What to Feed Birds in Winter: Best Foods and Tips

Knowing what to feed birds in winter is essential for supporting their survival during the coldest months. The best foods include high-fat options like suet, peanut butter, black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer (thistle) seed, and white proso millet, which provide critical energy when natural food sources are scarce. Avoid bread and salty foods, as they offer little nutritional value and can be harmful. Offering a consistent supply of appropriate food, clean water, and safe shelter greatly increases wild birds' chances of thriving through freezing temperatures and snow-covered landscapes.

Why Feeding Birds in Winter Matters

Birds face significant challenges in winter due to shorter daylight hours, extreme cold, and limited access to insects, seeds, and berries. Unlike mammals, birds do not hibernate and must maintain a constant internal body temperature—often around 105°F (40.5°C)—through active metabolism. This means they require up to 30% more calories per day in winter just to survive.

Supplemental feeding helps bridge the gap between energy expenditure and intake, especially during prolonged cold snaps or heavy snowfall. While birds are naturally adapted to seasonal changes, human-provided food sources can reduce mortality rates among species such as chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, finches, and sparrows.

Best Foods to Offer Wild Birds in Cold Weather

Not all birdseed mixes are equally effective in winter. Some common blends contain fillers like cracked corn or milo that many desirable songbirds ignore, leading to waste and potential mold buildup. Choosing nutrient-dense, high-calorie options ensures birds get maximum benefit from each bite.

1. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

Often called the “universal bird food,” black oil sunflower seeds have thin shells that most small birds can easily crack open. They're rich in fat and protein, making them ideal for winter energy needs. Attracted species include:

• Cardinals
• Chickadees
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• Grosbeaks
• Finches
• Titmice

These seeds can be offered in tube feeders, hopper feeders, or platform trays.

2. Nyjer (Thistle) Seed

Nyjer seed is tiny, oil-rich, and highly favored by goldfinches, pine siskins, and redpolls. It’s best dispensed in specialized mesh or thistle feeders to prevent scattering and spoilage. Because it’s expensive, store unused nyjer in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent rancidity.

3. Suet Cakes

Suet—a hard fat typically derived from beef kidney—is one of the most energy-dense foods you can offer. It provides concentrated calories that help birds generate body heat. Commercial suet cakes often include added ingredients like peanuts, seeds, fruit, or insects to attract a broader range of species.

Ideal for:

• Woodpeckers (downy, hairy, pileated)
• Nuthatches
• Wrens
• Starlings (though sometimes considered nuisance birds)
• Bluebirds (especially in milder regions)

Note: In warmer winter climates (above 60°F / 15°C), raw suet may melt and become rancid. Use “no-melt” suet cakes made with rendered fat stabilized with vegetable oils if temperatures fluctuate.

4. Peanuts (Unsalted, Shelled or In-Shell)

Peanuts are packed with protein and fat, appealing to jays, titmice, chickadees, and woodpeckers. Always choose unsalted, unroasted peanuts to avoid sodium toxicity. Whole-in-shell peanuts also provide mental stimulation as birds work to extract the nutmeat.

Offer in wire mesh feeders or dedicated peanut holders. Be cautious in areas prone to attracting squirrels or invasive species like European starlings.

5. White Proso Millet

This small, round grain appeals to ground-feeding birds such as sparrows, juncos, towhees, and doves. It works well on platform feeders or scattered directly on the ground—but only if predators like cats are not a concern.

Avoid red milo, which is often included in cheap seed mixes but largely rejected by North American birds.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Birds in Winter

While generosity is admirable, some human foods can harm birds. Steer clear of:

• Bread and baked goods: Low in nutrients, can expand in a bird’s stomach causing malnutrition.
• Salty snacks: Chips, crackers, or pretzels can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Chocolate or caffeinated items: Toxic to birds, even in small amounts.
• Moldy seed: Can cause aspergillosis, a fatal respiratory infection.
• Apple seeds or avocado: Contain compounds toxic to birds.

Seasonal Feeding Strategies and Timing

The question of when to start feeding birds in winter depends on your region’s climate and natural food availability. Generally, begin offering supplemental food in late fall—around October or November—before severe weather sets in. This allows birds time to discover your feeders and incorporate them into their daily routes.

Continue feeding consistently throughout winter. Irregular feeding can be worse than no feeding at all, as birds may rely on your station while abandoning other foraging areas.

Stop gradually in early spring (March–April), once insect populations rebound and natural seeds become available. Abruptly removing feeders can leave birds without backup resources during late cold spells.

Water Access Is Just as Important as Food

Many bird enthusiasts focus solely on food, but access to liquid water is equally vital. Birds need water for drinking and feather maintenance—even in freezing temperatures. A heated birdbath or de-icer can make a life-saving difference.

Place heated baths on stable platforms away from predators. Clean them weekly to prevent algae or bacteria growth. Position near cover (shrubs or trees) so birds feel safe approaching.

Feeder Types and Placement Tips

Different birds prefer different feeding environments. Match your feeder type to the species in your area:

Feeder Type	Best For	Tips
Tube Feeder	Finches, chickadees, titmice	Use with black oil sunflower or nyjer; squirrel-resistant models recommended
Hopper Feeder	Cardinals, jays, grosbeaks	Place near cover; watch for dominance by larger birds
Suet Cage	Woodpeckers, nuthatches, wrens	Hang under eaves to protect from rain/snow
Platform Feeder	Juncos, doves, sparrows	Elevate off ground to deter rodents; clean frequently
Window Feeder	Close-up viewing of small birds	Ensure decals to prevent window strikes

Place feeders 10–15 feet from dense shrubbery to allow escape from predators but far enough to prevent ambush. Avoid overcrowding multiple feeders too closely, which can increase disease transmission.

Regional Considerations Across North America

What to feed birds in winter varies slightly by region due to differences in species composition, climate severity, and native vegetation.

• Northeast & Midwest: Harsh winters mean consistent feeding from November to March. Focus on suet, sunflower, and nyjer. Snow cover makes ground feeding difficult—use covered platforms.
• South & Southeast: Milder conditions allow year-round feeding. Offer suet even in winter, but switch to no-melt versions if temperatures rise. Attract cardinals, wrens, and Carolina chickadees with sunflower and peanuts.
• West Coast: Wet winters call for weather-protected feeders. Nyjer and sunflower seeds support finches and sparrows. Beware of non-native house sparrows dominating feeders.
• Mountain & Northern Regions: Extreme cold demands high-fat diets. Supplement with suet and shelled peanuts. Consider windbreaks around feeding stations.

Preventing Common Problems at Winter Feeders

Even well-intentioned feeding can go wrong without proper management. Key issues include:

Disease Transmission

Crowded, dirty feeders spread illnesses like salmonellosis and conjunctivitis. Clean feeders every 7–10 days with a 10% bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), rinse thoroughly, and dry before refilling.

Squirrel and Predator Access

Squirrels waste large quantities of seed. Use baffle-equipped poles or squirrel-proof feeders. Keep cats indoors or install cat deterrents around feeding zones.

Window Collisions

Birds often strike windows when fleeing predators near feeders. Place feeders either within 3 feet of glass (too close to gain lethal momentum) or beyond 30 feet. Apply UV-reflective decals or tape to problem windows.

Debunking Common Myths About Winter Bird Feeding

Several misconceptions persist about feeding birds in winter:

• Myth: Feeding birds makes them lazy and unable to fend for themselves.
  Truth: Studies show birds get only 10–20% of daily calories from feeders. They still forage naturally and won’t abandon survival instincts.
• Myth: Birds will starve if you stop feeding mid-winter.
  Truth: Birds use feeders as supplements, not sole sources. However, consistency is kinder than erratic feeding.
• Myth: All seed mixes are equal.
  Truth: Cheap blends contain filler grains birds discard, creating mess and mold. Invest in quality seed.

Supporting Native Ecosystems Beyond Feeding

While providing food helps, long-term bird conservation involves habitat support. Plant native trees and shrubs like serviceberry, dogwood, sumac, and conifers that produce winter berries or offer shelter. Leave dead trees (snags) standing when safe—they host overwintering insects and cavity-nesting sites.

FAQs: What to Feed Birds in Winter

Can I feed birds apples or oranges in winter?

Yes. Cut apples or orange halves can attract orioles, thrushes, and woodpeckers. Nail them to tree trunks or suet cages. Remove any spoiled pieces after a few days.

Should I stop feeding birds in spring?

You can gradually reduce feeding in late spring as natural food becomes abundant. Many birds shift to insects for protein during nesting season.

Do hummingbirds need feeders in winter?

In most of North America, hummingbirds migrate south by winter. However, in coastal California, Arizona, or the Deep South, some rufous or Anna’s hummingbirds remain. If you live in these areas, continue offering nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts boiled water) and keep it from freezing.

How often should I refill bird feeders in winter?

Check feeders every 2–3 days, more often during storms or extreme cold. Active flocks may empty feeders quickly. Consistent availability builds trust and supports survival.

Is cracked corn okay for winter feeding?

Only if offered sparingly and to species that eat it—like pheasants, quail, or large flocks of blackbirds. Most small songbirds ignore it, and wet corn molds rapidly, posing health risks.