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:

  1. Provide fresh water for drinking and bathing.
  2. Avoid bread, as it lacks nutrients and can harm birds.
  3. Keep feeders clean to prevent disease spread.
  4. Use species-specific feeders to attract target birds (e.g., tube feeders for finches, suet cages for woodpeckers).
  5. Plant native shrubs and trees for natural food sources like berries and insects.