What Human Foods Can Birds Eat?

The first thing you must consider when deciding which human foods can be fed to birds is that they do not all have the same dietary needs. However, while different varieties of birds have their own special dietary needs, the following human foods can be eaten by birds.

  1. Warning

    • There are some foods that birds should never eat. These include avocado, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, fruit pits and apple seeds, onions, mushrooms, persimmons and any food containing added sugar or salt. These foods can cause severe illness and even death.

    Veggies and Legumes

    • Most vegetables and cooked beans are excellent choices for small and large seed-eating hookbills, and wild seed-eaters may enjoy them as well. Many favorites can be served raw or cooked.

    Fruits and Nuts

    • Fruits and nuts can be enjoyed by seed-eaters. Nectar-eaters like the Lorikeet can have certain fruits and flowers added to their diets, but consult your avian veterinarian for advice.

    Considerations

    • While it can be enjoyable to feed wild birds the foods we eat, they get most of their nutrition from nature and do not need to be fed human food.

    Types

    • The list of vegetables, fruits and nuts that are preferable for most bird's optimal nutrition is long. Leafy greens, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cooked legumes, carrots, berries, sliced apples and most raw nuts are among the favorites (see Resources for a complete list).