Wild bird feeding – helping effectively, acting correctly
Feeding with Heart and Mind – Keeping Wild Birds Healthy
Feeding wild birds is very popular in Germany. Millions of people hang bird feeders or fat balls in their gardens and on balconies. But there are always discussions: Does this really help the birds – or does it harm them?
The good news: If fed correctly, birds actually benefit from it. Studies show that controlled feeding can increase the survival rate of young birds and help adult birds save energy, especially in heavily used landscapes with scarce natural food sources [1, 2].
Why feed wild birds?
It used to be said that birds should only be fed in winter, when snow and frost make finding food difficult. More recent research, including from NABU and ornithologist Peter Berthold, shows:
- Year-round feeding can help many bird species, as natural food has become scarce in intensively used landscapes [1].
- Young birds in spring benefit indirectly because parents need to spend less energy searching for food thanks to feeding [2].
- Feeding stations give people the opportunity to experience nature up close, which strengthens interest in nature conservation [3].
Which birds benefit the most?
Above all, resident birds – species that stay here all year round – regularly use feeding stations:
- Tit species (Great Tit, Blue Tit, Coal Tit)
- Sparrows (House Sparrow, Tree Sparrow)
- Blackbirds
- Robins
- Chaffinches and Greenfinches
Migratory birds benefit less, as they are usually not in the garden during their main season. Observations show that especially tit populations in gardens remain more stable through continuous feeding [2].
What is suitable as bird food?
Not all food is suitable. It should be species-appropriate, natural, and free from mold and salt.
Proven feed types:
- Sunflower seeds (shelled or unshelled) – main energy source
- Peanuts (unsalted, unseasoned) – popular with tits and woodpeckers
- Oat flakes – especially for soft-food eaters like robins or blackbirds
- Apple pieces, raisins – for thrushes, blackbirds, and starlings
- Fat balls/feed rings – best without netting (risk of entanglement!)
Avoid:
- Bread or table scraps (cause digestive problems)
- Salted, seasoned, or fatty foods
Scientific studies confirm that a balanced mix of seeds, nuts and fruit reduces the risk of deficiencies and increases survival rates in winter [4].
Hygiene is crucial
One of the most important rules is: Keep feeding stations clean! Diseases such as salmonella, trichomoniasis, or avian pox can spread quickly if feeding is unhygienic [5].
Tips for clean feeding stations:
- Remove old food and droppings daily
- Feeders clean regularly with hot water
- Use feed silos instead of open trays if possible
Feeding in summer – yes or no?
In the past, summer feeding was taboo because it was feared that young birds might eat seeds and choke. New observations show: Parent birds feed their young almost exclusively with insects. Seeds from the feeder are intended for the adult birds themselves. Therefore, there is nothing against summer feeding today – as long as a varied diet is offered [6].
More than food: Creating habitats
Food is valuable, but does not replace a natural habitat. In the long term, the following measures help birds:
- Plant native shrubs and trees (berries, seeds, insects)
- Allow wild corners with leaves or dead wood
- Hang up nest boxes
- Avoid pesticides
Such measures support biodiversity, increase birds' chances of survival, and promote a stable ecosystem [1, 2].
Conclusion
Feeding wild birds is not a substitute for nature conservation, but a valuable addition. Those who follow the basic rules – proper food, hygiene, safe feeding stations – make a real contribution to protecting our native birdlife.
Controlled feeding can:
- increase survival rates
- indirectly support young birds
- keep birds healthier and more vital
- bring people and nature closer together
Sources / References
- Berthold, P. (2020). Feeding Birds – Sensible or Harmful? NABU.
- Glutz von Blotzheim, U. N., & Bauer, K. M. (2019). Handbook of the Birds of Central Europe.
- BirdLife International (2021). Feeding Wild Birds Responsibly.
- Møller, A. P., & Nielsen, J. T. (2019). Effects of supplemental feeding on survival of birds in winter. Journal of Avian Biology.
- Hofmann, H., & Schmidt, V. (2018). Bird Diseases in Wild Birds.
- Lack, D. (2020). The Life of Birds. Oxford University Press.
