Is feeding native birds ok?

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Penrith City Council (02) 4732 7777 (02) 4732 7958 council@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au 601 High St Penrith NSW 2750 Australia
Is feeding native birds ok?

bird feeding

Most people feed birds out of a misguided desire to care for them.

Artificial feeding is not necessary. Native birds do not need extra food as they are well-adapted to their environment and will be much healthier and happier overall if left to eat only their normal diet.

  • Feeding native birds is strongly discouraged because:
    • It can lead to health problems for the birds.
    • Most birds eat a balanced diet – 90% insects, nectar, seed or fruit. If people feed them, it changes the balance.
  • It can change the balance of species and it can increase some species which then decreases others. e.g. the bigger/more aggressive birds increase.
  • Research shows (Michelle Plant, et al) that mixed species flocks that would not normally congregate do when feeding on human provided food. This can spread disease through shared feeding sources.
  • It creates a dependency on humans which reduces their ability to find food for themselves, especially juveniles. Research (Plant et al) has shown that birds can fill their crop (a bird’s expanded, muscular pouch near the throat) and meet most, if not all, of their daily energy requirements in one visit!
    • If processed foods are being given as the food source, this leads to overweight issues and increase in fats.
    • Raw meat is lacking in calcium and has high levels of phosphorus which leads to dietary imbalance and deficiencies.
    • Issues such as mess and noise for neighbours.

What can I do?

Whilst feeding is not recommended, attracting native birds to your garden is and this is the best way to help the birds long-term with feeding and breeding habitat. Check out Birdlife Australia’s Guide to planting native species in your garden. (Creating a bird-friendly garden​ - BirdLife Australia)

Where can I learn more?