What do garden birds eat?

Garden birds have different dietary needs. The right food helps birds stay healthy and ensures they'll be happy to return to your garden or balcony. By providing a varied diet, you also attract a wider variety of bird species.

Popular types of bird food

• Seeds and kernels such as sunflower seeds
• Peanuts and nuts (unsalted)
• Fat balls and fat blocks
• Dried mealworms

These types of food are suitable for common garden birds such as tits, sparrows and finches.

What do birds eat by species?

Not every bird eats the same thing. Some examples:

• Tits like fat and seeds
• Blackbirds like to eat fruit and insects
• Sparrows mainly choose seeds and grains
• Robins eat insects and soft foods

By offering different types of food you help several bird species at the same time.

What should you avoid feeding?

• Bread and moldy food
• Salty or spicy food
• Leftovers from the table

This can be harmful to birds and their digestion.

When do you feed birds?

• In winter to replenish energy
• In spring and summer in moderation
• In the fall in preparation for the cold

Always provide fresh water next to the food.

Conclusion: healthy feeding makes a difference

By offering the right food, you help garden birds stay healthy and encourage more wildlife in your garden. Regular feeding and cleaning of feeding stations prevents disease and keeps birds safe.