When it comes to our feathered friends, understanding what they love to eat can help attract them to our gardens and provide them with a nutritious diet. Among the top favorite foods for birds are black oil sunflower seeds. These seeds are packed with essential nutrients and healthy fats that birds need to thrive.
Another popular choice among birds is striped sunflower seeds. These seeds are larger compared to black oil sunflower seeds and have a thicker shell, making them a favorite among larger bird species like cardinals and jays.
In addition to sunflower seeds, birds also enjoy sunflower hearts and chips. These are sunflower seeds without shells, making them easier for birds to eat and digest. They are a great source of energy, especially during the colder months when birds need extra calories to stay warm.
Millet is another favorite food among many bird species. These small, round seeds are rich in carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, providing birds with a well-rounded meal. They are commonly found in birdseed mixes and are a favorite among ground-feeding birds like sparrows and doves.
Safflower seeds are a popular choice for birds that may be picky eaters. These seeds have a bitter taste that deters squirrels and larger birds, making them a favorite food for cardinals, chickadees, and finches. They are high in protein and fat, providing birds with the energy they need.
Cracked corn is a favorite among many bird species, especially ground-feeding birds like quail and doves. It is a rich source of carbohydrates and can be easily found in birdseed mixes or scattered on the ground to attract a variety of birds to your backyard.
Peanuts are a favorite treat for many bird species, including woodpeckers, jays, and nuthatches. They are packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients that birds need to maintain their energy levels throughout the day. Peanuts can be offered in shell or shelled form, depending on the preferences of the birds in your area.
Milo, also known as sorghum, is a favorite food for ground-feeding birds like doves and sparrows. These small, round seeds are high in carbohydrates and provide birds with a quick source of energy. They are commonly found in birdseed mixes and can help attract a diverse range of bird species to your backyard.
Mealworms are a favorite food for insect-eating birds like bluebirds, robins, and warblers. These small, wriggling insects are high in protein and are a great source of nutrition for birds during the breeding season when they need extra energy to care for their young. Mealworms can be offered live, dried, or in suet form to attract insect-loving birds to your garden.
Fruits are a favorite treat for many bird species, including orioles, thrushes, and tanagers. Fruits like apples, oranges, and berries are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help boost birds’ immune systems and keep them healthy. Offering a variety of fresh fruits in your backyard can attract a diverse range of bird species throughout the year.
Suet is a favorite food for many bird species, especially during the winter months when birds need extra energy to stay warm. Suet is a high-energy food made from animal fat, seeds, and nuts, providing birds with a rich source of calories and essential nutrients. It can be offered in suet feeders or mixed with birdseed to attract a variety of bird species to your garden.
In conclusion, birds have a diverse range of favorite foods that can help attract them to our gardens and provide them with the nutrition they need to thrive. By offering a variety of foods like sunflower seeds, millet, safflower, cracked corn, peanuts, milo, mealworms, fruit, and suet, you can create a bird-friendly environment that will attract a diverse range of bird species to your backyard.
