What Birds Eat Strawberries? (Feeding Tips & Precautions)

Strawberries are not only a favorite among humans but also an attractive treat for various bird species. Their vibrant red color, sweet aroma, and juicy texture appeal to many birds, making them a common natural choice. Among these feathery enthusiasts, you’ll find thrushes, blackbirds, and blue jays especially eager to snack on these delightful berries.

However, it’s not just about the enjoyment of a tasty treat; strawberries can also provide essential nutrients for birds as a part of their varied diet. In addition to strawberries, many birds also enjoy other fruits and berries, which supply them with the energy they need to survive and thrive. By understanding which birds are drawn to strawberries and the benefits they gain from them, one can better plan a bird-friendly garden while minimizing potential conflicts with these berry-loving creatures.

Key Takeaways

Several bird species, such as thrushes, blackbirds, and blue jays, are attracted to eating strawberries.
Strawberries and other fruits provide essential nutrients and energy for birds as part of their varied diet.
Planning a bird-friendly garden while minimizing conflicts with berry-loving creatures can benefit both the birds and your plants.

Birds That Eat Strawberries

Strawberries are a popular fruit not only for humans but also for various bird species. The juicy, ripe fruits provide a delicious and nutritious snack that many birds enjoy, including:

Robins
Cedar Waxwings
Finches
Blackbirds
Grackles
Chickadees
Titmice
Grosbeaks
Thrushes
Mockingbirds
Hummingbirds
Sapsuckers
Thrashers
Woodpeckers
Orioles
Warblers
Wrens

Lovers of this tasty treat include American Robins and Cedar Waxwings. Their preference for ripe fruits makes them prime candidates for strawberry consumption source.

Some more unique backyard visitors, like Yellow-rumped Warblers, can digest the waxy coating found on the berries of juniper, poison ivy, poison oak, and Virginia creeper as well source. They may also enjoy strawberries when available.

Additionally, there are bird species that occasionally snack on strawberries, such as Orioles, Hummingbirds, and Sapsuckers. While not their primary food source, these birds may find the fruits appealing if other food sources are scarce.

Now that you have an idea of which bird species indulge in strawberries, keep an eye out for these visitors in your backyard! Make sure to consider preventative measures if you’re growing strawberries, so you can protect your crop while still appreciating your feathery friends.

Read Next: What Birds Eat Bananas?

Importance of Fruit in Birds’ Diet

Fruits play a significant role in the diet of many bird species, providing necessary nutrients that promote the overall health of these creatures. In particular, fruits like strawberries are an excellent source of key vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. As the seasons change, so does the availability of various fruits. During the spring and summer, a wide variety of fruits – such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries – become ripe and readily available to birds.

As birds feast on different fruits, they consume the soft flesh and, in the process, obtain various essential components required for their wellbeing. This includes a range of vitamins, such as vitamin C, which help support the birds’ immune systems, keeping them healthy and able to reproduce.

Not only do fruits provide birds with important nutrients, but they also serve as valuable sources of sugar and hydration. The natural sugars present in fruits offer birds a boost of energy to maintain their active lifestyles. Moreover, during the hotter seasons, birds require extra water to stay hydrated. The juiciness of fruits like strawberries helps birds quench their thirst, keeping them hydrated.

Even during the colder seasons, many birds can find sustenance from fruit-bearing trees, which provide a combination of seeds and fruit. While some birds predominantly prefer insect-based diets, the variety of fruit available year-round makes them an essential part of their diet. For example, American Robins and Cedar Waxwings relish strawberries, alongside other fruit options, completing a diverse menu of items that cater to their nutritional needs.

Tips for Feeding Strawberries Safely

Feeding strawberries to birds is a delightful treat they’ll surely enjoy. Not only do strawberries provide a sweet, juicy snack for your feathered friends, but they also offer essential vitamins and nutrients that boost their overall health. It’s essential, though, to feed strawberries to birds safely to ensure their well-being.

Below are some helpful tips on doing that.

Choose Fruit Carefully

When offering strawberries to birds, it’s essential to choose organic strawberries whenever possible. Organic berries are free from harmful pesticides, which can be toxic to birds. Before feeding strawberries to birds, wash them thoroughly to remove any residual dirt or chemicals that may be harmful. Furthermore, overly ripe or fermenting fruit may cause diarrhea, so making sure the fruit is still fresh ensures the birds stay healthy.

If you’re interested in feeding dried strawberries to birds, ensure that they don’t contain any artificial sweeteners. These additives can lead to diarrhea and other health complications. It’s always best to provide birds with the most natural and wholesome food possible.

Cut Off Strawberry Tops

Don’t forget to remove the strawberry tops before feeding them to your pet birds. The sharp, green leafy tops can be difficult for birds to navigate with their beaks and claws. To prevent any potential injuries, simply cut off the tops and serve the ripe fruit in a clean dish.

Choose the Right Setup

Bird feeders can be a great way to provide strawberries for wild birds, especially during the winter months when food sources are more scarce. Platform feeders and fruit feeders can accommodate whole strawberries or pieces of the fruit. This method allows various birds that eat strawberries to access the tasty berries comfortably.

Gardeners can also plant fruit-bearing trees and bushes to create a natural buffet for a mix of fruit-eating birds like grackles, finches, and orioles.

Consider Birds’ Dietary Preferences

Carnivorous birds, such as raptors, may not consume strawberries, as their dietary preferences lie elsewhere. In contrast, other birds like chickadees and parrots are more than happy to nibble on ripe strawberries. Always consider the specific dietary needs of the bird species you’re catering to before offering strawberries.

By following these guidelines, feeding strawberries to birds can be a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your feathered friends. With the right preparation and presentation, strawberries can be a delicious, healthy snack that brightens their day and supports their overall well-being.

Dealing with Pests and Other Competitors

When growing strawberries in your garden, it is essential to be aware of the various pests, including birds, that can cause damage to your crop. Birds like crows, blue jays, American robins, and scrub jays are common culprits that enjoy eating sweet strawberries¹. Alongside birds, you may also find ants and other insects causing issues for your plants.

Physical Deterrents

To protect your strawberries from pests, one effective method is using netting². This simple solution involves covering your strawberry patch with a net that provides a barrier between the birds and the fruit. Bird netting can be draped over fence supports or stakes driven into the soil. Alternatively, a floating row cover can be used to shield your plants from birds while still allowing sunlight and moisture to reach them.

By covering your strawberry plants with bird netting, you can significantly reduce the risk of birds pecking at your delicious harvest. Additionally, securing netting high above your plants can also deter ants from reaching them. Just remember, it is crucial to check the netting regularly for any damage and ensure that no birds or other critters have become caught in it.

Scare Tactics

In addition to physical barriers, you can also employ scare tactics to keep birds away from your strawberry garden. Aluminum pie pans or old CDs can be hung from a string around your garden to create a reflecting, light-catching device that may spook the birds. Placing these objects near your strawberry plants could help to deter birds from getting too close.

Many gardeners also opt to use scarecrows or other decoys³ in their garden as a traditional bird deterrent method. These can help to ward off pesky birds, particularly larger species like crows that can cause significant damage to your strawberries.

Plant Health

It’s also essential to focus on maintaining the health of your strawberry plants. Healthy plants are more resistant to pests and diseases, so ensure your plants receive adequate nutrition through the use of appropriate fertilizers.

Another key aspect of maintaining a healthy strawberry garden is proper hydration. Ensuring that your strawberries receive adequate moisture can help prevent mold and increase the overall health of your fruit. As well, make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot.

Conscious Planting

It’s a good idea to plant shrubs and other vegetation around your strawberry garden. These plants can act as a natural barrier and may provide additional hiding spots for birds that may be less interested in your strawberries when alternative food sources are available.

Targeted Pesticides

For certain insect pests, such as nymphs from the eggs of the strawberry crown borer or the tarnished plant bug, you may need to apply targeted pesticides⁴ according to the specific pest you’re dealing with. Always research the best method for dealing with each insect and use pesticide products responsibly.

If you’re striving for an organic garden, consider using natural pest deterrents – such as companion planting or biological control methods – rather than harmful chemical pesticides. This will not only keep your strawberry garden safe for you to enjoy, but also for the birds and other wildlife that thrive on a more balanced ecosystem.

Natural Predators

Attracting and providing a habitat for native, insect-eating birds can be a bonus for your garden too. Many backyard birds, such as wrens, bluebirds, and chickadees, will help to keep insect populations in check. By setting up bird feeders with suitable birdseed, and planting trees and shrubs for nesting, you can welcome these helpful feathered friends into your garden environment⁵.

Remember, while it is crucial to protect your strawberries from hungry birds and pests, it’s also essential to maintain a healthy and balanced garden ecosystem. With the right strategies in place, you can successfully reap a bountiful harvest while coexisting with the wild and beautiful creatures that visit your garden.

Offering Alternatives to Strawberries for Birds

Birds are known to enjoy a wide range of fruits, including strawberries. However, if you want to deter them from eating your strawberries, offering alternative food options can help satisfy their nutritional needs while still attracting them to your garden.

For granivorous birds, such as finches, consider incorporating bird feeders filled with birdseed. This will give them a more suitable option and minimize their interest in your strawberry plants. Platform feeders work well in this situation, as they are accessible and can hold a variety of seeds.
Switching out strawberries for other types of fruit can also help. Certain wild birds may be attracted to fruit trees or bushes that produce blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. These fruits offer a similar food experience to strawberries without risking your crop. Planting these alternatives around your garden will draw them away from your strawberries, while simultaneously providing the birds with a delicious and nutritious snack.
Don’t forget about the charming hummingbirds that may visit your garden too! These fascinating creatures are more attracted to flowers than fruits, so providing nectar-rich flowers can be a great alternative. Additionally, installing hummingbird-specific feeders filled with sugar-water can keep them happy and hydrated without posing any threat to your strawberries.

By implementing these various fruit feeders and other alternatives, you can cater to a variety of wild birds during the spring and summer months while still protecting your precious strawberry plants. This ensures that you, as well as your local flock, can fully enjoy the season’s bounty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What species of birds are attracted to strawberry plants?

Several bird species are attracted to strawberry plants, including fruit-eating birds like Orioles, Finches, Woodpeckers, Blackbirds, Parrots, and Cockatoos [1]. These birds enjoy the soft and sweet fruit, making strawberries a tempting treat for them.

How can I prevent birds from eating my strawberries?

To protect your strawberries from birds, consider using bird netting or visual deterrents like reflective tape, scarecrows, or shiny objects that move in the wind. It’s essential to use a combination of these methods and monitor your garden frequently to make adjustments as needed.

Are there any bird-friendly alternatives to strawberries?

Yes, there are bird-friendly alternatives to strawberries. If you’re looking to attract birds to your garden without risking damage to your strawberry plants, try planting bird-friendly plants like sunflowers, berry bushes, or flowering plants with fruit or seeds birds enjoy. This will give them a food source without putting your strawberries at risk.

Do birds damage strawberry plants in other ways?

Aside from eating the fruit, birds may cause other types of damage to strawberry plants. For instance, they might perch on branches, breaking them, or dig into the soil around the plants, exposing the roots. However, these types of damage are usually minor compared to the potential loss of fruit to bird consumption.

How can I protect my berry garden from birds?

In addition to using bird netting and visual deterrents, you can also plant species that are less appealing to birds, such as gooseberries, currants, or raspberries. These fruit varieties are more resistant to bird predation, as their sour or bitter taste discourage birds from eating them. Additionally, choose locations where birds are less likely to visit, like away from trees or other perching spots.

What other fruits are commonly eaten by birds?

Besides strawberries, birds may also enjoy other kinds of fruits, such as cherries, blueberries, raspberries, and mulberries. Some birds prefer to eat insects, worms, or seeds, but many fruit-eating species will take advantage of available fruit sources, especially during breeding or migration seasons.