Feeding birds is a great way to attract a variety of species to your yard, especially during colder months when food is scarcer. However, providing the right type of food is essential to ensure that the birds are healthy and keep coming back. In this guide, we’ll explore the best foods to offer, tips on feeding them safely, and what to avoid. We’ll also mention which birds commonly found on the West Coast of the USA are attracted to each food type.
1. Seeds
Seeds are the most common and versatile option for feeding birds. Different species have preferences for different types of seeds, but here are some popular options:
• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: A favorite among many species due to their high fat content and easy-to-crack shells. Birds commonly attracted include House Finches, American Goldfinches, Lesser Goldfinches, and Northern Flickers.
• Safflower Seeds: Many birds enjoy safflower seeds, but squirrels and some other animals tend to avoid them. West Coast birds such as Western Scrub-Jays and House Finches often feed on safflower seeds.
• Millet: Smaller birds, especially ground feeders, often enjoy millet. Species like California Towhees and Dark-eyed Juncos are likely to eat millet.
• Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds: These tiny seeds are a favorite of finches. In the West Coast region, American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins are commonly attracted to Nyjer.
2. Suet
Suet is a high-energy food that’s especially beneficial in colder months when birds need extra fat to stay warm. It’s made from animal fat and is often mixed with seeds or dried insects. Suet cakes are easy to place in specialized feeders and are a good option for many species that might not visit seed feeders.
• Suet Cakes with Seeds or Berries: Some suet products come mixed with seeds, nuts, or dried berries, offering additional nutrition. Suet is popular with species like Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Bushtits, and Wrens.
• Homemade Suet: You can make your own suet by melting animal fat and mixing it with seeds, dried fruit, and nuts. Birds such as Northern Flickers and Downy Woodpeckers will appreciate homemade suet.
3. Fruits
Many species enjoy fruits, especially those that mimic what they would find in the wild. Offering fruits can help attract birds that don’t normally eat seeds.
• Apples and Pears: These can be offered sliced or halved. Remove any seeds before feeding. American Robins and Cedar Waxwings are known to enjoy these fruits.
• Oranges: Orioles are particularly attracted to oranges. On the West Coast, the Hooded Oriole and Bullock’s Oriole are likely visitors.
• Berries: Fresh or dried berries like blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries can be a nutritious addition to your feeder. Cedar Waxwings and Western Bluebirds are among the species that love berries.
4. Nuts
Nuts provide excellent nutrition, especially during colder months when birds need more energy to maintain their body heat. Be sure to offer unsalted and unseasoned nuts, and crush larger nuts to make them easier to eat.
• Peanuts: A favorite of many birds, peanuts can be offered in-shell or shelled. Species such as Steller’s Jays, Western Scrub-Jays, and California Towhees are commonly attracted to peanuts.
• Almonds, Walnuts, and Pecans: These can also be offered, but they should be crushed or chopped to avoid being too large for smaller birds. Larger birds like American Crows and Steller’s Jays will also enjoy these types of nuts.
5. Mealworms
Offering live or dried mealworms is a great way to attract insect-eating birds. Mealworms are a protein-rich food and can be placed in tray feeders or scattered on the ground.
• Live Mealworms: Some species, especially during nesting season, prefer live mealworms. Western Bluebirds and American Robins are likely to eat live mealworms.
• Dried Mealworms: These are more convenient and still offer great nutrition. You can mix them into seed blends or offer them on their own. Wrens, Bushtits, and Chickadees will also feed on dried mealworms.
6. Bread and Kitchen Scraps (Use with Caution)
While it may be tempting to feed birds leftovers from the kitchen, not all human foods are suitable. Bread, in particular, is low in nutrients and can be harmful if it becomes a primary food source.
• Whole Grain Bread: If you do offer bread, make sure it’s whole grain and only provide it in small quantities. Birds like House Sparrows and European Starlings may eat it, but bread should be given sparingly.
• Grains and Cooked Rice: Birds will eat cooked rice and grains, but make sure these are plain, with no added salt or seasoning. Pigeons and Doves are common grain eaters.
• Avoid Processed Foods: Never offer birds processed foods, salted snacks, or sugary items. These can be harmful to their health.
7. What to Avoid Feeding Birds
Not all foods are safe or beneficial for birds. To keep them healthy, avoid the following items:
• Salted or Seasoned Foods: Excess salt can be harmful.
• Moldy Bread or Spoiled Food: These can make birds sick.
• Chocolate: It contains theobromine, which is toxic to birds.
• Milk: Birds are not able to digest dairy products like milk.
8. Feeding Birds Safely
When feeding birds, it’s important to maintain cleanliness to prevent the spread of disease:
• Clean Your Feeders: Regularly clean your feeders with warm water and soap to prevent mold or bacteria buildup.
• Rotate Feeding Spots: Move your feeders occasionally to avoid waste buildup and prevent attracting pests.
• Provide Water: Birds need water for drinking and bathing. Ensure the water source is clean and refreshed regularly.
Conclusion
Feeding birds can be rewarding, but it’s important to provide the right foods to meet their nutritional needs. By offering a variety of seeds, fruits, nuts, suet, and mealworms, you’ll attract a diverse range of birds to your yard. Avoid foods that are harmful, and maintain your feeders properly to ensure a safe and healthy feeding environment.