what to feed birds
Quick Scoop
If you want to feed birds, the safest basics are black-oil sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts, and for some species, suet or mealworms. For pet birds, a balanced diet usually includes pellets, fresh vegetables, and some fruit, with seeds kept limited for many species.Best Foods
For wild birds, good options include black-oil sunflower seed, white proso millet, peanuts, safflower seed, suet, and mealworms. These foods are commonly recommended because they provide energy and fit the natural diets of many backyard birds.For pet birds, a mixed diet is better than seeds alone. One guide lists many pet bird diets as mostly pellets plus fresh foods, with seeds/nuts playing a smaller role depending on species.
Foods to Avoid
Do not feed birds bread, processed foods, or foods with toxic ingredients like avocado, onion, garlic, and citrus for wild birds. These can be harmful or nutritionally poor, and fresh food should be cleaned up quickly so it does not spoil.Simple Feeding Tips
- Offer small amounts at first so food stays fresh.
- Clean feeders regularly to reduce disease risk.
- Match the food to the bird type in your area.
- Use water too, since birds need it for drinking and bathing.
Quick Table
| Bird type | Good foods | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Wild backyard birds | Sunflower seed, millet, peanuts, safflower, suet, mealworms | [2][5]Bread, processed scraps, avocado, onion, garlic | [6][2]
| Pet birds | Pellets, vegetables, some fruit, limited seeds depending on species | [9][1]All-seed diets as the main food source | [9]
