All CategoriesWild BirdsThe Best Foods for UK Wild Birds: Seeds, Suet, and Beyond!
Feeding wild birds is not only a great way to support local wildlife, but it can also bring joy and beauty to your garden. However, with so many food options available, it can be difficult to know what to provide to give your feathered friends the best nutrition. Whether you’re looking to attract a variety of species or want to support specific types of birds, it’s important to choose the right foods. From seeds and suet to other natural offerings, here’s a guide to the best foods for UK wild birds.
Seeds: A Staple for Many Birds
Seeds are the most common bird food and are loved by a wide variety of species, from small garden visitors like robins to larger birds like wood pigeons. But not all seeds are created equal, so it’s essential to choose the right mix to suit the needs of different birds.
- Sunflower Seeds: These are a firm favourite among garden birds, especially black sunflower seeds. They’re high in fat and protein, making them a perfect energy boost during the winter months. Larger species like tits, finches, and sparrows are particularly fond of them. If you’re putting out sunflower seeds, be sure to use a bird feeder with smaller holes or a tray to avoid the mess of discarded husks.
- Niger Seed: Also known as thistle seed, this is a great choice for finches, especially goldfinches and siskins. These tiny seeds are high in oil and are best offered in special feeders designed to hold niger seed.
- Mixed Seeds: A good general-purpose option, mixed seed blends often contain sunflower seeds, millet, and corn. While they can attract a variety of birds, be sure to choose high-quality mixes without fillers like wheat or barley, which many birds won’t eat.
- Peanuts: Peanuts are another favorite, offering birds a rich, high-protein snack. However, you should be cautious about using loose peanuts, as they can be a choking hazard for young birds. Instead, opt for peanuts in mesh feeders, or purchase specially designed peanut cakes or chunks that are safer for chicks.
Suet: The Energy Powerhouse
Suet is an excellent food option, particularly in winter when birds need to build up fat reserves to survive the cold nights. This high-energy food provides the essential calories birds require for warmth and survival during harsh conditions. Suet can be offered in a variety of ways:
- Suet Balls: These are widely available and come in various flavours, often combined with seeds, insects, or fruits. They’re especially beneficial during the colder months when birds require more energy. You can hang these balls in special holders, which makes them easy for birds like tits, robins, and starlings to access.
- Suet Cakes: Similar to suet balls but in larger blocks, suet cakes are a great way to provide energy to bigger birds like woodpeckers and magpies. You can buy them pre-made, or make your own by mixing suet with seeds or dried fruit and then pressing it into a block or mould.
- Suet Pellets: Suet pellets are another great option that can be scattered or placed in a feeder. They’re particularly attractive to insect-eating birds like robins, wrens, and nuthatches.
Mealworms & Calciworms: A Favourite for Insectivores
Mealworms are high in protein and are a go-to food for insectivorous birds like robins, blackbirds, and thrushes. While wild birds typically find insects on their own, mealworms are a convenient and reliable food source, especially during colder months when insects are scarce.
- Dried Mealworms: These are the most common form available and are perfect for attracting a wide variety of birds. They’re easy to store and offer a good alternative to fresh insects, which are harder to find during the winter months.
- Live Mealworms: Some bird enthusiasts prefer offering live mealworms as they closely mimic a bird’s natural diet. Live mealworms are especially popular among robins and other small insectivores.
Calci worms are nutrient-dense larvae that provide a great source of calcium, essential for strong bones and eggshell production. They are especially beneficial during the breeding season and are favored by robins, blackbirds, and starlings.
- Dried Calci Worms: A long-lasting, easy-to-store option that provides birds with a calcium-rich supplement, ideal for year-round feeding.
Fruit: A Natural Delight
Fruit provides a delicious and nutritious snack that many birds enjoy, especially during the spring and summer months when they’re breeding or feeding young. Offering fruit can also attract a variety of species, from thrushes to blackbirds, and even larger species like wood pigeons.
- Apples & Pears: These soft fruits are ideal for birds like blackbirds, thrushes, and robins. Simply cut them in half and place them on a bird table or hang them from a tree branch.
- Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries are loved by many birds, particularly those that eat insects. During the autumn months, when natural berries are abundant, you might see birds like redwings and fieldfares in your garden enjoying a fruit feast.
- Bananas & Grapes: These soft fruits are easy to digest and perfect for many species, including tits and robins. Try offering half-sliced bananas or cut-up grapes for an easy snack.
Nuts: A Crunchy Treat
Nuts are another great high-protein, high-fat option for wild birds. However, it’s important to ensure that the nuts are unsalted, unflavoured, and free of additives, as salt and preservatives can harm birds.
- Peanuts: As mentioned, peanuts are an excellent source of fat and protein, making them a favourite among many species. Just remember to use them in mesh feeders to prevent choking.
Bread: Not Recommended for Birds
Bread offers little nutritional value and can fill birds up without providing essential nutrients. Feeding large amounts of bread can lead to deficiencies and health issues. If offering bread, do so sparingly and opt for whole grain varieties, ensuring it’s broken into small pieces and not moldy. Instead, provide nutrient-rich alternatives like seeds, mealworms, and fruit.
- Wholemeal Bread: If you decide to offer bread, always opt for wholemeal varieties, and break it up into small, manageable pieces. Avoid sugary or processed bread, as this can harm the birds.
Grit and Gravel: Essential for Digestion
Birds need grit or small stones to help them digest their food. This is especially important for species that eat seeds and grains, as they do not have teeth to break down the food. Grit helps grind up the food in their crop and aids digestion. You can offer grit by placing it in a shallow dish or scattering it on the ground.
Providing a variety of foods for UK wild birds not only supports their health and well-being but also helps attract a wide range of species to your garden. To ensure you’re meeting the nutritional needs of different birds, it’s best to offer a selection of foods throughout the year, adjusting the options depending on the season. Seeds, suet, mealworms, fruit, and nuts are all excellent choices, and each one plays a role in providing birds with the energy and nutrients they need to survive and thrive.
By providing a diverse and balanced diet, you can help create a welcoming and supportive environment for our feathered friends—whether it’s winter or summer, dawn or dusk.
Author – Jordan
