Wildbird Food Preferences
Different wild bird species have unique dietary preferences based on their natural feeding habits. Here's a general guide to bird food preferences by species:
Seed-Eating Birds
These birds prefer seeds and grains.
- Cardinals: Black-oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, white millet.
- Finches (e.g., Goldfinches, House Finches): Nyjer (thistle) seeds, sunflower chips.
- Sparrows (e.g., Song Sparrow, House Sparrow): White millet, cracked corn, mixed birdseed.
- Grosbeaks: Sunflower seeds, safflower seeds.
Insectivorous Birds
These birds prefer insects or foods that mimic their natural diet.
- Woodpeckers (e.g., Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied): Suet, peanuts, black-oil sunflower seeds.
- Bluebirds: Mealworms, suet, fruits (e.g., raisins, currants).
- Wrens: Mealworms, suet, peanut butter.
- Warblers: Mealworms, fruits, suet blends for insectivores.
Nectar-Feeding Birds
These birds feed on flower nectar or substitutes.
- Hummingbirds: Sugar water (4:1 water-to-sugar ratio, no dye).
- Orioles: Sugar water, orange halves, grape jelly.
Fruit-Eating Birds
These birds are drawn to fresh fruits or dried alternatives.
- Robins: Berries (e.g., blueberries, strawberries), apples, raisins.
- Catbirds: Grapes, oranges, raisins.
- Waxwings: Berries (e.g., juniper, dogwood, elderberries).
Ground-Feeding Birds
These species often forage on or near the ground.
- Doves (e.g., Mourning Dove): Cracked corn, millet, sunflower seeds.
- Quails: Millet, cracked corn.
- Juncos: White millet, hulled sunflower seeds.
Waterfowl
Water birds have unique preferences and should only be fed natural foods.
- Ducks and Geese: Corn, oats, peas, leafy greens (avoid bread).
- Swans: Aquatic plants, grains, cracked corn.
Omnivorous Birds
These birds eat a mix of seeds, insects, and other foods.
- Crows and Ravens: Peanuts, suet, fruits, dog food.
- Jays (e.g., Blue Jay, Scrub Jay): Peanuts, sunflower seeds, corn.
- Starlings: Suet, fruits, bread scraps (limited).
General Tips for Feeding Wild Birds:
- Provide fresh water for drinking and bathing.
- Avoid bread, as it lacks nutrients and can harm birds.
- Keep feeders clean to prevent disease spread.
- Use species-specific feeders to attract target birds (e.g., tube feeders for finches, suet cages for woodpeckers).
- Plant native shrubs and trees for natural food sources like berries and insects.