Remove any old food and debris from the feeder before cleaning.
Use a solution of hot water and mild dish soap to scrub the feeder thoroughly. Rinse it completely with clean water to remove any soap residue. For a deeper clean, you can use a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water), but be sure to rinse thoroughly and allow the feeder to air dry completely before refilling it with food. Regularly cleaning your feeders helps maintain a healthy environment for the birds in your backyard.
Is it safe to feed birds during the spring and summer nesting seasons?
Yes, feeding birds during the spring and summer nesting seasons can be beneficial, as it provides a reliable food source for parent birds raising their young. High-protein foods, such as mealworms and suet, are particularly helpful for nestlings. Ensuring a consistent food supply can increase nesting success and improve the survival rates of fledglings.
However, it is essential to maintain clean feeders and provide a variety of natural foods. Avoid offering excessive amounts of processed foods, as these can be detrimental to young birds. Continue to provide fresh water for drinking and bathing, especially during hot weather. Responsible feeding practices can support bird populations during critical breeding periods.