What Birds Eat Peanut Butter? (Check These Tips and Warnings)

Peanut butter is a popular and nutritious addition to the diets of many wild bird species. Providing an important source of protein, along with healthy fats, it can be particularly beneficial during the colder winter months when natural food sources may be scarce. Birds that typically enjoy peanut butter include wrens, nuthatches, woodpeckers, starlings, blackbirds, jays, and other nut-loving species 1.

When offering peanut butter as a food source for birds, it’s essential to consider other pieces of the puzzle, such as the type of peanut butter being used and the most effective ways to set up feeders for the birds to access. Using a suitable peanut butter brand and choosing creative feeder designs, such as pinecones or dried-out orange halves, can help attract a larger variety of birds 2.

Key Takeaways

Peanut butter provides critical nutrients and energy to various bird species, especially during winter
Offering bird-friendly peanut butter varieties and creative feeder designs can help attract a diverse range of birds
Understanding the potential risks, nutritional benefits, and debunking myths related to feeding birds peanut butter ensures a safer practice for bird enthusiasts.

Table of Contents

Birds That Eat Peanut Butter

Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are known for their ability to peck away at tree bark, but they also enjoy a variety of other foods such as nuts, seeds, and insects. It turns out that peanut butter is another favorite among these birds because it provides them with essential nutrients like protein and healthy fats. Smaller species of woodpeckers, in particular, are more likely to dine on peanut butter.

Read Next: Which Birds Eat Peanuts?

Nuthatches

Nuthatches, including species like the white-breasted nuthatch and the red-breasted nuthatch, are also attracted to peanut butter. These small birds have short tails and strong feet, which help them creep along tree trunks and branches in search of insects, tree bark, nuts, and seeds. Offering them peanut butter can be a great way to attract these charming little birds to your feeders.

Jays

Jays, which are members of the corvid family, enjoy consuming nuts and seeds. Peanut butter is another food source that jays readily consume. Their strong beaks and intelligence make them excellent at foraging for and cracking open nuts, including those found in peanut butter. Jays will take advantage of peanut butter offerings, providing them with a calorie-rich food source to keep them energized.

Chickadees

Chickadees, such as the black-capped chickadee and the tufted titmouse, are small birds that also enjoy feasting on peanut butter. These energetic birds benefit from the protein, healthy fats, and calories provided by peanut butter. They are particularly attracted to chunky peanut butter, which contains additional nuts and seeds for them to enjoy.

Wrens

Wrens, like other small songbirds, often feed on insects, fruits, and seeds. While peanut butter isn’t part of their normal diet, they do show interest in it when offered in bird feeders. Peanut butter is a readily available energy source and provides them with a boost of nutrition especially during colder months when other food sources might be scarce.

Setting up Peanut Butter Feeders

Pine Cone Feeders

Pine cone feeders are a popular and easy way to offer peanut butter to backyard birds. To make a pine cone feeder, simply collect or purchase 4-6 pine cones with lots of openings for pressing peanut butter into¹. Then, spread peanut butter all over the pine cone and roll it in birdseed. Hang the pine cone feeder in your backyard, and enjoy watching a variety of birds arrive to feast on the delicious treat.

Suet Feeders

Suet feeders can also be used to serve peanut butter to your feathered friends. To create your own peanut butter suet mixture, combine equal parts peanut butter and birdseed, along with other nutritious ingredients like sunflower seeds, cracked corn, or dried fruit. Place the mixture in a suet cage or a mesh bag and hang it from a tree branch or a feeder post. Birds such as woodpeckers and nuthatches will appreciate this energy-rich offering during the cold winter months.

Ground Feeders

Ground feeders are a simple way to provide peanut butter for ground-dwelling bird species. To set up a ground feeder, spread a thin layer of peanut butter directly on the ground or on a flat surface like a tray or plate. Sprinkle birdseed over the peanut butter to attract wrens, thrashers, grackles, blackbirds, and corvids². Remember to keep the area clean and watch for any unwanted critters that might be attracted to the peanut butter.

Tree Bark Feeders

Tree bark feeders are another option for serving peanut butter to birds that prefer to cling to tree trunks while feeding. To create a tree bark feeder, spread peanut butter directly onto the trunk or large branches of a tree in your backyard. This method is particularly attractive to woodpeckers and nuthatches that naturally forage on tree trunks. Be sure to monitor the area for any signs of damage to the tree or potential threats from predators.

Types of Peanut Butter for Birds

Natural Peanut Butter

Natural peanut butter is an excellent choice for feeding birds. It’s made from peanuts that have been ground into a paste, with the inclusion of salt, sugar, or other additives. This type of peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it an ideal option for birds to consume.

Crunchy Peanut Butter

Crunchy peanut butter is another variety that birds can enjoy. It contains pieces of peanut, providing additional texture and crunch that some birds might prefer. In fact, the added bits of nuts can be especially attractive to larger birds like woodpeckers, jays, and corvids. However, keep in mind that while crunchy peanut butter is safe for birds, it’s important to choose a brand without added sugars or preservatives.

Organic Peanut Butter

Organic peanut butter is made from organically-sourced peanuts, designed for human-grade consumption. It’s free from pesticides and genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), which may be beneficial for the health of birds as well. Since it’s made of all-natural ingredients, organic peanut butter can be a suitable choice for your feathered friends.

Pure Peanut Butter

Lastly, pure peanut butter offers the simplest option. It contains only ground peanuts, without any additives, creating a smooth paste that’s perfect for even the tiniest of birds. This type is not only high in protein, but it’s also free from added sugars, salt, and other potentially harmful ingredients. Pure peanut butter is a safe and nutritious treat for backyard birds.

Additional Bird Food Options

Fruits

Fruits are an excellent choice for attracting a wide range of birds to your backyard. Apples are a favorite among many bird species like cedar waxwing, starlings, and orioles. You can cut them into small pieces and place them in a feeder or directly on the ground. Berries, such as raspberries and blackberries, are also irresistible to birds like sparrows and northern flickers. Don’t forget about grapes and bananas, which can be a treat for many birds when cut into small pieces.

Insects

Insects make up a significant portion of many birds’ diets, providing essential protein and fat. Mealworms are a popular choice for attracting insect-eating birds like starlings and orioles. You can offer live or dried mealworms in a shallow dish or specialized feeder. Other insects, such as crickets and grubs, can also be provided as a treat for birds like the northern flicker.

Seeds

Seeds are another staple in a bird’s diet, offering a rich source of nutrients like calcium. Sparrows, in particular, enjoy a variety of seeds, making them a great addition to your bird feeding options. Sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn are all popular choices for attracting birds like sparrows and cedar waxwings. Offering a diverse range of seeds will attract an equally diverse range of birds to your backyard.

Nutritional Benefits of Peanut Butter

Protein and Fat Content

Peanut butter is an excellent source of both protein and fat, making it a valuable supplement to bird diets. As nuts and seeds are a primary source of nutrition for many bird species, peanut butter’s hefty protein and fat content help support their energy needs and promote healthy development.

Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to its high protein and fat content, peanut butter is a source of essential vitamins and minerals for birds, such as calcium and magnesium, albeit in small amounts. These minerals contribute to healthy bone development and overall well-being, making peanut butter a useful and tasty option for your feathered friends.

High-Protein Food

As a high-protein food, peanut butter provides much-needed energy for birds, especially during the colder months when natural food sources are scarce. In fact, a study by the American Bird Conservancy found that feeding just one-fourth of a cup of peanut butter mixed with half a cup of seeds can provide enough energy for 150 birds per day during winter months. This makes peanut butter an essential food source for our avian neighbors when they need it most.

Preventing Health Hazards

When offering peanut butter to birds, it’s essential to consider some potential health hazards linked with additives and hygiene. By focusing on clean feeders, avoiding harmful additives, and preventing mold growth, you can ensure a healthy and nutritious treat for your feathered friends.

Clean Feeders

Regular cleaning of bird feeders is crucial to prevent the spread of bacteria and diseases among birds. Start by removing any old peanut butter or other food debris, then scrub the feeder using a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to kill any lingering bacteria. Rinse the feeder thoroughly and allow it to air dry before refilling it with fresh food. In addition to cleaning the feeder, be sure to provide fresh water for drinking and bathing to help maintain bird health.

Avoid Harmful Additives

Selecting a peanut butter free from harmful additives, such as excessive salt, sugar, or oils, is necessary for ensuring the well-being of birds. Natural or unsalted peanut butter without sweeteners is your best bet for providing a nutritious treat for a variety of bird species. Remember that nutritional content is essential, so make sure to choose peanut butter with a suitable balance of protein and healthy fats.

Prevent Mold Growth

Mold and fungal growth can be harmful to birds and may lead to health issues. To minimize this risk, only offer small quantities of peanut butter, which can be consumed within a few days. Replenish the peanut butter as needed to ensure you’re providing a fresh treat for the birds. By keeping the environment clean and free from mold, you’ll contribute to the overall well-being of your backyard visitors and enjoy the benefits of helping them thrive.

Potential Risks and Myths

Feeding Birds All Year Round

When considering whether to feed peanut butter to birds, it’s important to separate myths from facts. Birds can benefit from high-protein peanut butter as a source of energy, particularly during the winter months when natural food sources may be scarce¹. There has been a myth that birds will rely too heavily on backyard bird feeders and stop foraging for natural food², but evidence suggests they continue to forage for their primary needs, using bird feeders as supplements.

However, be cautious about the quality of peanut butter provided to birds. Avoid offering rancid, moldy, or spoiled products³, as they can be toxic or dangerous for the birds. Also, steer clear of low-fat peanut butter varieties⁴, which may not provide the same nutritional value.

Peanut Butter and Bears

One concern related to feeding birds peanut butter is the potential to attract bears from nearby areas⁵. Bears can be lured by the smell of peanut butter, posing a risk to both the bears and birds you intended to feed. If you live in a region with a known bear population, it’s essential to be aware of this issue and take precautions when offering peanut butter to birds⁶.

Safety measures may include keeping backyard bird feeders out of reach from bears, placing them on high poles or using bear-resistant feeders. Another option is to offer peanut butter to birds seasonally, focusing on winters to help provide extra nourishment when bears are less active or hibernating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do birds enjoy eating peanut butter?

Yes, many birds do enjoy eating peanut butter. It provides them with protein, healthy fats, and a calorie-dense source of nutrition, particularly during the colder months when other food sources may be scarce.

Which bird species are attracted to peanut butter feeders?

Several bird species are known to eat peanut butter, including chickadees, tits, titmice, wrens, nuthatches, creepers, and woodpeckers. Even larger nut-loving birds such as thrashers, grackles, starlings, blackbirds, jays, and other corvids may also be attracted to peanut butter feeders.

Can peanut butter be harmful to certain birds?

There is no evidence that specific salts or sweeteners in peanut butter are harmful to birds. However, it’s essential to avoid giving birds peanut butter with additives like chocolate or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful or even fatal to birds.

What is the best way to offer peanut butter to birds?

To provide peanut butter to birds, you can either purchase or make a specialized peanut butter feeder. Smearing peanut butter directly onto tree bark, branches, or wooden feeder platforms also works well and simulates a natural feeding environment. Always use plain, unsalted peanut butter for the birds’ safety.

What are some alternative food options for birds if they don’t eat peanut butter?

Birds can enjoy various alternative food sources, including sunflower seeds, mealworms, suet, nectar (for hummingbirds), and other seeds and nuts. Providing a range of food options will ensure you attract and support a diverse population of birds in your yard.

How can I make homemade peanut butter bird food?

Making homemade peanut butter bird food is relatively simple and cost-effective. First, pick up some plain unsalted peanut butter and mix it with an equal amount of cornmeal or flour to form a firmer consistency. You can also add in small seeds, nuts, or dried fruit if you wish. Then mold the mixture into shapes or press it into an appropriate feeder or container. This homemade peanut butter bird food is an excellent way to provide your feathered friends with a nutritious and enjoyable treat.