Winter Wildlife Care: Food for Wild Birds

If you are planning on feeding any feathered visitors during the winter months, it is vital to know the right food for wild birds. Not all birds eat the same food, and some foods may be harmful to certain bird species. Throughout the colder months, natural sources of food, such as berries, are harder for birds to find, so providing a feeder full of seed in the garden can be vital. A high energy source of feed will also go a long way in helping to sustain the birds throughout winter. In addition, you need to make sure your feeding equipment is good quality and hygienic, and that a regular feeding routine is established for the birds. So what birds are likely to visit and what do they eat? Let us look at the different species of bird and the right food for wild birds.

Types of Common Garden Birds

While many types of birds may appear in your garden, these are among the most common:

House sparrow

Male sparrows can be distinguished by their brown tops, grey stomachs and chestnut/white wings. They also feature a black bib and grey cap. Females and juveniles have a duller colour. Sparrows eat a variety of seeds, including millet and sunflower seeds.

Starling

Adult starlings have oily-black feathers with a purple/green sheen, while juveniles are dark grey/brown in appearance. In winter, small beige spots appear on their feathers. Starlings will eat anything including insects, fruits and grains. They enjoy most seeds, although they tend to avoid large seeds like sunflower and peanuts unless finely crushed.

Blue tit

These can be identified by their blue/green top, blue wings/tail and yellow stomachs. Their heads feature a blue cap with white cheeks and black eye stripes. Blue tits will eat a range of grains and seeds including sunflower, suet and peanuts.

Great tit

These are identified by their green top and yellow stomach with a black stripe down the middle. Their heads are black with white cheeks. Much like their blue tit cousins they will eat a mix of seeds including sunflower, suet and peanuts.

Blackbird

Male blackbirds have black feathers, yellow bill and a yellow ring around their eye. Females and juveniles are dark brown in colour. While blackbirds can eat anything they prefer soft foods, so seeds and grains like maize and oats are most suitable.

Robin

Robins have brown tops, white stomachs and a red breast. Juveniles have a mottled gold and brown appearance. Robins eat a range of seeds including suet, crushed nuts and sunflower hearts.

Copdock Mill’s Food For Wild Birds

If you are looking for the widest range of food for wild birds to use on your bird feeder, Copdock Mill have a selection of different blends. Some of our selections include:

Copdock Mill Supreme Mix

A great mix of nuts and seeds suitable for many species. Includes seed base, cut maize, split peanuts, black sunflower, whole wheat and more.

Bow Table Top + Aniseed Mix

A mix of seeds that includes aniseed for better digestion. Ingredients are linseed, aniseed, maize, sunflower seeds, white millet and more.

Copdock Mill Wheat Free Mix

A fine seed mix without the wheat that can attract doves and pigeons. Includes maize, white and red millet, canary seed, safflower, oats and more.

To find out more about our range of garden bird food for your bird feeder, download a copy of our Wild Bird Feed leaflet.

Wild Bird Food Suppliers Near Me

If you are looking for wild bird food suppliers, then Gladwells Pet & Country Stores stock all Copdock Mill products. Find a local store to purchase supplies for your bird feeder. For the right food for wild birds in winter, contact Copdock Mill today!