What to Feed Birds: Best Foods for Backyard Birds

When considering what to feed birds, it's essential to provide nutritionally appropriate foods that support their health and natural feeding behaviors. A well-balanced approach to feeding birds includes offering seeds, nuts, suet, fruits, and mealworms tailored to species commonly found in your region. Understanding what to feed backyard birds not only enhances birdwatching experiences but also supports avian survival during harsh weather. For those asking, 'what should I feed wild birds?' the answer depends on bird species, season, and habitat—offering sunflower seeds, nyjer for finches, or peanut butter-based treats can attract a diverse range of feathered visitors.

Understanding Bird Dietary Needs

Birds have highly specialized diets that vary significantly by species, beak structure, metabolism, and natural habitat. Unlike mammals, birds are not omnivores by default; many are adapted to specific food sources such as insects, nectar, seeds, or fruit. Providing inappropriate food—like bread or processed snacks—can lead to malnutrition or even harm. So, when thinking about what to feed birds in your yard, focus on whole, natural foods that mirror their wild diet.

For example, finches thrive on small seeds like nyjer (thistle), while woodpeckers and nuthatches prefer high-fat options such as suet cakes or shelled peanuts. Orioles are drawn to oranges, grape jelly, and nectar, mimicking their tropical fruit-based diet. Meanwhile, chickadees and titmice enjoy black oil sunflower seeds, which are rich in fats and easy to crack open. Knowing what kinds of birds frequent your area helps determine the best offerings.

Best Foods to Feed Birds by Type

To maximize both bird health and attraction, use a variety of food types based on nutritional value and accessibility:

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: High in fat and protein, these are among the most versatile and widely accepted seeds. Suitable for tube feeders and platform trays.
• Nyjer (Thistle) Seed: Tiny and oil-rich, ideal for goldfinches and siskins. Use with mesh or specialized thistle feeders.
• Suet Cakes: Made from animal fat, often mixed with seeds or insects. Excellent energy source in winter; attracts woodpeckers, wrens, and creepers.
• Peanuts (Shelled or In-Shell): High-protein option loved by jays, chickadees, and titmice. Avoid salted or honey-roasted varieties.
• Fruits: Oranges cut in half attract orioles; apples and berries appeal to robins and waxwings. Always remove uneaten fruit within a day to prevent mold.
• Mealworms (Live or Dried): A protein powerhouse for insect-eating birds like bluebirds, wrens, and nuthatches. Especially valuable during nesting season.
• White Proso Millet: Favored by ground-feeding birds such as sparrows and doves. Best scattered on platform feeders or directly on the ground.

Avoid feeding birds bread, popcorn, chocolate, or salty snacks—these lack nutritional value and may cause digestive issues or toxicity.

Seasonal Considerations: What to Feed Birds Year-Round

The best bird feeding strategy changes with the seasons. Adjusting your offerings ensures birds receive optimal nutrition when they need it most.

In winter, birds require high-energy foods to maintain body heat. Suet, peanuts, and black oil sunflower seeds are excellent choices. Consider using heated bird baths to provide unfrozen water—an often-overlooked necessity.

During spring and breeding season, protein becomes critical for egg production and chick development. Offering mealworms, crushed eggshells (for calcium), and native plants that host insects supports nesting success.

In summer, natural food sources are more abundant, so supplemental feeding can be reduced. However, clean feeders and fresh water remain important. Hummingbird nectar (four parts water to one part white sugar, boiled and cooled) should be refreshed every 2–3 days to prevent fermentation.

Fall is migration time for many species. Providing high-calorie foods helps migrants build fat reserves. Keep feeders stocked and consider planting native berry-producing shrubs like serviceberry or elderberry to offer natural sustenance.

Choosing the Right Feeders and Placement

Even the best food won’t help if birds can’t access it safely. Selecting appropriate feeders reduces waste, minimizes predation, and deters pests.

• Tube Feeders: Ideal for small perching birds; keep larger species out with size-limited ports.
• Hopper Feeders: Hold large quantities of seed; good for cardinals and grosbeaks.
• Suet Cages: Hang vertically on tree trunks or posts near woodland edges.
• Nyjer Mesh Feeders: Designed for tiny thistle seeds; prevent spillage.
• Platform Feeders: Open design suits ground feeders like juncos and towhees.

Place feeders at least 10 feet from windows to prevent collisions, or install window decals. Elevate them 5–6 feet off the ground to avoid predators like cats. Position near shrubs or trees to give birds cover, but not so close that squirrels can leap onto them.

Common Myths About Feeding Wild Birds

Misinformation abounds in backyard bird feeding. Let’s clarify some common misconceptions:

• Myth: Feeding birds makes them dependent on humans. Reality: Studies show most birds get less than 25% of their daily calories from feeders. They rely primarily on natural sources.
• Myth: All birds eat the same food. Reality: Species-specific diets mean a one-size-fits-all mix often wastes food and attracts unwanted animals.
• Myth: Bread is harmless bird food. Reality: It offers no nutrition, swells in stomachs, and promotes disease when left to rot.
• Myth: You should stop feeding in summer. Reality: While optional, feeding year-round supports molting, fledglings, and stressed individuals.

Regional Differences in Bird Feeding Practices

What to feed birds varies across North America due to climate, native species, and local ecosystems. In the Northeast, chickadees and woodpeckers dominate, favoring sunflower and suet. The Southeast sees more cardinals, mockingbirds, and hummingbirds—offer safflower and nectar. Western regions may host lesser goldfinches and scrub jays, requiring nyjer and pine nuts. In Canada, winter feeding is crucial; in the Southwest, water and shade become priorities over food in extreme heat.

Always check with local Audubon chapters or extension services for region-specific recommendations. Native plant landscaping complements feeding and creates sustainable habitats.

Hygiene and Maintenance: Keeping Feeders Safe

Cleanliness is vital. Dirty feeders spread diseases like salmonella and finch eye disease. Clean feeders every two weeks with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), rinse thoroughly, and dry before refilling. During wet or humid periods, clean weekly. Discard any moldy or clumped seed immediately.

If you notice sick birds (ruffled feathers, labored breathing, swollen eyes), take down feeders for two weeks to prevent transmission and report sightings to wildlife authorities.

Bird Food Type	Best For	Feeder Type	Seasonal Recommendation
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds	Chickadees, Nuthatches, Cardinals	Tube, Hopper	All seasons
Nyjer (Thistle)	Goldfinches, Siskins	Metal Mesh	Spring–Winter
Suet Cakes	Woodpeckers, Wrens, Nuthatches	Suet Cage	Fall–Spring (avoid summer melt)
Shelled Peanuts	Jays, Titmice, Woodpeckers	Hopper, Platform	All seasons (store cool)
White Proso Millet	Sparrows, Doves, Juncos	Platform, Ground	All seasons
Mealworms (dried/live)	Bluebirds, Robins, Wrens	Shallow Dish	Spring–Summer (nesting)
Orange Halves	Orioles, Tanagers	Specialty Holder	Spring–Fall (migration)

Supporting Birds Beyond Feeding

While knowing what to feed birds is important, long-term conservation involves more than just food. Plant native flowers, shrubs, and trees to provide natural shelter and insect populations. Reduce pesticide use. Install nest boxes for cavity nesters like bluebirds. Participate in citizen science projects like Project FeederWatch to contribute data and learn more about local species.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I feed birds cooked rice? Yes, plain, unseasoned cooked rice is safe in small amounts, especially in winter, but it’s low in nutrients compared to preferred seeds.
• Is peanut butter safe for birds? Yes, unsalted, unprocessed peanut butter is an excellent high-fat treat. Spread on pine cones or mix into suet recipes.
• Should I feed birds during migration? Absolutely. Migrating birds benefit greatly from high-energy stops. Keep nectar and suet available during peak migration months (April–May, August–October).
• How do I keep squirrels out of my feeders? Use squirrel-proof feeders, baffles, and place feeders away from jumping points. Avoid corn and mixed seed blends, which attract rodents.
• Do birds drink water? Yes, all birds need fresh water daily for drinking and bathing. Provide a shallow birdbath with clean, moving water if possible.