There is no better way to attract wild birds to your lawn than to offer something they would like to eat. The only problem is, many people don’t know what birds like. Although there are wild bird food supplies readily available in the market, you need not splurge on them. Many foods found in our kitchens are suitable for wild birds. However, remember that not all bird species prefer the same food. Below, we’ve listed foods that many wild birds commonly eat.
Sunflower seeds
Dozens of bird species enjoy feasting on sunflower seeds, and many people consider them the most popular foods among birds. There are multiple varieties of sunflower seeds. Among them, black oil and hulled sunflower seeds are birds’ favorite. That’s because black oil shells are thin and easy to crack open, and hulled seeds already have their shells removed. Another great thing about sunflower seeds is that they are inexpensive and easy to find.
Nyjer seeds
Commonly known as thistle, nyjer seeds are tiny, black seeds full of healthy oils and fats. These seeds are particularly liked by birds with small beaks, such as a goldfinch, purple finch, house finch, and chickadee. Since these seeds are imported from different parts of the world, they can be expensive. Also, keep in mind that wild birds prefer nyjer seeds fresh, so make sure you’re not offering spoiled ones. Some people also recommend buying a feeder that is designed to help birds eat tiny seeds.
Peanuts
Nearly all homes have peanuts, so you don’t need to go looking for food supplies in the supermarket to feed wild birds. Peanuts are rich in fats and protein, and birds are constantly on the lookout for such nutrient-dense meals. So, crush or grate a bunch of peanuts, put them in the feeder, get ready to watch flocks of jays, titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and chickadees in your lawn.
Safflower seeds
Safflower seeds are oil seeds that are slightly smaller than black oil sunflower seeds. They also have a tougher shell, so it’s not suitable for all birds. Some colorful species like finches, chickadees, and cardinals are obsessed with safflower seeds. Another reason you must consider putting these seeds in your feeder is that squirrels don’t find them attractive, so they likely won’t gobble them up, leaving everything for birds.
Fruits
Various species of wild birds, including some elusive ones, love fruits. If you’re particularly interested in attracting orioles, try laying sliced oranges around your house. You can even offer grapes and sliced apples and bananas at your feeder to draw many birds. Many people also feed dried fruits like raisin, as they’re easy to store in the house. Before offering raisins to birds, soften them by soaking in warm water for a while.