Feeding young birds can be a rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts. Whether you’re caring for fledglings in your yard or want to help parent birds by offering additional food, understanding how to properly feed young birds is essential. Here’s how you can ensure the next generation of birds gets the nutrition they need to thrive.
1. Understand What Young Birds Eat
The diet of young birds differs significantly from that of adult birds. Baby birds, or nestlings, require high-protein diets to support their rapid growth. Parent birds typically feed their young:
• Insects (like caterpillars and grubs) for essential protein.
• Small seeds once they begin fledging and learning to forage.
• Soft fruits and berries that are easy to digest
Avoid offering young birds the same seed mix you’d give adult birds, as they may struggle to digest it or get the nutrients they need.
2. Offer the Right Food for Fledglings
Fledglings are birds that have left the nest but are still dependent on their parents for food. They’re learning to forage but may still require assistance. Some foods that are safe and helpful for fledglings include:
• Mealworms or dried insect larvae – perfect for mimicking their natural diet.
• Soaked mealworm suet pellets – easier to digest and high in protein.
• Chopped fruit like apples, pears, or berries – great for providing hydration and natural sugars.
For species like finches and sparrows, which are common on the West Coast, soft seeds can also be introduced to young birds once they’re comfortable foraging.
3. Place Food Near Safe Locations
When feeding young birds, ensure the food is placed in an area where they feel safe. Fledglings are often awkward on the ground or low perches, so position food close to shrubs or other areas where they can quickly hide from predators. A good option is placing the food near:
• Low-growing plants that provide cover.
• Birdhouses or sheltered areas where young birds congregate.
• Platforms or ground feeders with shallow edges.
4. Provide Water for Hydration
Young birds can get dehydrated quickly, especially during warm West Coast summers. Set up a shallow birdbath or water dish near the feeding area. Ensure the water is shallow enough for fledglings to access safely. Adding small stones to the dish can provide perches for them to drink without danger.
5. Avoid Bread and Harmful Foods
It may be tempting to offer scraps like bread or crackers to young birds, but these foods can actually harm them. Bread offers little nutritional value and can expand in their stomachs, leading to malnourishment. Instead, focus on bird-friendly options like:
• Soaked pet food – a good alternative to provide moisture and protein.
• Commercial baby bird food – specially formulated to support growth.
• Fresh fruits and protein-rich seeds – healthy options for young birds.
6. Supplement Parent Birds’ Diet
One of the best ways to feed young birds is by helping their parents. By offering a high-protein food source to parent birds, you make it easier for them to gather the necessary nutrients for their chicks. Consider offering:
• High-protein suet cakes or insect-rich suet blocks.
• Mealworms (live or dried).
• Nyjer seeds for small songbirds like finches.
This will support the entire family and help fledglings transition to independence.
7. Be Mindful of the Nesting Season
The best time to start offering food to young birds is during the breeding and nesting seasons. On the West Coast, this typically starts in early spring and runs through late summer. By setting up your feeders before fledglings appear, you can create a welcoming environment for both adult and young birds.
Final Thoughts
Feeding young birds can help support local bird populations and provide an enriching experience for birdwatchers. By offering the right type of food and ensuring safety, you’ll give these fledglings a good start in life. Remember to focus on high-protein options like mealworms and insect suet, and avoid common mistakes like offering bread or processed foods.