The loss of trees and hedgerows, along with widespread urbanisation, has drastically reduced natural food sources for birds. This is especially challenging during the winter months when resources are already scarce. As a result, more birds are venturing into gardens, relying on humans to help them survive the colder season.
While trees like rowan, hawthorn, and yew may seem abundant with berries, they simply can’t sustain the increasing number of birds searching for food. By providing extra sustenance in your garden, you can make a vital difference. Wherever you live, it’s likely you’ll notice an influx of feathered visitors during the winter months.
Shorter days mean birds have less time to forage, and keeping their energy levels up is essential for survival in freezing temperatures. Below are five types of food your garden birds will appreciate this winter. Whether you use a bird table, feeder, or scatter food on the ground, your efforts could be a lifesaver. Just remember to clear a patch if it snows, so the food is accessible.
Seed mixes are packed with nutrients and can be tailored to attract specific bird species, or you can opt for an all-purpose mix to welcome a variety of birds. Niger seed, for instance, is a favourite of colourful goldfinches, and these bright visitors are becoming a more common sight at feeders across the UK.
When buying bird seed, choose a reputable supplier and make sure it’s formulated for wild birds, not for caged or aviary species.
Sunflower hearts are a fantastic year-round food source, but are especially valuable in winter. They’re a particular favourite of goldfinches but will also attract long-tailed tits, blackbirds, robins, sparrows, and nuthatches.
These hulled seeds are mess-free and loaded with essential oils and nutrients, helping birds stay healthy and energised. They’re an easy way to keep your feeders busy with activity.
Peanuts are a high-energy treat packed with protein and fat, ideal for winter. Tits, in particular, love them and will often arrive in large flocks to your feeders, displaying their acrobatic feeding style.
Be sure to buy bird-friendly peanuts to ensure they’re free of aflatoxin, a toxin harmful to birds. For smaller birds, peanut granules can be a better option as they save energy by avoiding the need to break down whole nuts. You can offer peanuts in feeders, on bird tables, or scattered on the ground.
Animal fat, such as suet or lard, is an essential winter treat for birds, providing a quick energy boost and helping them build fat reserves to survive freezing nights.
You can make your own fat feeders by filling empty yoghurt pots or bottles with a mix of suet, seeds, and dried fruit. Alternatively, pre-made fat balls or suet blocks are widely available from bird food suppliers.
When hanging fat feeders, avoid using nets or hooks, as these can injure birds if they become entangled.
Winter is the perfect time to share kitchen scraps with birds since the cold weather slows spoilage and reduces the risk of attracting vermin.
Birds will happily eat a variety of leftovers, including unsalted bacon, mild cheese, soaked dried fruit, bread in small amounts, cooked rice, and nuts. And if you’ve overindulged this Christmas, don’t bin those mince pies, roast potatoes, or Christmas pudding – your garden birds will enjoy a festive feast!
Winter is a fantastic time for birdwatchers, as many species venture into gardens in search of food to sustain them during the colder months. Some of the birds you might spot include:
Robins – A classic winter visitor, the robin is often seen hopping around, seeking mealworms, seeds, and fat.
Blackbirds – These ground-feeding birds love windfall fruit, berries, and fat-based treats.
Blue tits and great rits – Agile and acrobatic, these small birds are frequent visitors to feeders filled with peanuts or sunflower seeds.
Goldfinches – These striking birds, with their bright red faces and golden wings, are increasingly spotted at niger seed feeders.
House sparrows – Once a common sight in the UK, house sparrows are now in decline, but they still visit gardens where food is provided.
Long-tailed tits – In winter, these social little birds often move around in flocks, feeding on fat balls and sunflower hearts.
Starlings – Known for their glossy, iridescent feathers, starlings are bold and noisy guests that love suet and fat-based food.
Thrushes – Song thrushes and mistle thrushes often appear to feed on berries and fallen fruit.
Redwings and fieldfares – These winter migrants arrive from Scandinavia and Russia, flocking to gardens in search of berries and fruit during harsh weather.
Providing fresh water in winter is just as important as offering food, as many natural water sources can freeze over, leaving birds without essential hydration. Birds rely on water not only for drinking but also for bathing, which might seem surprising during freezing weather. However, bathing is crucial for keeping their feathers in good condition, ensuring they stay insulated and waterproofed.
If you notice birds splashing about in the water, there’s no need to worry as they won’t get too cold. Clean feathers are vital for their survival, especially in winter, as they help maintain body heat and keep them agile.
To ensure water is always available, consider investing in a heated bird bath to prevent it from icing over. If that’s not an option, a simple trick is to place a ping-pong ball on the surface of the water. The gentle movement caused by the wind will keep the surface from freezing.
By keeping a reliable supply of water, you’ll help birds thrive during the harsh winter months, giving them the resources they need to stay healthy and active.
Feeding birds in winter is a wonderful way to support wildlife, but it’s essential to maintain good hygiene to keep your feathered friends healthy. Birds can spread diseases at feeding stations, especially when food or droppings accumulate. Regular cleaning is vital to prevent illnesses such as trichomoniasis or salmonella, which can be fatal to birds.
Start by cleaning bird feeders and tables every couple of weeks, or more often if they become heavily soiled. Use hot, soapy water to scrub away dirt, droppings, and mould, then rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before refilling. For an extra level of cleanliness, disinfect feeders and tables using a wildlife-safe disinfectant or a diluted solution of one part white vinegar to nine parts water.
It’s also a good idea to move feeding stations around the garden occasionally to prevent the buildup of waste and bacteria in one area. This practice reduces the risk of disease spreading through contaminated ground.
When placing food on bird tables, try not to let it sit for too long. Remove any uneaten food daily, particularly fatty scraps like suet or lard, as these can turn rancid in damp conditions. Similarly, clear away mouldy or wet seeds, which can make birds ill.
If you have a water source, such as a bird bath, remember to clean it regularly as well. Replace the water daily and scrub away algae or debris to ensure it remains safe for birds to drink and bathe in.
By keeping feeders, bird tables, and water supplies clean, you’ll create a safe and healthy feeding environment, encouraging more birds to visit your garden throughout the winter months.
By providing food during the winter, you’ll not only help your local bird population but also bring colour and life to your garden. Watching birds flock to your feeders is a rewarding way to connect with nature during the quieter months.
