Curious what the best pet birds for beginners are? You've come to the right place! This list should give you some ideas and help you choose the right bird for you.

Before adopting a beaked buddy, there are several things to consider. Alongside investing in the best bird cage, you'll want to consider how noisy each species is, how much attention they require and what sort of time commitment you're getting into – spoiler alert: some birds can live for 60 years in captivity!

Taking care of pet birds is much the same as taking care of any other pet. Just like dogs and cats, they require plenty of physical and mental enrichment, a healthy diet and lots of love and affection in order to thrive.

If you've been thinking about getting a pet bird but aren't quite sure where to begin, we've got you covered. Below, you'll find the best pet birds for beginners from the petite parrotlet to the rather huge hyacinth macaw.

Best pet birds for beginners

1. Canary

Canaries make fantastic beginner birds thanks to their delightful demeanour and sweet, melodious song. Small and easy to care for, the canary doesn't require constant interaction and is quite happy in their own space.

Native to the Canary Islands, these little birds come in over 200 different varieties with yellow canaries in particular being popular pets. Their cage should be long with lots of vertical space to allow them to fly and it should be covered at night to create enough darkness to enable them to sleep.

Canaries enjoy being around people but do not like heavy handling, and because they're solitary birds, they should be housed alone.

2. Parrotlet

The smallest of the parrot species, the parrotlet may be tiny but they come packed with personality. There are lots of different types of parrotlets and they can be great first birds for families with children given how active they are.

Because they're not overly loud or squawky, they're also a good choice if you live in an apartment or home with neighbors in close proximity. While they don't talk as much as larger parrots, parrotlets can be taught a few basic words and they tend to be both affectionate and playful.

Training is essential with these birds to prevent them from becoming territorial around their cage, and while they prefer to live in opposite sex pairs, if you want to bond deeply with your parrotlet, consider getting just one.

3. Budgerigar

The most popular bird in the United States, the budgie is a small and affectionate parrot who comes in many shades of blue, yellow, green and white with black speckling.

Budgies are extremely friendly and affectionate birds and with a little bit of training, they can learn to talk – with many having broader vocabularies than the cockatoo.

There are lots of things birds can eat other than bird food, which is just as well as budgies like a varied diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

With the right care, budgies can live for up to 15 years and because they're flock birds who enjoy companionship, it's worth getting more than one unless you have plenty of time to devote to interacting with them.

4. Dove

If you've never owned a bird before, the sweet-natured dove is a brilliant first choice. Considered a symbol of peace in many cultures, this graceful and calm bird rarely nips or bites and their tranquil temperament makes them a wonderful addition to families with children.

Relatively quiet except for gentle cooing sounds, doves have simple care needs and are non-demanding. While they are affectionate and bond with their owners, they don't require lots of one-on-one interaction provided they have other doves for company.

5. Cockatiel

Gentle-natured birds who bond with their owners, cockatiels are intelligent, social and affectionate. As long as they've been socialized well from a young age, they'll be more than happy to be handled and most will live for up to 25 years with the right care.

Cockatiels like to play, so you'll want to make sure they have plenty of toys in their cage – especially those that encourage foraging and chewing. It's also worth noting that these birds have very sensitive respiratory systems, so they must be kept away from products that emit toxic fumes, such as candles and aerosol sprays.

6. Green-cheeked conure

A popular parrot due to their small size, the green-cheeked conure is a beautiful bird with a playful, curious and intelligent nature. While they're easy to care for and therefore a good choice for beginners, they're best suited to owners who are home a lot as they require a lot of attention and interaction in order to stay happy and healthy.

Mischievous and engaging, they make delightfully lively pets but are easygoing and quiet enough to make them suitable for families. Green-cheeked conures can be trained to do tricks and while they don't usually talk, they enjoy being part of all aspects of their humans lives.

7. Hahn's Macaw

The Hahn's Macaw is a charming bird that's easy to tame and is a good option if you'd like to have a parrot but would like one with a manageable temperament. Native to north-eastern South America, they're the smallest of the macaws and are known for their bold, fun and active nature.

Compact and playful, they're a joy to train and they typically form very solid bonds with their owners. Gentle birds who aren't prone to nipping or biting, the Hahn's Macaw is a sweet bird but it's worth noting that they can be very noisy, so they're not suitable for apartment living.

8. Eclectus parrot

Looking for a family-oriented bird with a calm temperament? The eclectus parrot may well be the feathered friend for you. An eye-catching beauty thanks to their boldly colored plumage, these birds are charming, intelligent and can live for up to 50 years with the right care.

Originating in the tropical rainforests of the Solomon Islands, the eclectus parrot is gentle, tranquil and known for its caring nature. Sensitive souls who thrive on spending time with their owners, they do not do well if they feel neglected and can become stressed without regular interaction. Quick to learn, you can train them to talk and do tricks and their unique honk is sure to keep you amused.

9. Lovebird

Lovebirds come in every color you can think of, so owning a few of these beauties is sure to brighten up your home. Chatty and active birds who need lots of attention, when handled frequently they tend to bond deeply with their humans and enjoy cuddling.

Lovebirds require lots of exercise to keep them happy, so if you're after a bird you can let roam around the house each day, a lovebird would be a good option. They're typically best kept in pairs unless you have a lot of time each day to interact with them and while not known for being big talkers, they do communicate with whistles and chirps.

10. Hyacinth macaw

A cobalt blue beauty with a splash of yellow around the eyes and mouth, the striking hyacinth macaw is a parrot native to central and eastern South America. It is the largest macaw and the largest flying parrot species, so you'll want to make sure you have a very large commercial cage if you plan to welcome one of these birds in to your life.

A playful and affectionate bird, the hyacinth macaw loves to cuddle and is known for being gentle, so they're a good choice if you're after a feathered friend you can build a strong connection with. However, given that they can live for 50 years, you'll want to consider the lengthy commitment before adopting one.

11. African Grey parrot

African Grey parrots are beautiful and intelligent birds who typically choose one human to devote themselves to. They become remarkably adept at reading this person's emotions and remain attuned to them throughout their life.

These birds love to talk and mimic sounds, so if you plan on adopting one, expect plenty of chatter in your home. Known as the Einsteins of the bird world because of how smart they are, African Greys need lots of physical and mental stimulation to keep them healthy.

12. Finch

Finches are known for being robust, adaptable and easy to care for, so they're a great bird for beginners. Small songbirds that can be found in flocks all over the world, finches are social creatures who enjoy spending time with each other.

While not fond of being handled by humans, if you hand raise them they can be trained to sit on your hand during feeding time, but other than that, they're more of a bird to enjoy watching as opposed to actively interacting with.

Finches have a very pleasant sound and with the right care they can live for between five and 10 years.

13. Bourke’s Parakeet

Bourke's Parakeets are hardy birds that make wonderful companions for first-time bird owners. Calm and relatively quiet, they're great for apartment-dwellers and don't need lots of space.

Native to Australia, Bourke's parakeets are incredibly good-natured and they make very gentle pets when hand-fed as babies. Peaceful and passive, if you'd like to keep a variety of birds they get along beautifully with doves, finches and other small parakeets.

Mellow in both vocalization and attitude, they are most active at dawn and dusk and tend to be fairly chilled out the rest of the day.

14. Pionus parrot

Considered the best kept secret of the bird world, the pionus parrot has all the fabulous traits of a parrot with none of the drawbacks. Native to central and South America, they are quiet and easygoing birds and while not a total love-sponge, they are certainly affectionate with their humans.

Pionus parrots enjoy spending time with their owners and giving them plenty of attention will ensure they grow up to become a wonderful companion. If properly cared for, these birds can live anywhere between 25–40 years, so they're well suited to people looking for a long-lived feathered friend.

15. Amazon Parrot

An intelligent and sociable bird that can live for up to 60 years, the Amazon Parrot is a medium to large sized bird with a playful and clownish nature that's sure to keep you both entertained and amused.

Curious and athletic, Amazon Parrots are usually very comfortable with being handled as long as they've been hand-raised from a young age. Very loving, they need several hours of interaction with their humans each day to prevent them from becoming bored, depressed and destructive so letting them out of their cage and giving them free access to the house during the day will be very much appreciated.

16. Lineolated parakeet

Lineolated parakeets are gentle birds who are known for having an easygoing and calm temperament. Relatively quiet considering they're a parrot, these little birds are mild-mannered, mellow and communicate in mumbles and murmurs rather than lots of loud squawking.

Rather comically, these birds really like to walk, so much so that they'll often choose that over flying and the fact that they strut about with their bodies almost parallel to the ground is a very sweet sight to observe.

Lineolated parakeets love to play in water, so giving them access to this each day will offer them one of their favorite sources of enrichment.

17. Meyer's parrot

Funny, playful and highly intelligent, Meyer's parrots are gentle birds who love to socialize with their human family. Calm and affectionate, they're relatively quiet and undemanding as far as parrots go and are typically easygoing with a stable temperament.

While they form bonds with all of the people in their life, they don't need to be the center of attention all the time and are quite happy to sit on their perch and watch all of the household activity when people are too busy to amuse them.

While not big cuddle bugs, they are content to be handled and a good head and neck scratch will win you some serious brownie points.

18. Quaker parrot

The Quaker parrot (also known as the monk parakeet) is a small bird loved for their charming and comical personality. If you want all the fun of a large parrot but in a much tinier package, the quaker parrot is well worth considering.

Found in a small part of South America, these birds are the only parrots that build nests and they'll often build them next to each other to create Quaker communities.

Confident, bold and social, they enjoy being the center of attention but their devoted nature means they typically bond deeply with just one human.

19. Crimson-bellied conure

Known for being delightfully silly and oh-so-cuddly, the crimson-bellied conure is an affectionate little parrot with an incredibly sweet nature. Real feathered charmers, they are striking birds to look at and are generally quiet.

Fun and friendly, they love to snuggle up with their owners and are a brilliant choice if you're looking for a laid-back companion. While not as quick to learn as some other birds, the crimson-bellied conure can still be taught tricks and their daily goofy antics are guaranteed to keep a smile on your face.

20. Plum-headed parakeet

A medium-sized parrot of breathtaking beauty, the plum-headed parakeet is a real showstopper of a bird. Native to South Asia where they live in woodlands and forests, the plum-headed parakeet needs plenty of human interaction but is less demanding than many other parrot species.

Gentle, affectionate and social, they love spending time with their favorite humans but can be standoffish with strangers. As long as they're hand-fed as babies, these birds tend to be very tame and will form strong bonds with their owners.

Plum-headed parakeets aren't cuddlers, but they do like to sit on their humans shoulders and chat away.

Read next: Quietest pet birds

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

There are some pet birds that like to be handled and others that don't, so it's worth giving some thought to how important this is to you before you adopt. If you want a species that will let you pick them up and perhaps even give them a cuddle, the birds on this list tick that box nicely.

Taking care of pet birds isn't as easy as you might think – just like dogs and cats, our beaked buddies require lots of attention and affection in order to thrive – although some require more interaction than others.

The birds below all enjoy human companionship, with many forming deep bonds with their humans. Some require training and socialization from a young age to make them easy to handle while others will enjoy (and demand!) handling from the minute they meet you.

Pet birds that like to be handled

1. Budgerigar

The budgerigar, or 'budgie' as it's often called, is one of the most popular bird breeds worldwide and for good reason. Gentle, sweet-natured, and affectionate, they are lovely birds who can live for around 10-12 years with the correct care.

Budgies are known for mimicking sounds, and they love learning new tricks, so they can be very entertaining pets to have in the home. Budgies that have been hand-raised by humans are happy to be handled, and they're very social creatures, so they do best with another budgie or an owner who can give them a lot of interaction.

2. Cockatiel

The cockatiel is a playful, curious, and sociable bird that thrives when they have lots of human companionship. They adore being petted, especially around their crest, and have a reputation for loving a cuddle or two.

Cockatiels have a long lifespan, with many living well into their twenties, so it's worth bearing in mind that if you plan to adopt one, you'll likely have them for a long time. They need a lot of attention to ensure they thrive and while generally gentle birds, they can sometimes playfully nip when they're having fun.

3. Cockatoo

Known as the Velcro bird because of how cuddly they are with their owners, Cockatoos are lively and affectionate birds with an intelligent nature. Highly social, these birds bond deeply with their humans and crave their companionship, so they don't do well in homes where there's no one around during the day.

Loyal and playful, cockatoos love to vocalise, so expect a lot of noise in your life if you plan on adopting one of these birds. Cockatoos are quite demanding creatures who require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy – they can also live for up to 70 years, so you'll want to ensure you have the time and energy to devote to them.

4. Lovebird

They may be small, but lovebirds are very active and surprisingly feisty at times, given their name! Curious and playful, these birds come in a range of beautiful colors and make truly charming companions.

With a life expectancy of 10-15 years, lovebirds are flock animals who thrive when they have other lovebirds to keep them company. However, they also bond deeply with their humans and enjoy being handled. Just bear in mind that they can be territorial and aggressive if not properly trained from a young age.

5. African Grey Parrot

If you're a fan of birds with complex personalities and off-the-charts intelligence, then the African Grey Parrot may well be your new forever friend. Known for their persistence in trying to solicit head scratches from their humans, this bird has an extraordinary ability to imitate those around them, an extensive vocabulary, and a love of putting it all to good use by chatting nonstop.

Playful birds who enjoy climbing and chewing, because the African Grey Parrot is so smart, they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation each day, with the best toys for parrots to keep them from becoming bored and destructive. These birds thrive on predictable schedules and routines and do not like change.

6. Green-Cheeked Conure

A big personality packed into a small body, green-cheeked conures like to be held and are never happier than when spending time interacting with their favorite humans. Relatively quiet birds, they're striking to look at and mischievous in nature.

Green-cheeked conures can live for up to 30 years, so they're a great choice if you're after a feathered friend who will be with you for a long time. Known to be fast learners, they do well with training, and while they can be nippy at times, they're generally fairly easygoing birds.

7. Hyacinth Macaw

Gentle giants who form strong bonds with their human family, the Hyacinth Macaw is a striking bird with a cobalt blue coat and bright yellow markings around their eyes and the base of their lower jaw. They are the largest parrot by length in the world, measuring 40 inches from head to tail, and can live for up to 60 years.

Powerful birds with strong beaks, you do need to take care when interacting with them, as even though they are fairly docile, a playful nip could still cause injury. Affectionate and intelligent, they demand a lot of attention and can be very vocal, so they're not a good choice if you have neighbors in close range!

8. Canary

A sweet and gentle little soul who is known for being very hands-on with its owners, the Canary is an active and lively bird who can be handled fairly easily, although they don't like being held for long periods like a budgie might.

With its cheerful disposition and melodious voice, the Canary is a delight to have in the home and while they enjoy the company of people, they are very undemanding. A fairly solitary bird, the Canary will co-exist with other birds in an aviary without issue, but they are very content to be housed alone.

9. Dove

Doves are placid and mild-mannered birds with sweet and quiet natures. A symbol of peace in many cultures, they are calm, graceful, and great for beginners. They live for an average of 10 years, but with the proper care, many can live beyond this.

All doves are different, so some do prefer a hands-off approach, but many others will be quite happy to accept gentle handling. Their soothing coos can be wonderful to have in the home, although it's worth noting that they are social birds who like to live in small flocks, so you'll want to get more than one.

10. Parrotlet

A spirited bird with a personality much bigger than their small size, the parrotlet craves human interaction but is known for being stubborn and more than a little cheeky at times. Charming and intelligent, parrotlets come in a range of colors and can live for up to 30 years.

While they're affectionate and quiet, they are also known for being feisty and temperamental but thankfully, training, socialization, and lots of mental stimulation can help to reduce this. They enjoy cuddling and being petted and are smart enough to learn new tricks.

11. Double Yellow-Headed Amazon

A striking bird with a green body and yellow head, the Double Yellow-Headed Amazon is a medium-sized parrot that can live a whopping 80 years or more when well cared for.

When hand-fed and reared from a young age, these birds can make wonderful pets thanks to their affectionate nature, but they expect (and demand) to be the center of attention, so they need an owner who can give them a lot of attention.

12. Eclectus parrot

An observant bird who is often described by those who own one as being calm, caring, and tranquil in nature, the eclectus parrot is an affectionate soul who enjoys being included in family life and forges strong bonds with their humans.

Eclectus parrots can live for up to 50 years, and they have eye-catching colors that will make them the main conversation piece when visitors come to your home. They are very friendly birds, but they are also deeply sensitive and can become stressed if they feel they're not being given enough attention.

13. Pionus parrot

Sweet-tempered and easygoing, the gentle pionus parrot is a great choice if you've never owned a bird before. They are very devoted to their humans, but at the same time, they have a lovely independent streak that makes them an undemanding companion.

Pionus parrots enjoy interacting with their owners and love playing games. They're a relatively quiet species so they're ideal if you live in an apartment or busy suburban street with neighbors in close proximity. They tend to attach most strongly to one person and can live for 40 years.

14. Meyer's Parrot

Highly intelligent and very funny, the Meyer's Parrot is a small and stocky bird with a life expectancy of around 30 years. Laid back and hugely social, they like regular handling and can be very affectionate.

Gentle and quiet, the Meyer's Parrot enjoys being the center of attention and tends to bond equally with all members of their human family. Because they're so smart and quick to learn, you'll find it a breeze teaching them new tricks, which can be a great way of offering them the mental stimulation they need to thrive.

15. Red-shouldered macaw

Also known as the Hahn's Macaw, the red-shouldered macaw is the smallest of the Macaws, and their playful nature makes them an ideal family pet. They love learning new tricks, and with practice, they can become good talkers with a wide vocabulary.

Although small, these charming birds have big personalities, but if you're on the hunt for a fun-filled companion, this could well be the bird for you. Affectionate souls who bond strongly with their people, as long as they've been hand-raised, they're very easy to handle.

16. Indian Ringneck Parakeet

The Indian Ringneck Parakeet can make a great pet – as long as it's socialized from a young age to get it comfortable with being handled. Playful and remarkably intelligent, they are curious and playful birds with outstanding vocal abilities.

While they can be very interactive with their humans, they're also independent enough to be comfortable with you not being around 24/7. They may not be cuddly birds, but Indian Ringneck Parakeets love to bond with their family through play and training.

17. Bourke's Parakeet

A gentle, peaceful, and even-tempered bird with a calm temperament and a friendly nature, the Bourke's Parakeet is a joy to have in the home. They have a soft and tranquil voice and demeanor, and while they still need daily mental and physical enrichment, they are less active than other birds.

While they are bonded to their humans and like to ride on their shoulders, they're also independent enough to entertain themselves when their favorite people are out of the house. With the right care, Bourke's Parakeets can live for around 25 years.

18. Scarlet-chested parakeet

The scarlet-chested parakeet is a stunning bird that sports a range of bold and beautiful colors. Gentle and docile, they are introverted in nature and a wonderful choice if you're looking for a quiet companion.

While they're not gregarious and demanding of attention and affection like some birds, they enjoy interacting with people and can be handled as long as they have had proper socialization from a young age.

19. Lineolated parakeet

Named for its fine lines, the lineolated parakeet is one of the quietest and calmest members of the parrot family, which makes it a good choice for apartment dwellers. Charming and even-tempered, they are comical creatures who make very entertaining pets.

The lineolated parakeet is always eager to spend time with their humans, and it adores perching on their shoulders or following them around the house. While they're very mellow birds, they do bore easily, so they're best suited to people who have lots of time to spend interacting with them.

20. Jardine’s Parrot

Playful and energetic with a steady and mild temperament, the Jardine's Parrot is outgoing, affectionate, and highly intelligent. These birds adore a good head scratch, and while they're fairly independent, they still enjoy lots of interaction.

A fairly long-lived bird, Jardine's Parrots can live for around 35 years with the right care and attention. Less demanding than other parrots, they can happily entertain themselves as long as they have lots of toys to keep them occupied and while they can be easily handled, you'll want all members of the family to be handling them from a young age to prevent them from becoming a one-person bird.

Read next: Quietest pet birds

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.

If you've just welcomed a new feathered friend into your life and are looking for ways to bond with your bird, you'll find so many wonderful tips in this guide.

Birds make fantastic companions, but just like us, they all have their own unique personality so some may forge an instant connection with you while others may take time to warm up.

When it comes to our top tips for taking care of pet birds, nurturing the relationship you share with them is high on the list. Depending on where you get your beaked buddy from, they may have had previous experiences that have left them shy or even fearful of humans. But rest assured, with a little love and care, you can develop a fulfilling and meaningful relationship with your pet.

Below, we share a range of ways to bond with your pet bird. Oh, and spoiler alert: number 16 is our absolute favorite!

Ways to bond with your bird

1. Spend time near their cage

While it may seem simple, one of the best things you can do to start to build a bond with your bird is to sit by their cage. Once you've invested in the best bird cage, place the cage in a frequently used room so your bird can get used to your presence.

Spend time each day sitting near their cage. You might place a chair right beside or sit across the room and quietly read a book. Practice doing this each day at various times so they get used to you coming and going. Once they're comfortable with your presence (they're vocalizing and appear curious), you can open the cage door and start to interact with them in a closer way.

2. Handle them gently

Once your bird is used to your presence and seems comfortable having you nearby, you can start to introduce some gentle physical contact. Being able to handle your bird is important, as not only does it deepen the bond you share, but there may be times where you want to groom them or inspect them for injuries – having them trust you enough to let you handle them will make the job a whole lot easier!

Start by gently stroking their head or neck, these are the two areas that birds typically enjoy having touched. Take care to avoid any areas below the neck as touching their back or feathers can stimulate their hormones and lead to unwanted breeding behaviors. Once you've earned your bird's trust, you can work up to other forms of physical contact, such as encouraging them to perch on your arm or shoulder.

3. Speak in a soft and gentle voice

When interacting with your pet bird, it's generally best to speak to them in a soft and calm voice. Birds are sensitive to loud noises, and using a quiet tone of voice helps to create a soothing environment for them. Not only that, but a gentle voice can strengthen your bond by ensuring your bird sees you as a trustworthy friend.

4. Play with your bird

One of the most effective ways to bond with your pet bird is to spend time playing with them. Offering your feathered friend lots of mental and physical stimulation with the best toys for birds can be a fantastic way to build a friendship built on fun, safety, and trust.

Pop lots of different toys in their habitat, but also leave their cage door open so that they have the whole room to use. Giving your bird lots of enrichment opportunities can ward off boredom and help prevent destructive behaviors.

5. Offer them treats

There are plenty of nutritious things birds can eat other than bird food – such as apples, bananas, and hard-boiled eggs, to name a few! Nothing will make a bird view you as their favorite person more than offering them a tasty treat, just be sure to keep their diet healthy and balanced to prevent weight gain.

6. Train them

Did you know that you can train your feathered friend? It's true! Birds are highly intelligent, and because they love mental and physical stimulation, most are very responsive to training. From teaching them to perform tricks to getting them to repeat different words, you'll find training your bird isn't just great for strengthening your bond, it's incredibly fun, too.

7. Give hand feeding a go

Hand feeding can be a great way to build trust with your bird and help them see you as a safe and friendly presence in their life. First, you'll want to choose what you're going to feed them – their favorite seed mix or small pieces of fruit and vegetables can be a great choice.

To begin with, try offering these treats through the bars of your bird's cage. This can be a good way to help establish a rapport with birds who may be shy or lacking in confidence. If they seem happy to take food through the bars, you can try opening the cage door and resting the food in your palm. Don't force any interactions and instead let your feathered friend come to you.

8. Avoid loud noises

Most pet birds are not fond of loud noises. While you don't have to keep your feathered friend shut away in a completely silent room, constant, loud sounds are stressful for birds and can result in chronic stress and even behavioral problems.

It's worth noting that consistent, predictable sounds (like the sound of you chatting, the TV on at a normal volume, and comings and goings in your home) are fine for birds, and they tend to adapt well to these. However, you'll want to avoid playing very loud music or having too much hustle and bustle around your bird.

9. Don't force interactions

While it can be tempting to try to fast-track the relationship you have with your beaked buddy, never force them to interact with you. As with any person or other animal in your life, it's important to respect your bird's boundaries. Always go at your bird's pace and let them come to you – starting small is the key to building trust.

10. Share a meal with your bird

Bonded birds in the wild will often share food with one another as a way of strengthening their relationship, so why not sit down to dinner with your feathered friend? Sharing food that's safe and non-toxic to birds is a great way to get your beaked buddy to see you as part of their flock.

11. Groom them

Grooming your bird can be a wonderful way to bond with them, as this mimics the natural behavior they'd engage in with their own flock if they were in the wild. Grooming needs to be done very gently and only if your bird agrees to it.

You can start by giving them a little head scratch and seeing how they respond. If they seem happy with that, you could try removing any loose feathers that you can see before working your way up to trimming their nails. Take it slowly and use lots of positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praise.

12. Socialize with your bird

Birds are incredibly smart creatures, and they remember the interactions they have with humans – both the good and the bad. Spending time hanging out with your beaked buddy is an important part of building a bond with them, and it's especially crucial if you've rescued them from a shelter.

Birds that have had negative experiences with previous owners can be nervous around people, so letting them be in your presence in a calm and gentle way can help them to rebuild broken trust. Sit with your bird and talk to them, they will absolutely be able to sense your kind energy, and gradually, your feathered friend will begin to feel safe enough that you can increase the amount of time you spend with them.

13. Use verbal praise

Offering your pet lots of positive verbal praise is a great way to encourage desirable behaviors. Every time your bird does something you like or want to see more of, such as eating out of your hand, letting you pet them, or perching on your arm, reward them by saying things like “good bird” or “I love you”. This will help your bird associate your voice and presence with positive experiences.

14. Get to know your bird

One of the best ways to bond with your bird is to really get to know and understand them. Observe their behavior, body language, and vocalizations. Is your new beaked buddy loud and extroverted, or are they quiet and reserved? Do they seem confident straight out of the gate, or do you notice they appear anxious or nervous?

Just like each human is unique, so too is each bird. Learning all about your feathered friend, including their individual preferences, likes, and dislikes, will help you meet their needs and build trust.

15. Sing to them

Communication is a big part of all relationships, including the ones we share with our pets. Birds are naturally social and talkative creatures who love to vocalize, and in the wild, they'll often use various whistles and song-type sounds to stay connected to their flock.

When you sing to your bird, you're literally speaking their language, and this can be a wonderful way to help them feel deeply bonded to you. Bonus points if you use a calm and gentle tone, as most birds find this deeply soothing.

16. Dance with your bird

We know, it sounds odd, but many birds respond really well to music and love to have a bit of a dance. Dancing with your feather friend can be such a fun way to bond, and you may just find your beaked buddy copies your moves! Select some upbeat, rhythmic music and start by bobbing your head about – it's highly likely your pet will soon join in.

17. Avoid intense eye contact

Just like cats and dogs, birds dislike prolonged and intense eye contact because, in the wild, it makes them feel like prey that's about to be attacked. Staring at your bird may cause them to feel stressed, anxious, or fearful, so be sure to avoid direct eye contact and use sideways glances instead. This will help your feathered friend to feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable in your presence.

18. Get to know their body language

Understanding your bird's body language is key to building a strong relationship with them. Birds are very expressive creatures, and by observing their body language, you can get an idea of how they're feeling and what they might need from you.

One thing to pay attention to is head bobbing. If your bird is bobbing their head, that's a great sign they're excited to see you and want to engage. Gently wagging their tail or shaking it from side to side can also be a friendly gesture. On the other hand, biting or nipping may signal that your feathered friend is feeling overstimulated.

19. Let them fly

Keeping your bird in a cage for long periods of time can leave them feeling bored and frustrated. To prevent unwanted behaviors from developing and to help build a strong bond with them, be sure to let your beaked buddy have at least six hours a day to fly freely indoors.

Try to make as much of this interactive time between the two of you, even if it's something as simple as watching TV together or sharing a meal. Letting your bird be a part of your day-to-day life will help your friendship blossom.

20. Be patient

Just like human relationships, the relationships we share with our pets take time to build – and birds are no different. Your beaked buddy will need time to get used to you and their new environment, so moving slowly and being patient and consistent is key to ensuring you get off to a good start.

Read next: 32 types of pet birds

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.

Birds often come with a lot of screeching and squawking, and if you prefer the quieter life, you might be wondering what species makes for the quietest pet birds.

So, are birds quiet? It depends on your definition. We're yet to find a pet bird out there that's completely silent – in fact, a bird who stops singing unexpectedly is usually a cause for concern – but there are certainly some pet birds who are quieter than others.

For example, some pet birds simply don't mimic human speech or sounds from their environment with as much gusto, while others only sing at certain times of day. Some chatter constantly, but that chatter in itself is of a modest noise level. All of these instances might push a species into a quieter category.

So, which types of pet birds are the quietest pet birds? We've got a mix for you below, as well as some pet bird tips – and hopefully you’ll find your ideal feathered friend on our list...

13 quietest pet birds

1. African Grey Parrot

As adept mimickers with playful personalities, African Greys make for super companion birds. They have an inquisitive yet sensitive nature, love to play, and thrive on interaction with their pet parents; keeping an African Grey actually has much in common with keeping a dog!

It's true that African Greys have quite a lot to say – mostly noises and phrases they pick up from their surroundings – but their vocalizations are relatively easy on the ears. They generally 'speak' at a maximum of 75 decibels, which is comparable to a toilet flush.

2. Budgerigar

Budgies are a popular feathered pet and have the potential to be hand-tamed with enough care and patience. Alternatively, budgies do well in pairs and, when kept in this way, get plenty of social enrichment from their aviary mate.

Budgies will whistle and chatter in pairs and are more likely to repeat sounds from their handlers and environment when kept alone. Males are the best at mimicry, and their vocalizations, though frequent, are around just 65 decibels, comparable to human speech.

3. Eclectus parrot

These green and red colored birds are active and inquisitive. They thrive in large aviaries and benefit from daily time spent outside their living quarters to exercise and explore, as well as the best toys for parrots to play with.

Eclectus parrots are actually fond of peaceful environments themselves and don't generally tolerate hustle, bustle, and excessive noise. They do chatter quietly and can pick up and repeat a repertoire of sounds from speech to household sounds. They can occasionally raise their voices when excited, and this sometimes exceeds 85 decibels – as loud as a chainsaw!

4. Cockatiel

Another popular pet, the cockatiel, is small in stature but big on personality. They don't have the loudest voices in the bird world, but are by no means silent. They chirp and whistle rather than screech and don't tend to mimic words, but if they do, it's more likely to be a male.

Cockatiels need plenty of enrichment and love to rip up paper and boxes. The crest of feathers on their head displays their emotions: an inquisitive or startled bird's crest will stand on end, while feathers flat back to the head suggest defensiveness.

5. Zebra finch

These little birds are beautiful to look at and are best suited to owners who don't want a hands-on feathered pet such as a parrot. They rarely, if ever, leave their aviary, so they will need enough space to exercise sufficiently with their cage mates, and need the best bird food supplemented with additional foods such as fresh greens and eggshells.

You will love watching your zebra finches play and chatter with one another. While males have a sweet song, especially when engaging in courtship rituals, females do not sing at all.

6. Parrotlet

Parrotlets emit frequent, squeaky chirps that are generally inoffensive to the ear and are unlikely to disturb your neighbors. They are capable of learning some words.

They are active birds that benefit from daily time outside the cage and plenty of toys to play with. They can be kept in pairs, but often become bonded to the exclusion of their owner. If you have the time to offer enough enrichment to a single parrotlet, they will become quite devoted to you.

7. Ring-necked dove

Compared to a chattery parrot, doves definitely deserve to be on the list of quietest pet birds. Doves are a great option for someone interested in keeping birds without the time or inclination to provide the level of interaction a parrot would need.

Doves can be kept outside, don't require or enjoy handling (although can be encouraged to hand feed), and make a constant yet pleasant cooing noise that won't keep your neighbors awake at all hours.

8. Gouldian Finch

These striking rainbow-colored finches are another hands-off bird, but this doesn't mean they are low maintenance. Gouldian finches, like other finches, thrive when their complex nutritional needs are met, and they do best when kept with their own kind – even housing multiple finch species together can be risky.

Gouldian finches can be tamed if you're willing to put in the effort, their soft, chattery singing will delight you as much as their vibrant plumage.

9. Scarlet chested parakeet

These brightly-colored birds are naturally timid but docile and can become true feathered friends with gentle coaxing. They love to bathe and should have access to a shallow dish of clean water at all times.

Scarlet-chested parrots are not prone to the loud, screeching contact calls of noisier parrots and will usually chatter away quietly in a melodic manner. They can sometimes utter high-pitched calls when alarmed, though.

10. Society finch

A popular finch type, the society finch provides the household with low-volume, constant chirrups as a soundtrack to daily life. As with other finch species, this little bird thrives among its own kind and isn't fond of being handled.

A large cage and enrichment are essential for this finch, who should have freedom to fly, play, and have a quiet corner to themselves within the walls of their aviary.

11. Diamond dove

Another bird perfect for the avian enthusiast who perhaps isn't so keen on parrots, the diamond dove is so named for the white spots on its wings.

Doves don't like being handled, perhaps with the exception of those who have been hand-reared. However, they are extremely sociable with one another and prefer to be kept in groups. They spend a lot of time on the ground, so a large horizontal rather than vertical aviary suits them, but giving them the opportunity to fly several times a week is also recommended.

12. Vasa parrot

Vasa parrots emit low, squeaky mumbles – they almost sound as if they are talking to themselves, helping make them one of the quietest pet birds, who definitely won't upset your neighbors.

They enjoy dirt bathing, which is unusual for parrots, are very active, and love their food, so they benefit from foraging toys and games. Female Vasa parrots tend to be larger and a little aggressive towards males of the species, but both sexes can become wonderfully friendly companions.

13. Bourke's parrot

This sweet pink bird is a beautiful sight with a chilled-out personality to boot. The Bourke's parrot is a pretty mellow soul who vocalizes mostly at dawn and dusk – it likes to take flight at these times, too. As such, they need a large flight cage.

One of the friendliest pet birds out there, the Bourke's parrot is known for its tendency to remain ultra-tame with regular handling, even if it has a cage mate.

Read next: 32 types of garden birds

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.

Last updated in July 2025.

If you find a baby bird in your garden, your first instinct might be to try to help it. However, since they're rarely deserted by their parents, most vets (and the RSPB) will probably advise you to leave it alone.

For exceptional cases – like if your cat has brought one into the house or the parents are nowhere to be seen – there are a few ways you can help, with the best option being to call a professional.

Vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan says, "I would always recommend that you speak to a professional if you are attempting to hand-rear a baby bird.

“It is notoriously tricky, and many birds don’t survive long-term. A wildlife rehabilitator or vet will be able to give you the best advice, depending on the type of bird you have and its age."

If you can't get ahold of an expert, Dr. MacMillan has shared the best (and worst) things to feed a baby bird and what to do next below:

What to feed a baby bird

Baby birds should be fed moist food that's easy to swallow and replicates the regurgitated feeds they would have received from their parents.

For young nestlings, Dr. MacMillan recommends syringe-feeding them a mushy mixture of wet cat or dog food, hard-boiled eggs, and crushed mealworms.

However, if the bird is a herbivore, it will need an alternative. You'll need to provide small feeds every 20 minutes during daylight hours in the early stages.

For older, feathered fledglings, you can offer bird seeds or mealworms to see if they can feed themselves. If they need a bit of encouragement, use a pair of tweezers with the soft mealworms to make things easier for them.

Dr. MacMillan adds: "Fledglings that are feeding by themselves can also have a shallow dish of water, but you must never put this in with a helpless nestling who could drown."

If you're caring for an older bird, the best bird food is a good option.

What not to feed a baby bird

This might come as a surprise, but you should never feed your baby bird any scraps or leftovers – yep, even bread! You'll also want to avoid baked goods and other human snacks, as they do not provide the essential nutrients it needs.

Dr. MacMillan adds: "Birds are not mammals, so don’t require milk either. In fact, milk could cause them digestive upset, which is not ideal if they are already struggling.

“Too much salt and sugar could cause serious health issues. Bread products can also swell in the stomach, causing further problems for your baby bird."

For more advice, read our vet's guide on what not to feed wild birds.

What to do with a baby bird

If you find a baby bird and aren’t sure what to do, follow these steps recommended by vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt.

1. Move it to a safe place
First, you'll need to move the baby bird to a safe location. Gently pick it up and place it in a box – you can use a tea towel if you don't want to touch it. Put the lid on (ensuring it has enough air to breathe inside) and keep it in the dark until you decide what to do next. Check if the bird is injured or if there is any blood.

2. Identify the bird
Next, determine whether the bird is a nestling or a fledgling.

A fledgling has most of its feathers and is just learning how to fly. In this case, you can leave the bird where you found it (as long as it's safe) or place the box open and on its side in a bush or on a branch.

If you've found a nestling, it won’t have any feathers and has likely fallen out of the nest – there might even be more than one! Look for the nest, and if you find it, place the bird back inside. If the nest is on the ground, try securing it back in the tree, wiring it into a bush, or propping it up somewhere high.

3. Consider hand-rearing if there are no other options
If there is no way to return the baby bird to its nest or parents (you'll need to watch continuously for two or more hours), consider hand-rearing it. Even better, call a professional who has the proper resources to help.

If you found this helpful, read should you help a baby bird? and how to stop cats killing birds

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.

I don’t know about you, but when I wake up to birdsong I always feel like it’s going to be a good day.

There’s something so spring-like about hearing the birds singing in the garden, and I love watching them squabble over the best bird food at the birdfeeder, too. I’m not alone – more than 610,000 people in the UK joined in with the Big Garden Birdwatch in 2024!

Not only have I enjoyed watching and feeding birds in the garden, but I’ve also treated wild birds in my job as a vet. People regularly find injured wild birds and we always do our best to treat them and return them to the wild – although, unfortunately, it’s often not ethical to keep wild birds captive for long enough for severe injuries to heal.

Nevertheless, I bet there isn’t a vet in the country who hasn’t tried hand-rearing younglings or carefully done their best to assess teeny tiny limbs to check for breaks – it comes with the territory. And it’s nice to do what we can – with the Living Planet report showing that wildlife populations have declined 73% since 1970, doing something to help can feel empowering.

So, let’s take a look at how to attract more birds to your garden so you can do your bit for nature too!

How to attract more birds into your garden this spring

1. Feed them consistently

Once you start feeding birds at home, it’s important to continue consistently. Birds can quickly come to depend on a food source, and the last thing you want is for them to expend energy getting to your garden to find their feeder is empty.

It won’t take them long to stop coming to your garden if that’s the case – we’re still recovering from temporarily running out of food a year ago! Make sure you keep enough bird food in stock to refill it each day.

2. Provide a range of food and feeder types

Different birds like different food, and different feeders too. Some birds prefer to eat from the ground, or a bird table. Others can perch, while others can eat on-the-wing. Some prefer sunflower seeds, while others prefer the tiny Nyger seeds.

By providing a range of foods and feeder types, you’ll attract more varieties of birds to your garden. If you're running low on supplies, you might also want to read our guide on what to feed birds from the kitchen.

3. Spread feeders around

Those stakes or stands with several hooks for hanging feeders off are not very good for birds. They might make it easier for you to refill the feeders, but it’s all too easy for one or two ‘bully birds’ to hoard the food and scare other birds away.

Spreading the feeders around prevents this, and they’ll also be in more different environments, appealing to more species.

You might find these clever ways to hang a bird feeder helpful.

4. Keep food mold-free and clean feeders regularly

Nothing decimates your wild bird population like toxic food or a horrible disease caught at the bird feeder.

If you want to keep your wild birds coming to visit, you’ll need to keep them healthy, and that means regularly cleaning the best bird feeders and changing old food for fresh food to avoid mold.

5. Provide natural foraging opportunities

Some birds just aren’t that keen on feeders, and that’s ok. Try providing natural foraging opportunities by creating micro-habitats in your garden. They really can be ‘micro’ – a couple of sunflowers left to go to seed will be a favorite with seed-eating birds, while an old tin tub turned into a pond will attract insects, and then the insect-eating birds.

A pile of old logs and sticks creates a great habitat for snails, and attracts snail-eaters. And, trust me, there’s something more exciting about watching these birds foraging for real rather than eating at the bird feeder!

6. Give them somewhere to bathe

A pond or a bird bath gives birds somewhere to drink and bathe, encouraging them to spend more time in your garden. Don’t forget, birds like dust baths too – leave a patch of bare earth, or put a large, flat bowl of dry, sandy soil in the sun where they can clean the oil from their feathers.

7. Try some running water or a fountain

Birds seem to also be attracted to the sound and sight of running water, possibly because it’s less likely to be stagnant and is therefore healthier to drink. If you can build a little stream and pump, it’s well worth it. If not, a solar-powered fountain can be a good investment (like this one on Amazon).

8. Provide nesting boxes (of various types)

If you want to see those adorable baby birds attempting to fly and learning to eat from the feeder, you’ll need nest boxes nearby. There are various styles for various species, but to start with you should try to get boxes for birds you know are nearby.

Pay attention to where you hang them – most birds want their nest to be hidden out of sight and with plenty of shelter nearby. A tree or a wall behind a bush are good options, depending on the species.

9. Help them find suitable nesting material

It’s become really popular to put nesting material out to help birds. However, it turns out that a lot of what we’re putting out is actually harmful. Don’t put out hair – pet or human – as scents from shampoos and chemical residues can be harmful to the birds.

Long threads should be avoided – they can tangle and tighten around limbs, restricting blood flow. Similarly, don’t put out yarn unless you’re 100% sure it’s wool, not acrylic – the birds don’t need more plastic in their nests!

The best nesting materials are natural – you could encourage moss to grow, or keep some when you scarify your lawn and put it in a suet feeder, along with twigs, dried leaves, and lawn clippings when you start to tidy your yard. Try to leave some areas less tidy too so birds can forage for their own nesting material.

10. Provide shelter and safe spaces

It’s a scary life, being a bird. Just about everything is bigger than you and plenty is out to get you. The best gardens, therefore, are the ones with plenty of hiding spots.

A bare lawn might be nice to us humans, but birds prefer a garden with plenty of trees, bushes, and large plants to flit between. Planting lots close together, and leaving some areas to grow more wild, can encourage birds to visit your garden.

11. Keep your cats and dogs inside more

If you’re a pet owner, they might be having a profound impact on your local wildlife. Even if you’ve never seen evidence of hunting, their very presence will be putting birds off visiting. (I’m pretty sure my terrier is the main reason birds don’t visit my garden – she chases them and barks in frustration if she can’t reach them).

For dogs, you could stop free access outside, and don’t let them out at key feeding times (e.g. early morning).

For cats used to going out, it can be stressful to change their habits – you could try keeping them as indoor-only if you think your cat won’t mind, or maybe build a ‘catio’ – an outdoor enclosure for them to enjoy, leaving the rest of the garden to the birds.

Birdwatching in your garden is a lovely way to spend the time, and it can come with a real sense of pride when you see birds opting to spend their time in the environment you so lovingly create for them.

To attract more birds to your garden this spring, make sure you buy the best bird food, and provide it in a range of feeders dotted about. Don’t forget they need water to drink and bathe in too.

And it can be well worth letting some areas of your garden grow a little wild – nature will thank you, and in turn you get to spend less time keeping things clear and more time watching the birds.

Found this helpful? Read: Tips for taking care of wild birds and How to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder.

Edited by Megan Milstead.

There’s nothing better than spotting birds in your garden, but I know how tricky it can be to catch a glimpse of them. So, when I saw that the Vinguys Bird Feeder with Camera is 50% off in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, I was thrilled!

With this bird feeder, you’ll never miss them again – it comes with a built-in camera that streams the footage live to your phone. It also uses AI to identify 11,000 different species, perfect for when you can’t quite recall a name or come across a bird you’ve never seen before.

Most camera feeders on the market offer 2K resolution, but this one is slightly better, boasting 2.5K HD and color night vision. When a bird appears, it auto-captures the moment, so even if you’re not watching live, you can check later to see which special guests have visited your garden. It also features a 130° adjustable vertical angle, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.

You can record your sightings, with footage stored in the Cloud for

0 days, or use a TF card for up to 128GB of additional storage. You can replay recordings and images anytime and even share them with friends and family.

I was initially worried about putting a camera in my garden – won’t it get damaged by spring showers? Thankfully, no. The camera is IP66 waterproof, meaning it can withstand powerful water jets.

It’s also solar-powered, so you’ll never run out of charge or have to worry about outdoor electrical installation.

As for the feeder itself, it holds 1.5 liters of the best bird food, ensuring your feathered visitors have plenty to eat throughout the day.

Whether you gift it to your bird-loving family member or keep it for yourself, this deal is a steal for under $100/£150!

For more savings, read: I test pet products for a living, and this discount on the Neakasa P2 Pro Grooming Kit is not to be missed or Hurry! Our top-rated cat tower is 40% off right now in the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.

Should you help a baby bird? If you’ve found a fledgling on the floor or noticed one without its parents, you might be feeling torn on what to do next. It’s natural to want to help, but in the wrong circumstances, it could actually do more harm than good.

Before you start your rescue mission and offer them the best bird food, there are a few things you need to consider – such as how long the chick has been alone and whether the environment poses any dangers. You’ll also need to identify the species, as different birds require different care, and taking the wrong steps can be fatal.

To help you decide what to do, we’ve called in vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan to share her expert advice. With 16 years of experience treating a wide range of animals and qualifications from the Royal Veterinary College in London, she's here to guide you through.

Should you help a baby bird?

Your best option is to leave wildlife alone. Usually, the baby bird's parents are somewhere close by, watching and waiting to feed it, according to Dr. MacMillan. There are a few circumstances where it's OK to help, but this depends on the bird's approximate age.

Dr. MacMillan says: "A nestling that is bald and helpless will quickly become cold if it falls out of the nest. This baby will need immediate help. Try and replace it in the nest if you can, or failing that, create a makeshift nest. A plant pot, box, or basket with some nesting material securely attached to the tree can work. Just make sure to wear some gloves when you handle the baby.

"However, if the young bird is a fully feathered fledgling, it will be just fine on the ground. Many birds leave the nest before they can fly, and may spend a few days on the ground, so this is normal behavior. Leave it well alone and just make sure to keep your pets away from it (read our feature on how to stop cats killing birds).

"The exceptions are swifts, swallows, and house martins, which should never be found on the ground. If you know for sure that the baby is one of these types of birds then contact a professional for advice."

What not to do with a baby bird

It might feel like second nature to bring a fallen bird into the comfort of your home, but Dr. MacMillan advises against it. Their best chance of survival is in the wild with their parents, and many hand-reared birds don’t live very long.

"If a baby bird appears well with no injuries, do not take it indoors. If you are concerned that it might be in immediate danger, then you can move it a short distance to a sheltered area. This should be no more than a few yards away so the parent birds can still easily find it."

Can baby birds survive without their mother?

No, baby birds can’t survive without their parents. According to Dr. MacMillan, nestlings are particularly vulnerable and rely on them for protection, food, and warmth to stay alive.

If you’re certain that both parents are dead, you can bring the baby indoors and contact your local wildlife center or vet for advice.

What should you feed a baby bird?

While hand-rearing a bird is not advised, most nestlings need feeding every 20 minutes during daylight hours and require moist (but not dripping) food, such as wet cat or dog food, crushed mealworms, or mashed boiled eggs.

If you’re caring for a fledgling, they’ll be able to eat a wider variety of foods, including seeds and fresh or softened mealworms, but they may still need a helping hand.

Dr. MacMillan says: "Unless you are very confident about identifying what type of bird you have and have experience in hand-rearing, I wouldn’t recommend trying to take the challenge on yourself. I would always urge you to speak to a wildlife rehabilitator or vet for advice."

Here is more advice on what to feed a baby bird and what to do if you find a baby bird.

How long do birds leave their babies unattended?

You should contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or a vet if the bird’s parents haven’t returned within two hours. According to Dr. MacMillan, make sure you observe the baby from a distance, as some parents might not return if you’re too close.

She adds: "Baby birds can last a few hours to a couple of days without their parents, depending on their age and species."

Want more advice like this? Read our top tips for taking care of wild birds

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.

When you think about adopting a bird, budgies and cockatiels are often the first species that spring to mind – but did you know that there are many types of pet birds?

Taking care of pet birds isn't for the faint of heart. Just like dogs and cats, they have physical, mental, emotional, and social needs that all have to be met to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

But if you're prepared to invest your time and energy into your new beaked buddy, you'll find bird ownership to be hugely rewarding.

Before you hit the shops in search of the best parrot cage and best bird food, be sure to read this guide to find the right feathered friend for you. They all have different requirements, so choosing your new companion bird first will ensure you can then pick out the appropriate equipment for them.

32 types of pet birds

1. Budgerigar

Without a doubt, the most popular choice for those on the hunt for a beaked buddy, the budgerigar (commonly referred to as the budgie) is a small bird native to Australia. While they're not the smallest parrot on the block (that honor is reserved for the parrotlet), they rarely exceed eight inches when measured from their beak to the tip of their tail.

There are two types of budgie – the original small version that hails from the land down under, and a larger budgie that was bred in England. Budgies live between seven and 15 years and need a varied diet consisting of pellets, fruits, and vegetables.

2. Cockatiel

With its cheeky personality and mohawk-style haircut, the adorable cockatiel is a firm favorite amongst bird enthusiasts. Native to the semi-arid regions of Australia, cockatiels may look low maintenance but they have very specific needs. Female cockatiels are prolific egg layers even if they're not housed with a fertile male.

They tend to lay infertile eggs every other day and this can lead to mineral depletion and a serious condition called egg binding in which female birds are unable to lay their eggs. Cockatiels also have very sensitive respiratory systems and need to be kept away from things that emit potentially toxic fumes. However, potential health issues aside, these birds are incredibly affectionate and social, making them a wonderful choice for most households.

3. Lovebird

Native to the African continent, lovebirds are incredibly sweet and get their name from their ability to form lifelong pair bonds. Available in a wide variety of colors, they require daily interaction and playtime outside of their enclosure. Physical and mental stimulation is incredibly important for a lovebirds wellbeing and without this, they can engage in harmful behaviors like feather plucking. When cared for correctly, lovebirds can live for up to 15 years and make wonderfully affectionate companions.

4. Canary

A small bird that's easy to care for, the canary is a charming and undemanding bird that's a great choice for beginners. Canaries are cheerful souls who can often be heard singing away in a soft and pleasant voice, and while they don't appreciate heavy handling, they do enjoy being around people.

The canary is a relatively solitary bird, so you don't need to worry about your feathered friend getting lonely if they're in a cage on their own. Just be mindful that canaries find constant light very stressful and need the same sort of light/dark cycle we humans do, so be sure to cover their cage at night to ensure they get the sleep they require.

5. Finch

Finches are a family of small songbirds and there are a variety of different species including the zebra finch, society finch, and spice finch. They are hugely social little creatures who thrive when kept as a pair or in a small group and while they are very hands-off with humans (they don't enjoy being picked up) they're a lovely bird to watch and they have very pleasant voices. Depending on the species, they can reach around six inches in length and will live for around five to 10 years when cared for correctly.

6. Parrotlet

With the temperament of a large parrot packed into a tiny body, the feisty, wilful and affectionate parrotlet measures less than six inches and is the smallest parrot species in the world. While there are different species of parrotlet, the most popular one kept as a pet is the striking green and blue Pacific Parrotlet.

While active and playful, Parrotlets are not overly loud or squawky and they tend to make great birds for families. However, if you want to bond deeply with your bird, it's recommend you only get one Parrotlet as pairs will bond with each other rather than their human family.

7. Bourke’s Parakeet

One of the most mellow of all the parrot species, Bourke's Parakeets have a lovely calm demeanor and an overall low-maintenance personality. A good introductory bird, they do well in both individual cages and small aviaries – if you do want to keep them with other birds, they get on really well with finches and cockatiels as well as other Bourke's Parakeets. With a lifespan of up to 25 years when well cared for, this gentle and good-natured bird will bond deeply with their humans if they're hand-fed from birth.

8. Lineolated Parakeet

With its sweetly soft and melodious song-like call, the lineolated parakeet (also sometimes referred to as the linnie) is a quiet and calm member of the parrot family. Native to Mexico, Central and South America, the lineolated parakeet lives in flocks of up to 20 birds in the wild so if you choose to keep them on their own, make sure to spend lots of time with them as they're very social creatures. Charming, comical, and even-tempered, they love spending time with their human family and will often perch on their shoulder.

9. Pionus Parrot

Slightly stocky small to medium-sized birds, the pionus parrot is a vocal communicator native to South and Central America. Between 10–12 inches in length, there are lots of different species of Pionus Parrot but all of them have red feathers underneath their tail. Known to be easygoing and quiet, they tend to make great family birds and can live for up to 40 years when well-loved and cared for.

10. Meyer's Parrot

A laid-back yet observant bird, the Meyer's Parrot grows to around eight to nine inches in length and can live for up to 30 years. They are quiet and relaxed little creatures, making them great if you reside in an apartment and don't want your neighbors complaining about all the bird songs. Native to Africa where they travel in pairs or small flocks, the Meyer's Parrot are generally very gentle when well socialized and will be happy as long as they have a human to bond with and some of the best toys for parrots to shred.

11. Green-Cheeked Conure

A small parrot with a huge personality, the green-cheeked conure is curious, spunky, and tends to attach very strongly to one chosen human. Mischievous and playful, they're a very popular pet thanks to their engaging nature and they have a generous lifespan of around 30 years.

Native to South America, they tend to live in flocks of 10–20 birds and while they do well with their own kind, you want to avoid housing them with other birds of a different species. The green-cheeked conure thrives on spending time playing and socializing with its humans and makes outstanding family pets. Just be sure you read up on parrot enrichment ideas for those times when you can't be home with your beaked buddy as they like to stay active.

12. Quaker Parrot

Also commonly known as the monk parakeet, the Quaker Parrot is known for its clown-like nature and spunky, fun-loving personality. Confident and social, they are endlessly entertaining birds and adore being the center of attention. Quaker Parrots are bold, outgoing, and very chatty, so if you're looking for a quiet life, then you'll probably want to steer clear of this vocal bird. However, if a beaked buddy who you can bond deeply with is high on your list of wants, the Quaker Parrot is an excellent choice as these little guys thrive on human connection and are very loyal.

13. Indian Ringneck Parakeet

Also known as the rose-ringed parakeet, the Indian Ringneck Parakeet is a striking bird that's becoming a popular companion pet. They have a reputation for being nippy and difficult to tame as historically they've been kept in captivity and viewed as ornamental birds to be looked at but not handled.

However, when hand-fed from birth, Indian Ringneck Parakeets can make very loving pets – although, a word of warning, they are known for being a real handful in adolescence as hormonal changes from four months to one year of age can cause them to hiss and bite. Rest assured though with the proper socialization and training (they love a challenge!) they tend to be very sweet and charming birds.

14. Senegal Parrot

Sporting striking green, yellow, and orange plumage and intense yellow irises, the Senegal Parrot is an outgoing, playful, and calm bird with a lifespan of around 30 years. Originating in Africa, they measure around nine inches in length and because they love to have fun, investing in a range of toys for them to play with is an absolute must.

They particularly love chew toys so having a few of those in their enclosure will keep them very happy indeed. Senegal Parrots become deeply attached to their humans and want nothing more than to sit on their shoulders all day and follow them around the house. Because they dote on their human family, they don't need any other birds for company as long as you're prepared to give them the attention they need.

15. Caique

Known as the clowns of the bird world thanks to their endless mischief-making, the caique is a high-energy and playful parrot who loves to make their humans laugh. A chatty bird, the caique (pronounced kai-eke) is native to South America and because they're super energetic and don't like being confined in small spaces, they need a very large cage to ensure they stay happy and healthy. They make truly wonderful pets although they can be wilful and stubborn at times, and they have been known to be aggressive towards other birds, so that's something to keep in mind if you already have feathered friends in your home.

16. Rainbow Lorikeet

Native to Australia, the stunning rainbow lorikeet looks like a work of art with its bright and bold plumage that makes this bird impossible to miss. Real little sweethearts who are known for their chatty nature, the rainbow lorikeet is a popular companion bird who thrives on human attention and loves to play. Measuring up to 15 inches in length and with a lifespan of 30 years or more, rainbow lorikeets can fly up to 40 miles in the wild each day so a large flight cage or aviary is a must. They are highly intelligent birds who adore learning tricks and they're very friendly and easy to socialize.

17. Derbyan Parakeet

Native to India, Tibet, and China, the Derbyan Parakeet is an intelligent, social, and affectionate bird with a curious personality. Fun to train and engage with, the Derbyan Parakeet can grow to be genuinely fond of their human family but because they're so smart, they require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them healthy. They do best in homes where people are around a lot to give them the attention they need, and you'll also want to invest in plenty of toys to keep them occupied when you're too busy to play.

18. Plum-Headed Parakeet

A monogamous bird that forms a strong pair for life, the plum-headed parakeet hails from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh where it thrives living in forested areas. While it still requires regular interaction with its humans, it's less demanding than other parrots so it can be a good choice if you're out during the day.

The plum-headed parakeet is typically very gentle and affectionate with their humans but can be standoffish with strangers. They're also relatively quiet, so they're a good choice if you live in an apartment and don't want your neighbors complaining about frequent bird songs.

19. Alexandrine Parakeet

Loyal, playful, and super chatty, the Alexandrine Parakeet loves to perform tricks and show off its acrobatic skills. Gentle, independent, hardy, and very bright, this bird is native to East India and enjoys a pellet-based diet with lots of fruits and vegetables to add variety.

Because they have very long tail feathers that measure around 14 inches, they need a tall cage as well as plenty of puzzle toys to give their brains a good workout. They have an impressive vocabulary and tend to bond deeply with their humans, so they need a lot of time outside of their cage.

20. Blue-Crowned Conure

Native to South America where it can be found anywhere from Colombia to Argentina, the woodland and rainforest-dwelling blue-crowned conure became particularly famous after it was chosen as the bird of choice in the 1998 family ‘Paulie’. Highly intelligent and with a very large vocabulary, this beautiful bird prefers the company of humans or other birds and doesn't like to be kept in a cage all day.

21. Crimson-Bellied Conure

A colorful bird with a bright red belly, the crimson-bellied conure is striking to look at and has a temperament that's equally as beautiful. One of the few birds that likes to be cuddled, the crimson-bellied conure is a sweet and affectionate soul with a lively and friendly nature. It has a soft and pleasant voice and while generally very good-natured, it can become destructive if it doesn't get the attention it craves. For that reason, it does best in a home where someone is around all day to shower this little bird with affection.

22. Sun Conure

The sun conure is native to northeastern South America where it loves inhabiting tropical and coastal forests. A popular companion bird, they are highly trainable and their friendly nature makes them ideal for families. However, just be warned that sun conures are amongst the loudest of all the parrot species, and they require a great deal of daily interaction, so they're not the best choice for beginner bird enthusiasts. If you have the time though, this playful and amusing little bird makes for a wonderful affectionate, and cuddly companion.

23. Dusky-Headed Conure

Typically found in western South America, the dusky-headed conure likes to live with others of their species so in the wild you'll find them in anything from small family groups to flocks of dozens of birds. Intelligent with big personalities, the dusky-headed conure isn't suitable for someone who's out of the house all day as they thrive on attention and adore their human flock. Known to be boisterous and fun-loving, these affectionate birds love to learn and play.

24. Jardine’s Parrot

While they may be one of the smaller parrot species at just 10 inches in length, the Jardine's Parrot has an impressive lifespan of over 35 years if cared for correctly. Native to parts of Africa, their numbers are declining in the wild but they remain a popular companion pet.

Notoriously affectionate, they can be somewhat temperamental as they move through adolescence but tend to be very good-natured once they reach adulthood. Super smart, they are independent enough to be able to entertain themselves with toys for a few hours each day.

25. African Grey Parrot

A truly captivating companion thanks to its hilarious ability to mimic its humans, the African Grey Parrot is known as the Einstein of the bird world thanks to its off-the-charts level of intelligence. With its brainy, no-nonsense attitude, the African Grey Parrot is highly sensitive and can be demanding, so it's best suited to experienced bird keepers.

They are charming birds but they require a very stable and predictable routine as they don't do well with change. African Grey Parrots require a lot of hands-on time with their humans but they don't enjoy intense physical contact, so if you're looking for a cuddle buddy, this may not be the bird for you.

26. Amazon Parrot

If you're looking for a playful and outgoing companion who will keep you company well into your senior years, the Amazon Parrot is well worth considering. These birds can live for up to 60 years with the correct care, so they're a serious lifetime commitment, but if you're happy with that, this expressive, fun-loving creature could well brighten up your home and your life.

Amazon Parrots can be boisterous and because they love to play, you'll need to house them in a very large cage with lots of toys, swings, and climbing ropes. They also adore bathing and believe it or not, most are all too happy to join their humans in the shower or tub!

27. Eclectus Parrot

An eye-catching, intelligent, and charming bird with a lovable personality that will instantly captivate you, the Eclectus Parrot originated in the Solomon Islands and likes to live in tropical rainforests. They were given their name because it means 'eclectic' a reference to the vastly different colored plumage that males and females sport. They can live for up to 50 years and are known for having very gentle, tranquil, and sensitive natures. Very caring creatures who thrive on time spent with family, they are affectionate but not cuddly.

28. Cockatoo

Hugely popular pets the world over, the cockatoo is often referred to as a 'velcro' bird because of their almost obsessive need to be with their humans at all times. Cockatoos need strong cages to prevent them from escaping and a lot of toys that they can chew and destroy.

While hugely loving, they can be needy and demanding, so you'll want to consider that before adopting one. However, while they do require a lot of attention, they are very social, playful, cuddly, loyal, and intelligent, so if you're looking for a true companion bird, the cockatoo is a worthy contender.

29. Macaw

Often referred to as the giants of the parrot world, the Macaw measures 40 inches from head to tail and while their large beaks can seem intimidating to many bird enthusiasts, with the right training and socialization, macaws can make wonderful pets.

Macaws have very raucous personalities, so they're not a bird for those in search of a quiet life. However, underneath all their noise and bluster, they are deeply sensitive birds with loving hearts. Because they're so intelligent, you'll need to ensure you have plenty of challenging activities on hand to keep them occupied.

30. Hawk-Headed Parrot

Named because of their unique ability to raise a fan of red and blue feathers into a dazzling crest display, the hawk-headed parrot is a stunning bird with a one-of-a-kind personality. Native to the rainforests of South America, they have high energy levels and require a large cage with ample room to move about in.

You'll want to provide your beaked buddy with plenty of opportunities to climb and swing as these are two activities they enjoy immensely – plus, puzzle toys are a must as they love to problem-solve. Just bear in mind that these are strong-willed and independent birds and while they can bond with their humans, they expect their boundaries to be respected.

31. Vasa Parrot

A medium-sized parrot from Madagascar, the Vasa Parrot may not have the brilliantly colored plumage of other parrots, but they are an incredibly sweet-natured little bird with an endearing nature. Affectionate and easygoing, the Vasa Parrot tends to be active, playful, and always busy.

They prefer to spend the bulk of their time outside of their cage with their human family and attach strongly to all members. Talkative but without the ear-piercing squawking of some other parrot species, the Vasa Parrot is inquisitive and needs lots of toys and games to keep their brain engaged.

32. Greater Vasa Parrot

A large black parrot from Madagascar, the Greater Vasa Parrot looks almost identical to the Vasa Parrot but can be differentiated thanks to its bigger bill. It also has lower-pitched and rougher vocalizations but aside from that, the two are very similar in temperament. Females are 25% larger than males and tend to rule the roost and in the wild, females will often mate with several males at once with their eggs hatching after a mere 18 days of incubation.

Love learning about birds? Here are 32 types of birds you might see in your backyard. Or, read about 13 of the quietest pet birds.

While seeds and pellets are the obvious choice, did you know that there are so many other things birds can eat other than bird food?

It's true that you want the bulk of your feathered friend's diet to be made up of the best bird food, but just like us humans, birds love variety, and adding in some healthy fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains can be a great way to give your beaked buddy a little treat.

When it comes to taking care of pet birds, dishing up some healthy, delicious, and nutritious foods that they've not tried before can provide them with some much-needed enrichment – especially if you hide the snacks and let your bird forage for them.

Below, we've rounded up our favorite safe treats for birds from sweet and juicy mango to protein-packed chickpeas. Let's take a look...

32 things birds can eat other than bird food

1. Apples

Nutritious and delicious, apples can make a wonderful addition to your bird's diet. Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C and they also contain a range of antioxidants. A note of caution though – apples are only safe for birds when they've been prepared correctly. That means washed, peeled, and sliced with the seeds removed as these contain a toxin that's highly poisonous to our feathered friends.

2. Bananas

Bananas are an excellent source of nutrients for pet birds. High in vitamins A, B, and C, they also contain potassium, magnesium, and iron. Birds tend to find their soft, sweet flesh irresistible – however because they're high in sugar, they're best given in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

3. Spinach

It turns out that spinach didn't just work wonders for Popeye, it's also brilliant for birds, too! Packed with nutrients, spinach is packed with antioxidants that can strengthen your feathered friend's immune system. It's also a good choice if your bird is overweight as it provides some much-needed variety without the calories. While spinach can make for a healthy addition to your bird's diet, you should only feed small amounts as it's high in oxalic acid which blocks the absorption of calcium.

4. Hardboiled eggs

Eggs are incredibly nutritious, which is why animals of all kinds will steal them in the wild and devour them. A fantastic natural food that's rich in nutrients and carbohydrates and sugar-free, the choline found in eggs feeds the brain and aids liver function. Hardboiled eggs are an inexpensive treat and your bird can eat the entire egg – shell and all!

5. Almonds

Almonds are a great treat to give your bird in moderation. High in fat, they're an excellent source of energy and they also contain protein, vitamins, and minerals. Plain, raw almonds are best for birds so avoid salted, candied or roasted varieties. Chop or crush the nuts to make it easier for your bird to eat them.

6. Oranges

Packed with vitamin C to strengthen your bird's immune system, oranges are a delicious and highly nutritious sweet treat. The skin is completely safe to consume, although some birds will peel it off – we recommend leaving it on and seeing what your bird prefers, just be sure to wash it first to remove any pesticides.

7. Cooked pasta

Plain, cooked pasta is a great source of carbohydrates and is safe for birds to consume as long as it's not covered in cheese or sauce. Pasta should be considered a treat and not a daily snack as it doesn't have the same density of nutrients as seeds, nuts, fruit, and vegetables. Chop the pasta into small pieces to make it easier for your bird to eat.

8. Coconut

Fancy offering your bird a taste of the tropics? Coconut will certainly leave them feeling like they're in paradise. Fresh coconut meat is high in fat, so it's best given in small amounts and as an occasional treat only. Steer clear of desiccated and shredded coconut or coconut chips as these are not safe for birds.

9. Macadamia nuts

As long as they're unsalted and uncoated, macadamia nuts can safely be eaten by birds. Perfect as a reward during training or as a healthy snack, macadamia nuts are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. If you're looking for some fun foraging ideas for birds, try hiding these nuts in a toy and letting your bird retrieve them.

10. Papaya

Most birds adore papaya (especially parrots) so serving up this soft and juicy fruit is sure to win you some serious brownie points! High in vitamins A and C plus rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, papaya provides birds with a range of important nutrients.

11. Peas

There's nothing more satisfying than the crunch of a crisp snap pea – and it turns out our feathered friends love it too! Peas are considered a safe vegetable for birds and the pods are edible as well, so you can pop the whole thing in your bird's cage. Snap peas are highly nutritious, containing a range of vitamins and minerals that can help with everything from vision and bone health to immune function and wound healing.

12. Sunflower seeds

High in protein and healthy fats, sunflower seeds are nutrient-dense and make for a wonderfully satisfying snack. Just be mindful that they contain a lot of energy, which isn't a problem for wild birds who need the calories but can be problematic for companion birds. To prevent obesity, feed these in moderation as a treat and always opt for raw sunflower seeds over roasted ones.

13. Raspberries

Raspberries are a favorite fruit for many birds, and it's not hard to see why. With a sweet taste and irresistible texture, raspberries are small and easy for birds to peck at. Make sure to wash the fruit under water before serving it to your bird and leave it whole as raspberries are the perfect size for birds to hold in their claws.

14. Carrots

A safe and healthy vegetable with a satisfying crunch, carrots are flavorful and fun to eat. Because they contain such high levels of beta-carotene, carrots are great for eye health and this nutritional powerhouse has plenty of other vitamins and minerals too. Raw, washed, uncooked carrots are best for birds and you may want to consider baby carrots if you have a smaller feathered friend.

15. Brazil nuts

Birds love nuts, so it makes sense that Brazil nuts would make for a tasty treat. A good source of energy and nutrients, Brazil nuts are high in protein and unsaturated fat. Just be sure to chop them up first before feeding them to your bird as this will make them easier to eat.

16. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are a fantastic snack for birds. High in protein and healthy fats, they're also a great source of vitamins and minerals which can contribute to your bird's overall health. Choose fresh, raw and unsalted pumpkin seeds, and consider crushing them if you have a smaller bird species.

17. Oats

While cooked oats aren't safe for birds (the sticky oats can clump together and harden around their beaks), raw oats have good nutritional value and make a great addition to your pet's diet. Try mixing some raw oats into your bird's seed or pellet mix a few times a week to give them an extra dose of protein and fiber.

18. Cooked brown rice

Unsalted, cooked brown rice can be eaten by birds in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Compared to white rice, brown rice contains higher levels of fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, potassium, and iron, and it's a great source of readily available energy. Never feed raw rice to birds as the grains can expand in their stomachs and cause digestive issues and blockages.

19. Blueberries

Power-packed with vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, blueberries are a super fruit that makes for a wonderfully juicy snack for birds. Blueberries are rich in vitamin K, which is important for bone health,and vitamin A, which enhances vision and improves immune function. Because blueberries are often sprayed with pesticides that can be tricky to remove, it's recommended you buy organic if you'd like to give your bird this fruit as a treat.

20. Broccoli

While it may not have been your favorite food as a kid, broccoli is a healthy treat for your companion bird. Broccoli contains vitamin D, which is something many birds in captivity are deficient in because they don't get enough sunlight. Feeding your feathered friend broccoli can give them a vital top-up of this important bone-building vitamin.

21. Pecans

Packed full of protein and minerals such as zinc and magnesium, pecan nuts are a satisfying snack for birds. Just be sure to feed them in moderation, as like all nuts, pecans are very calorie-dense. If you have a larger bird, you can offer pecans in their shell to give their beaks a good workout, but for smaller birds, it's recommended you take them out of their shell and chop them up to make them easier to eat.

22. Lentils

Lentils are a great addition to your pet bird's diet, as long as they're cooked and mashed to a soft consistency to make them easy to eat. Lentils are an excellent source of B vitamins, iron and zinc, not to mention protein and fiber.

23. Bell peppers

Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, crunchy and sweet bell peppers are loved by most pet birds. The seeds are not toxic, so while you can remove them before you feed bell peppers to your bird, it's not necessary – in fact, some birds really enjoy the seeds. Offer a range of different colors as not only is this visually appealing for birds, but red, green, orange, and yellow bell peppers all offer different nutrients.

24. Popcorn

While popcorn with butter and salt is definitely off the menu, your companion bird can enjoy plain, unsalted popcorn as an occasional treat. Many birds love snacking on popcorn and you can offer the kernels popped or unpopped. If you choose to opt for the latter, soak the kernels first to soften them slightly as this will make it easier for your bird's beak to break through the tough hulls.

25. Cooked quinoa

With its light, fluffy texture and nutty taste, many pet birds find quinoa hugely appealing. Pronounced 'keen-wah', this ancient grain is highly nutritious, gluten-free, and has twice the calcium of other grains. With an almost perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids, quinoa needs to be rinsed before being cooked to remove the bitter taste of its outer coating.

26. Peeled kiwi fruit

The sweet and juicy kiwi fruit is a great safe treat for your pet bird – as long as you remove the fuzzy skin first. It's not that the skin itself is toxic, but if the fruit has been sprayed with pesticides, it can be very difficult to remove the residue. Fruits like kiwi help to maintain your bird's glossy plumage and because they contain lots of water, they offer added hydration.

27. Green beans

Full of fiber and vitamin K, green beans make a healthy and satisfying addition to your feathered friend's diet. Like snap peas, they have a fun crunch that birds love – just be sure to wash them and chop them up into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat.

28. Mango

Most birds find soft, sweet, and succulent mango flesh absolutely irresistible, so giving your bird this fruit as a snack is sure to go down a treat. Freshly washed, peeled, and pitted mangoes can be offered to your feathered friend in small quantities as part of their daily fruit quota, giving them a healthy dose of vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and potassium.

29. Sprouts

Sprouting seeds for your bird can offer a valuable source of nutrition – and there are plenty of options to choose from. Mung beans, broccoli sprouts, lentils, and alfalfa are all great choices and come packed with amazing health benefits thanks to all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they contain.

30. Kale

A leafy green vegetable that's packed full of goodness, kale isn't just safe, it's incredibly nutritious. Sharp-tasting and crunchy, kale is calcium-rich and also contains phosphorous, potassium, and vitamin C. Low in carbohydrates, it can be fed to birds regularly as part of a balanced diet.

31. Pomegranate seeds

The sparkling jewels of the fruit world, pomegranate seeds are a delicious treat for frugivores (fruit-eating birds) such as macaws and other parrots. Due to their high sugar content, pomegranate seeds need to be fed in moderation and it's important you only feed your bird the seeds, making sure to carefully remove the white pith.

32. Chickpeas

Packed with protein for healthy muscle development and maintenance, chickpeas are nutritional powerhouses and are completely safe for pet birds to eat. They need to be well rinsed and cooked as raw chickpeas are very hard and can be difficult for birds to eat and digest. Mix them in with nuts and seeds or offer them on their own.

Want to feed wild birds too? Here’s how to attract more birds to your garden

The best US states for bird watching can help you take your love for birding up a notch or two.

Maybe you've already learned how to attract birds into your garden. Or perhaps you've ticked off and spotted all the different types of birds you might see in your backyard, so figured it's time to go birding elsewhere?

When it comes to watching these flying creatures in their natural habitat, we understand the importance of ensuring that you are in the right place at the right time.

To help you secure the next winged species on your list, we've compiled a list of the best not-to-be-missed birding hot spots for you to explore. So keep reading to discover the best states in the USA for bird watching and then take your pick!

32 best states in the USA for bird watching

1. Texas

Birding sites are booming in Texas as it's home to some great spots for a weekend of bird-watching.

Escape to brilliant bird-centric locations, like the World Birding Center, the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, or the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail to find the likes of Green Kingfishers, Northern Mockingbirds, and more.

2. California

From Geese and Grebes to Pelicans and Bald Eagles, California is home to a wealth of winged species for you to discover and enjoy spotting.

So why not swing by the Wildlife Refuges of California to witness the beauty of these water birds?

3. Arizona

If one hummingbird just isn’t enough, Arizona is the spot for you. Within the Chiricahua Mountains reside 13 different species of hummingbirds with some more rare than others. This is a great opportunity to put your birding skills to the test.

4. Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a hotspot for our winged friends during migration. The vast wetlands and ecosystems that exist here are a recipe for the perfect birding vacation. From woodpeckers and songbirds to Snowy Owls and Gray Partridges. The list is endless.

5. Maine

Home to many breeding colonies, Maine has plenty to offer. Plan your summertime trip to see Puffins, Murres, and Razorbills at their best. There's also the American Goldfinch, American Robin, and Northern Cardinal to see. So grab your binoculars and prepare for pure birding magic.

6. Louisiana

There’s nothing grander than the sights at Grand Isle. This barrier island is regarded as one of the top spots in the state. Choose from salt marsh, sand dune beaches, and dense forest as you seek out the latest species on the top of your spotting list.

7. Maryland

Maryland gives birds the best of both worlds as it's home to a variety of species. So whether you are interested in water-loving gulls and herons or eagles there is truly something to spot for everyone.

And, if you're lucky enough to already live in this state, keep watch for common backyard birds like Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, Palm Warblers, and Baltimore Orioles, which are known and loved for their bright orange and black coloring.

8. New Mexico

When the wildlife photographers arrive, you know you’ve found a good birding spot and the sights in New Mexico do not disappoint!

Whether you plan your trip for winter or spring you won’t be short of species to spot. From Snow Geese to Sandhill cranes, there’s so much to see.

9. New York

Whether you take the short walk to Central Park or venture out to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, in New York you stand the chance of witnessing more than 300 bird species passing you by.

Make a day of your birding trip and capture the movements of the summer and fall migration.

10. Florida

Ding Darling Refuge is a name you won’t soon forget with birding sights that will leave you hungry for more.

Home to more than 245 species — including Bald Eagles and Peregrine falcons — this National Wildlife Refuge in Florida is known for protecting endangered species. So come with your birding bucket list in hand.

11. Ohio

Once you’ve been to Ohio, this key birding state will keep calling your name!

Ohio is a prime bird-spotting location known best for leaving you wanting more. If it’s not the birding festival, known as the Biggest Week in American Birding, that keeps you coming back, it will be the area's fascinating wealth of warblers.

See if you can tick off the Kirtland's Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and the Northern Waterthrush.

12. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the place to be if you're looking to spot a different bird every season. Take a family trip out to Plum Island and watch the species change from Fall to Winter and Spring to Summer.

Nothing says winter quite like spotting a Snowy Owl or welcoming in the spring with Songbirds.

13. Alabama

It wouldn't be a list of the best states in the USA for bird watching without including Alabama.

Alabama's coast is known for being one of the top birding spots in the Southeast. If you come for no other reason than to watch the neotropical birds rain down from the sky, it will be a trip worth making.

This breathtaking sight causes tourists to flock to the area year-on-year and for bird watchers, it’s an event not to be missed.

14. Alaska

Common birds to spot in Alaska include the American Robin, Chickadees, Fox Sparrow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and a European starling. You might even be lucky enough to spot a Bald Eagle, which is the biggest bird of prey in Alaska.

Your trip to the state in North America can take many forms, whether you prefer to bird spot on foot, venture out in a car, or take to the water with a boat tour. With nearly 200 species to find, this is the perfect starting point for all.

15. Colorado

If you’re looking to shift down a gear on your birding and really take your time, Colorado is the spot for you. So, why not take a self-guided tour across the vast prairie found at Pawnee National Grasslands where you can expect to see Owls and Lark lurking amongst the green?

16. Delaware

Whether you prefer to spot on the move or take in the sights while stationed in a tower, Delaware has it all.

Make a day of it, and explore purpose-built trails and towers around the state's marsh, woodland, and fields. And remember to keep your eyes peeled for Mourning Doves, House Finches, Blue Jays, and House Sparrows.

17. Georgia

Ready to dip your toe into water-loving winged species? Georgia is home to ten miles of tidal beaches and therefore the ideal habitat for shore and wading birds, oystercatchers, gannets, and more.

Birders like to head out to spot Georgia's 'big five' that are hard to spot elsewhere, including Caucasian Chiffchaff, Caucasian Snowcock, Güldenstädt's Redstart, Caucasian Black Grouse, and Great Rosefinch.

18. Idaho

Mad about Raptors? Idaho gives you plenty of Bald Eagle, Hawk, Kestrel, and Falcon-spotting opportunities. So take your birding experience to the next level with a trip to this must-see conservation spot.

19. Illinois

On the smaller size, but still mighty, if you are a first-time spotter, Illinois is a great place to start. The smaller birding area limits the chances of getting lost, but in no way inhibits the amount of feathered friends you will see!

Species to watch out for include the Northern Cardinal, Common Starling, Dark-eyed Juno, and Common Grackle.

20. Kansas

Unsure of where to start? Why not head straight for the heart of the USA? Kansas, located in the middle of the US, is a fantastic migration route for lots of species.

Choose from an Eastern Bluebird, a Downy Woodpecker, a Baltimore Oriole, and a Brown-headed Cowbird. Kansas is the perfect opportunity to add some breadth to your birding journal.

21. Michigan

Are you an owl fanatic? Then your search starts here in Michigan.

Experts believe you can spot up to 11 different species in Michegan so flock to the state to witness the likes of Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls during your bird-spotting stay.

22. Minnesota

For those desperate to take their spotting skills seriously, it's worth exploring the beautiful feathered sights in Minnesota.

See if you're lucky enough to spot American Coots, Common Loons, or Double-Crested Cormorants. And if you can’t get to Canada, let Canada come to you. Add some wow factor to your journal with a sighting of Canada's Boreal bird as it settles in Minnesota for the winter.

23. Mississippi

Believe us when we say there is no better destination to tick a woodpecker (or two) off your life list. Mississippi is home to several Woodpecker trails giving you the greatest chances of seeing many species, including the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

24. Nebraska

Forget a sky full of stars, what about a sky full of Sandhill cranes? During their annual migration in March and April, it's a sight to behold that overwhelms the skies of Nebraska every year.

This jaw-dropping spectacle of nature is the prime opportunity for you to experience this species in all its glory.

25. New Hampshire

For bird lovers with a soft spot for a sing-song, New Hampshire is the place for you. Here you can surround yourself with numerous species of songbirds, from Warblers to Redstarts. Surround yourself with the sound for your next birding trip!

26. Oklahoma

Win the hearts of the whole family with this great birding destination, as there are plenty of feathered friends to tick off your list. See if you can spot Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, and a Carolina Wren.

27. Pennsylvania

Both birders and birds flock to the state's 43-mile Lake Erie shoreline as it's a treat for any bird spotter on the lookout for waterbirds and migrant species.

But your spotting doesn’t have to stop there. With wildlife refuges, national parks, and other habitats such as mountains and urbanized landscapes (beloved by the songbird) this state is a sweet spot for spotters all year round.

28. Rhode Island

Rhode Island is rich with top birding spots. No matter whether you're heading to its parks, beaches, or sanctuaries you’re bound to spot feathered species in all their glory here. Choose from Northern Cardinals, Northern Mockingbirds, Great Blue Herons, Canada Geese and more!

29. Tennessee

Join the flock in Tennessee and benefit from the state's beautiful national parks, prime spots during migration, paths, and trails all across the state.

With various habitats to explore from: wetlands, marsh, and mountains, to fields and woodlands there’s room to spot plenty of species during your stay. We'd keep a lookout for Purple Martins, Mockingbirds, and Eastern Bluebirds.

30. Utah

Utah is home to not only wonderful birding sights and a wealth of species but also some incredible birding groups.

Whether it's your first or thirty-first trip to Utah, it’s safe to say that there is a rich birding community to welcome you. Expert to see Black Rosy finches, California Gulls, and Gunnison Grouse.

31. Washington

Home to coastal and mountain routes, a trip out to Washington is hard to beat when it comes to the diversity of birds found within the ecosystems here.

Washington is also home to the favored Olympic National Park, so you can benefit from a self-guided driving tour of the breathtaking space and maximize your chances of spotting something new.

The park is the residence of hundreds of feathered friends, from birds of prey, shorebirds, waterfowl, and forest birds.

32. Nevada

Clear shorelines call for some breathtaking bird-spotting opportunities in Nevada.

The Wetlands and Springs welcome a number of species to this spot year-round. The Mountain Bluebird is the official state bird, but it's worth looking out for Black-throated Sparrows, Gambel's Quail, and a Sagebrush Sparrow.

Are you a new aviculturist? Or maybe you've been keeping feathered friends for years? Either way, check out our tips for taking care of pet birds.

Until we started writing this guide, we had no idea there were so many great tips for taking care of wild birds! If you’re like us and you’re huge fans of the feathered friends that hang out in your backyard, you’ll find the information below super helpful when it comes to keeping them nourished, healthy and safe.

While investing in a few of the best bird feeders is a great starting point, there are lots of other things you can do to take care of the wild birds in your neighborhood. For example, while food is important, so is sticking to a regular feeding schedule and while a good bird feeder is essential, it’s just as vital to keep it clean to prevent toxins from building up.

If you don’t have as many birds in your backyard as you’d like, the tips below will not only help you take care of the feathered friends you do have, they’ll also help you to attract birds to your garden if you’re keen to have more avian species flying in from far and wide.

So, whether you’re a beginner trying to feed the birds but the squirrels keep robin the seed or you’ve had years of experience taking care of wild birds and are looking to up your game, read on as we reveal how to take care of wild birds.

32 tips for taking care of wild birds

1. Provide plenty of clean water

One thing that we often overlook when it comes to taking care of wild birds is ensuring that we provide them with a source of clean water. While this is important in the summer when many places may experience drought conditions, it’s equally vital in the winter months if you live in an area where there’s snow and the temperature dips low enough to freeze water. Not only do birds rely on water for hydration, they also bathe in it, so having a bird bath in your garden will keep them happy.

2. Feed them regularly

It’s important to stick to a regular feeding schedule so that the birds in your area know that they have a reliable and predictable source of food. Put out food at the same time each day to establish a routine for your garden birds — this is particularly important during the autumn and winter months when natural food sources are more scarce. You might want to read our guide on what not to feed wild birds.

3. Install a nesting box

While putting out food is wonderful, if wild birds don’t have anywhere safe to nest they’re not able to protect and raise the next generation of birds, so installing a nesting box in your garden is one of the easiest ways to help your feathered friends. One of the biggest issues for birds is the destruction of their natural habitats, so a nesting box placed close to good foraging locations and bird feeders means they can birth and raise their young in a cozy and safe space.

4. Match food to the season

When it comes to tips on what to feed birds from your garden, the first thing you want to do is consider the season. During the spring and summer, birds require high-protein foods as this is the time when they’re birthing and raising their young. Avoid fat during the warmer months as birds don’t need the extra energy. Instead, try live mealworms, fruit, seeds and grains. Avoid dry or hard foods as adult birds may take these back to their young who can choke on them. In the autumn and winter months, birds need a lot of high-fat, high-energy foods to help keep them warm, so think fat balls, niger seeds, sunflower seeds and small pieces of unsalted peanuts.

5. Provide a variety of dining spots

While it can be tempting to buy just one bird feeder, it’s actually better to have a variety of different styles that you hang or place in different parts of your backyard. The reason for this is that having multiple feeders allows you to cater to the eating preferences of all the birds in your area — you can have ground feeders for larger birds and hanging feeders for smaller birds, plus having more than one feeder also means you can vary the food you put in each one.

6. Clean bird feeders regularly

Bird feeder hygiene is really important for several reasons. Old food and droppings that collect on feeders can pose a serious health risk to our feathered friends, so these need to be removed on a daily basis. Sick birds can also contaminate food and water stations and spread disease, so regular cleaning can help to reduce transmission. When cleaning feeders, wear rubber gloves and dispose of any old food before scrubbing the feeder with hot water containing a 5% disinfectant solution. Rinse the feeder with cold water and allow it to dry completely before refilling it.

7. Keep cats in at night

Do you have cats? If you do, one of the best things you can do to keep the wild birds in your area safe is to keep your feline friends inside at night. Cats like to do their hunting at dawn and dusk, which is when they’re most likely to catch birds off guard, so keeping them indoors during this time will help to protect the local wildlife.

8. Plant bird-friendly trees and shrubs

If you’re really keen to take care of the wild birds in your area, why not consider turning your backyard into a little oasis for your feathered friends? Planting bird-friendly trees and shrubs can help to provide shelter and nesting sites, plus, if they’re rich in berries, they can act as an extra source of food alongside what you’re providing in your bird feeders. Hawthorn, holly, and rowan are all great options, as are seed-bearing plants like sunflowers. Ivy and honeysuckle are also super popular with birds as they provide fruit and attract insects which the birds can then feed on.

9. Don't interfere with baby birds

When we spot birds on the ground, we often think they’re injured and so it can be tempting to intervene. But most of the time, what we’re actually coming across are fledglings that will appear in peculiar places in our backyards. These fluffy baby birds are in the middle of learning to fly and they’re very good at hiding themselves away from predators while they get the hang of using their wings. It’s important not to interfere with fledglings, instead, observe them from a distance to be sure the parents are returning, and if in doubt, contact the ASPCA for advice. If you know what to feed a baby bird, you can also place these items nearby — if the fledgling is old enough, they’ll be able to help themselves and if not, it provides another food source for their parents to access who can then feed the food to them.

10. Be on the lookout for signs of disease

Seeing sick birds can be really distressing and while this is a natural and normal part of the life cycle, knowing what to look for means you can assist them when they need help. Signs a bird is unwell include dirty or matted feathers, difficulty walking or flying, limping, drooping wings, rapid breathing, and excessive drinking. Contact the ASPCA or your local animal rescue center if you’re unsure how to help a sick bird. You can also reduce the risk and spread of disease by keeping your bird feeders clean, offering high-quality foods and a fresh source of water.

11. Avoid toxic cleaning products

While it’s important to clean your bird feeders regularly, many household cleaners can leave behind residues that are toxic to birds, so you’ll want to be careful about the solution you use. It can be tempting to use simple soap and water, but unfortunately, this won’t kill the germs and parasites that spread disease amongst birds. Instead, most organizations suggest a mixture of 95% hot water to 5% disinfectant — the best option being a weak solution of bleach. Rinse the feeder thoroughly afterward to remove any trace of the chemicals you’ve used.

12. Resist the urge to tidy

We know — spring cleaning the backyard can be super tempting! But when it comes to supporting the birds in your area, try to resist tidying up too much. Leaving seed heads on plants for as long as possible provides a vital source of nourishment for birds as they prepare to birth and rear their young. Leaving nesting material around, such as twigs, fallen leaves, and moss, is also really helpful for birds when it comes to finding materials they can use to build their nests.

13. Offer lots of shelter

Bird houses provide a safe and snug home for your feathered friends to shelter from the elements or roost and nest. Using sustainable and durable timber with good insulation properties will ensure birds stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Alongside birdhouses and nesting boxes, making sure you have native plants in your garden can also offer birds an alternative habitat they can use to hide from predators and safely introduce their young into the world.

14. Provide different foods for different birds

When it comes to the best bird food, this will differ depending on the types of birds you want to attract into your garden. Berry-eating birds, like robins, bluebirds, and mockingbirds rarely eat birdseed, but they’ll love on soaked raisins and currents. Orioles and tanagers also adore fruit, especially skewered oranges. Woodpeckers and chickadees are huge fans of peanut butter and cornmeal stuffed into holes or smeared over hanging pinecones. As for hummingbirds, a sugar solution of one part sugar to four parts water will keep them happy.

15. Invest in high-quality bird seed

There are lots of different bird seed mixes on the market, but when it comes to which one to choose, we recommend a high-quality mix that contains a variety of seeds that will cater to the diverse nutritional needs and preferences of wild birds. Avoid those that contain lots of filler seeds, such as red millet or wheat, as birds tend not to eat these. High-quality mixes tend to have lots of sunflower seeds, peanuts, nyjer seeds, and flaked maize.

16. Protect food from squirrels

When it comes to how to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder, the first step is to invest in one of the best squirrel-proof bird feeders as this will make it much harder for these cute and crafty creatures to steal your feathered friends' dinner. If you’re rather fond of squirrels like we are, why not consider setting up a food station just for them? This will ensure they stay well fed throughout the year and a squirrel with a tummy full of their own favorite foods will be far less interested in trying to break into your bird feeder!

17. Pay attention to building design

Did you know that most window strike injuries can be prevented by paying careful attention to the type of glass you use and where you plant trees? If you’re in the middle of designing or redesigning your home or garden, things like frosting, window decals and planting trees or bushes near glass can dramatically reduce the chance of a bird hitting your window.

18. Socialize your dog

When it comes to our top tips for socializing a puppy or adult dog, getting them comfortable around wildlife from a young age is at the top of our list. If you have a canine companion, make sure you introduce them to all sorts of birds from a young age (including birds in your garden and bigger birds like ducks when you’re out on a walk) as this will discourage your dog from chasing them.

19. Keep a logpile

If you’re anything like us and love a good fire, then you likely have plenty of wood on hand during the winter months. Instead of storing it in a shed, try stacking it in an open but covered area that the birds can get to — many of our feathered friends adore insects and will love foraging through your logs to tasty morsels to munch on.

20. Consider building a catio

If you have a feline friend why not build a catio or invest in one of the best outdoor cat enclosures? Both of these are wonderful ways that you can provide your kitty with access to nature’s big backyard while ensuring the local wildlife stays safe at the same time.

21. Become a wildlife advocate

Supporting wildlife organizations (either financially, if you can afford to do this, or as a volunteer) is a fantastic way to ensure wild birds are protected and cared for. There are some fantastic groups out there doing amazing work when it comes to wetland rejuvenation, campaigning against deforestation, and just generally caring for the natural habitats of wild birds.

22. Avoid using pesticides

Each year, around one billion pounds of conventional pesticides are applied to grounds across the United States, affecting everything from the food we eat to the grass we walk on and because many of these chemicals remain in the soil for months or even years, they kill so much more than just the garden pests we’re wanting to eliminate. It’s estimated that around 67 million wild birds are killed in the US alone due to pesticides, so one of the best things you can do for your feathered friends is to use natural alternatives.

23. Observe and record bird activity

Bird watching is such a rewarding hobby, so why not keep a journal of the bird sightings in your garden? Not only will it help you track the diversity of species that show up, but it will also give you insight into their behavior and help you spot any signs of disease or illness.

24. Offer live food in the winter

Feeding birds in the winter requires a different approach than in the summer as our feathered friends need more calories during the colder months. You can give them a helping hand by offering live food, like energy-dense mealworms, during the winter as this will provide them with the fat they need to survive the harsher weather conditions.

25. Have a baking day for birds

It’s not unusual for us to bake for our cats and dogs, so it makes sense for us to bake for the birds in our garden, too! Bird cakes containing suet, peanut butter, or other nuts and seeds are a great choice and most can be whipped up quickly. Try customizing the cakes for different birds and place or hang them in locations where these birds will easily find them.

26. Remove wet and soggy food in the winter

Snow and heavy rain can turn the bird food in your feeders to mush, so it’s important in the winter months to remove and replace any food that’s become soggy. Not only is wet food unappealing to birds, it can quickly start to rot, attracting other wildlife that you most definitely don’t want in your backyard!

27. Invest in a bird bath

While taking care of pet birds and wild birds are different, they do share some overlap — such as investing in a good bird bath for your feathered friends to splash about in. A shallow bird bath is brilliant, not just because it offers the wild birds in your area a place to access clean and fresh water to drink, but also because shallow bodies of water give them the opportunity to spruce up their feathers and wash away any dirt and grime.

28. Put overripe fruit in your garden

It can be tempting to throw away the overripe fruit that’s either still hanging on your trees or has fallen onto the ground, but try to resist as while this past-its-best fruit may not be appealing to us humans, our feathered friends love it. Chopping up fruit like apples, pears, and plums and scattering them on your lawn or under shrubs and trees will score you major brownie points with ground-feeding birds. And if you’ve already stewed this year’s fruit or popped it in your freezer, don’t worry — dried fruits, such as raisins, are always a winner.

29. Steer clear of salted nuts

When we think of foods that are good for birds, it’s natural that our minds would go straight to nuts and seeds. And while it’s true that these are excellent choices for wild birds, it’s important to feed nuts and seeds in their natural state, as opposed to those that have been salted. Salty foods can cause dehydration in birds, so stick to plain nuts when it comes to serving up this delicious and nutritious foodstuff.

30. Provide nesting materials

Do you have any spare wool lying around? How about chunks of moss in your backyard? Things like sheep wool, alpaca fibers, moss, and twigs, as well as fabric, yarn, twine, or string made from natural fibers such as sisal all make brilliant nesting material for birds in the spring. Just be sure to steer clear of human hair (which is too fine and can easily cut off a bird’s circulation or cause other injuries) or dryer lint (which soaks up water and may contain chemicals) as both of these can be dangerous for birds.

31. Erect a bug hotel

Bug hotels have become more and more popular in recent years with many people looking for ways to protect native insects and provide them with shelter. Bees, ladybirds, spiders, butterflies, and all sorts of other bugs use the shelter that a bug hotel offers to lay their eggs and raise their young, so if you’re looking for a way to take care of the insect-eating wild birds in your area, erecting a bug hotel can be a great idea.

32. Furnish bird houses and nesting boxes

Many people use sawdust shavings in their birdhouses and nesting boxes but believe it or not, this doesn’t offer anywhere near as much warmth as you may think. Instead, opt for wood shavings, which provide roosting birds with a lot more comfort and insulation.

Want to watch birds in your yard? Here's how to set up a birdcam. Or, find out should you help a baby bird and what to do if you find a baby bird.

If you want to attract more flying friends into your garden, you need to know what not to feed wild birds. It's a common misconception that you can give them food like bread or chips, but it turns out that you should avoid doing this for many reasons (which we'll get into later).

Instead, you should opt for the best bird food which is healthier, safer, and contains the nutrients they need. Or, if you fancy making them a DIY treat, you could learn how to make bird suet — our two-ingredient recipe is easy to follow and super affordable.

With the help of vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, we've listed eight things you should never feed wild birds and explained why they're a bad idea.

What not to feed wild birds

Nobody likes to see good food go to waste, so you might be tempted to feed the wild birds your leftovers. However, this can sometimes cause more harm than good as some kitchen ingredients, like onions, can be toxic. Here are Dr. MacMillan's big no-no's:

1. Bread: This might come as a surprise, but you should never feed bread to birds. It's not toxic, but it has no nutritional value and a "bird that fills up on bread will end up having an unbalanced diet".

2. Milk and dairy items: Since birds are lactose-intolerant, feeding them milk and dairy items can lead to serious digestive upset.

3. Bacon or bacon rinds: Bacon contains high levels of salt and additives which can be dangerous to birds.

4. Processed foods: Avoid processed foods, like potato chips, crackers, donuts, french fries, and cookies, which are unhealthy for them.

Dr. MacMillan says: "Although their high energy density is likely to be popular with wild birds, the sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats these contain are not great for their health."

5. Chocolate: Chocolate might be delicious for us, but it's very dangerous for our flying friends as it contains toxic caffeine and theobromine.

6. Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic are also toxic to birds and can cause health issues like ulcers and anemia.

7. Avocados: As avocados contain persin (a natural fungicide that's toxic to birds), you should avoid feeding them at all costs.

8. Raw dried beans: You should also steer clear of raw dried beans which contain a toxin that's dangerous for birds called hemagglutinin. However, Dr. MacMillan says that if they're cooked, they're perfectly safe to put in the best bird feeder.

Should I feed birds in my garden?

Now you know what you shouldn't feed birds, you might be left wondering if you should feed them at all... We can reassure you that it's a wonderful thing to do all year round - especially in the wintertime when food supplies are scarce.

You can attract particular birds into your yard by putting out specific foods that they enjoy (e.g. mealworms for robins). If you're feeling unsure, our feature on what to feed birds from your garden is a good place to start and has some great ideas.

Dr. MacMillan says: "Try offering mixed bird seed, peanuts (offer this as chopped pieces or in a feeder specifically designed for peanuts), and sunflower seeds. You could also try mealworms, either dried or live, which many birds enjoy as a protein-rich treat. Suet is often associated with the winter months, but during the breeding and nesting season, birds will also benefit from this concentrated energy source."

To keep rodent intruders at bay, you could invest in the best squirrel-proof bird feeder, use a bird feeder pole, or put tables away from walls or trees.

You might also want to read: What to feed a baby bird and what to do if you find a baby bird.

No matter whether you’re a new aviculturist or have been keeping feathered friends for years, you can never have too many tips for taking care of pet birds in your arsenal.

In our eyes, pets make the world go around — and birds are no different. These flying creatures can provide you with a great sense of companionship and unconditional love. Plus studies show that being in the presence of birds can also help reduce stress and anxiety. So it’s no wonder why we’ve listed them in our guide to the greatest pets that aren’t cats or dogs.

However, like all pets, birds require some crucial care requirements to help them stay happy and healthy all year round. So along with feeding them the best bird food and sourcing fresh water, there are a few other things to consider when it comes to looking after these flying beauties. To help you stay on top of their care, we’ve listed some key pointers below.

Tips for taking care of pet birds

1. Get their diet right

Wondering what to feed a baby bird? Or what to feed your adult bird? Well, the best bird food is not only ideal for attracting winged creatures into your garden, but it may also be suitable for your own flying friend.

Of course, each pet is different and their needs will heavily depend on the type of bird you have. But generally speaking, most feathered babies will also need some vegetables and small offerings of fruit to ensure they get a healthy balanced diet.

2. Go hard with enrichment

Save your pet bird from getting bored and keep their mind active with all the enrichment they could need. From toys, swings, ladders, and mirrors, you could even search in your own garden to see what you could reuse. Whether it’s wood or pine cones you place in their cage, your flying friend will feel right at home.

3. Choose the right cage

The best parrot cages help to keep your feathered friend safe and secure while providing the perfect place to call home. The top-rated options are also easy to clean, are anti-rust, and are made from strong materials. What more could you (and they) want?

4. Choose the right cage size

It can be tricky to know what size cage to buy for your pet bird. Of course, all birds have a natural instinct to fly. So to help provide the best home for your flying friend, ensure you give them enough space to spread their wings and swoop from perch to perch while watching the world go by. The general rule of thumb is to invest in a cage that is four times the height of your bird. As well as four times as wide.

5. Keep their claws in shape

Whether you’ve got a budgerigar, parrot, or Hyacinth McCaw, it’s important to keep your bird’s nails to a comfortable length. This is crucial for fewer scratches when handling and also for keeping furniture intact! To ensure this is done correctly, we recommend taking your bird to an avian veterinarian or local vet to make sure their claws are kept to a neat length.

6. Watch out for parasites

Unfortunately, some birds are prone to certain parasites. When present, parasites can cause generalized debilitation in birds. Symptoms to look out for include weight loss, itching, feather plucking, excessive pecking of the skin, diarrhea, and increased vocalization.

7. Change the water 

Fresh water is essential for all pets and birds are included. So make sure you provide your feathered friend with fresh and clean water 24 hours a day — and try to change their water up to three times a day, depending on how much H2O your pet drinks and what type of climate you live in.

8. Make sure they have access to bird baths

It’s true, that most birds will take care of their own cleaning needs. But to reduce the risk of disease, mites, and uncleanliness, be sure to offer your bird a bath once or twice a week. The best bird baths can be easily clipped on and off their cage and allow your flying baby to keep their skin and feathers fresh.

9. Give some thought on where to place the cage

We all like to feel safe and secure, and so do birds. Most flying friends will love a corner spot with at least one side of their cage against the wall. Just avoid placing them in direct sunlight or by a window, as this type of location can change temperature very often.

10. Wash their cage out 

So you’ve bathed your feathered pet — now what? How about cleaning their cage? Many of the best cages come with a handy slide-out tray and a removable grate for easy cleaning. While other cages have a ‘lift off’ style. Either way, to really take care of your bird, be sure to scrub their home weekly.

11. The same goes for their water bowl and food bowl 

Food and water dishes should also be cleaned in the same fashion and on a daily basis. If you’ve picked up a metal or ceramic dish, these food and water bowls can be popped into the dishwasher for even easier cleaning.

12. Let them get some exercise

Exercise isn’t just good for humans. Keeping your flying friend’s mind and body active can help to prevent boredom, and obesity and promote better overall wellbeing. Whether it’s climbing toys, birds foraging, or games. These activities should keep them busy and on the move.

13. Give them access to sunlight 

Experts say a minimum of 30 minutes of direct sunlight exposure per week is recommended for most birds to ensure they get enough vitamin D. However, the more you can give your feathered baby, the better. To help them access some rays, you could take your bird outside in its carrier. Or, if space allows, an aviary in your outdoor space gives you and them the best of both worlds.

14. Give them access to darkness 

As is the case for humans, most birds are diurnal, so they're awake during the day and asleep at night. To help them get a good night’s sleep, place them somewhere safe and secluded. If they’re unable to sleep, you could try covering their cage.

15. Talk to them 

Who's a pretty Polly? Generally speaking, most pet birds love being spoken to. Along with helping to lower your stress levels and blood pressure, talking to your feathered friend will help to strengthen the bond between you. And after some time, your flying pet will know who they’re talking to as these clever creatures can recognize human faces and voices.

16. Give them attention

Another way to help boost your bond (and make your bird feel right at home)? Spending time in their company. Whether you read, sing, or talk to your bird, or even offer them treats, spending time near your feathered pal will help them feel loved.

17. Play games with your bird

There are many games your feathered friend will enjoy playing with you. For example, the top games for birds include fetch, hide and seek, and chase. Most birds also love music. So you can play your favorite tunes and encourage your clever creature to dance.

18. Learn how to pet them 

Usually, once birds are comfortable with you, they’ll love being petted. But it’s all about learning how to pet them properly. Some birds prefer to be petted in the opposite direction of their feather growth. But before you do this, get to know your flying friend and learn your bird’s body language so you know what they are —and aren’t — comfortable with.

19. Replace the cage liner

Remember how important we said cleanliness is for your pet bird? Well, a cage liner provides an easy way to help you (and your bird) keep on top of their hygiene. Some aviculturists use specific bird cage liners, while others use old newspapers or paper towels.

20. Provide toys

Many of the best parrot toys are puzzle-based and keep your bird’s brain busy. While a handful of other best parrot toys are made from natural wood. The latter helps to imitate their natural home and tap into and develop their instincts and talents.

21. Get to know your bird 

Dogs might be man’s best friend, but a bird is man’s best ‘flying’ friend. Not only are birds extremely intelligent, but they are also social animals that love spending time playing, talking, and engaging with their owners. So spending time getting to know your flying pet can help improve the quality of your bird’s life. And a happy bird is a happy you!

22. Provide mental stimulation  

In the wild, birds are challenged mentally every day. So while in captivity, it’s important to do the same. Talking and providing puzzles or foraging toys can help tick this box. While providing perches and other climbing activities can help to boost mental stimulation.

23. Train your bird 

Another brilliant way to keep their bird brain busy? By training them. It’s no surprise, tropical species of birds aren’t domesticated. They have spent their life in the wild. However, in time, you can train your little beauty how to life inside your home. Start training a few minutes each day, with positive (tasty) rewards to reinforce good behavior.

24. Protect your bird from danger

Any pet parent will want to keep their bird safe and sound. But unfortunately, in the average household, there are lots of different poisons and potential dangers that pose a threat to our feathered friends. Whether it’s other animals that prey on birds or fans or cooking fumes. Before welcoming a pet bird into your home be prepared to safety-proof it in more ways than one.

25. Groom your bird 

A bird's beak never stops growing. Instead, it wears down naturally through the process of foraging, eating and climbing. However, this isn't always the case when you've got a pet bird. So, along with keeping their nails in check, another way to help look after your bird is by trimming an overgrown or misshapen beak.

Never try to trim your bird’s beak yourself. Instead, a bird’s beak should be trimmed by an avian vet.

26. Keep an eye on the temperature 

Your pet bird will need more temperature control than those living in the wild. Indoor birds generally thrive in temperatures of 50°F and 80°F. Although parrot’s body temperatures are usually higher than humans. But that's where bird baths can help cool them down.

27. Give them annual check ups

Annual visits to the vest will help detect and prevent illnesses. However, if you suspect your bird might be sick, you should call your vet immediately. Some warning signs might include boobing their tails, breathing with their mouths open or sleeping more than normal.

28. Try not to stare directly in their eyes 

With their bright and beautiful feathered plumage, this point is easier said than done. But in the animal world, birds don’t generally like direct eye contact from humans as direct eye contact can predict imminent danger.

29. Get to know their body language

Sounds and body language are the two ways birds communicate. So they can make it quite obvious when they want to let us know how they’re feeling. Therefore, taking time to watch and learn your feathered friend’s mannerisms can help you understand your bird’s mood.

30. Speak to them calmly 

Birds are sensitive to emotions, including our energy levels, body language, and facial expressions. Therefore, you should speak to your bird calmly to avoid scaring them and to help them feel relaxed. You want them to feel comfortable after all, right?

31. Introduce a new bird

How cute are these two? Generally speaking, most birds are social butterflies. So love nothing more than flying (or living life) in a flock. However, before investing in another feathered friend, do your research to help get to the bottom of what types of birds do well with others and whether they thrive living life alone or in a pair.

32. Let them fly

Unable to keep an aviary in your home? Give them at least one hour a day outside of their cage so they can fly to their heart’s content, keep their muscles active, and get to know this place you both call home.

You might also want to learn about 13 of the quietest pet birds.

Feathered friends bring many benefits to our outdoor space, but the types of birds you might see in your backyard will depend on where you live.

For example, perhaps you live in North America, in which case, you might see a Red-winged Blackbird on a daily basis. If you’re in South America, it wouldn’t be unusual to see an Andean Condor in your outdoor space, which is the largest bird of prey in the world.

Of course, knowing how to attract birds into your garden will come in handy. That’s because these flying creatures are more likely to visit your garden if there’s some of the best bird food available. Many are also more inclined to visit if there are cover and nesting spots available.

So, whether you’re living in California, Colorado, Michigan, or Minnesota, we’ve done the research to get to the bottom of the types of birds you might see in your garden.

Types of birds you might see in your garden

1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Just look at this little beauty! The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird can be spotted in the eastern US states, like Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, during the summers, and come fall, they’ll migrate to Central America in their pursuit of warmer temperatures.

But you'd have to be quick to see them! These speedy creatures can beat their wings more than 50 times a second and they’re known (and loved) for their mouselike squeaks.

2. Carolina Wren

As its name gives away, Carolina Wrens can be found in Carolina, along with other southeastern states, like Georgia and Kentucky. These small but chunky birds are characterized by their round body, long tails, and warm orange undersides. When they’re not eating insects and spiders, they’re singing bird songs. As long as you provide water, fill up one of the best bird feeders, and have shelter in your backyard, you’ll probably spot these charmers amongst ivy or other dense vegetation.

3. Black-billed Magpie

Also known as the American Magpie, this frequent flier is found in the western half of North America from Michigan and Texas to California and Alaska. You’ll often spot these noisy yet majestic creatures perching on road signs, flying across rangelands, or sitting on fence posts just watching the world go by. However, Black-billed Magpies are partial to foraging on the ground and will occasionally visit suet feeders or bird feeders. So you could always learn how to make bird suet to help you attract more flying friends into your garden.

4. Rufous Hummingbird

Small in size, the Rufous Hummingbird nests further north than any other Hummingbird, as this little beauty has been spotted all the way up to south-central Alaska. This feathered baby grows up to 9cm in size and male Rufous Hummingbirds are set apart by their dark red-colored throat, while females are known for their green backs and spotted throat. In the wild, they'll feed on nectar from flowers along with spiders and insects.

5. American Robin

Feeding on insects and nesting in trees, these red-breasted beauties are commonly spotted in parks, grasslands, and suburban backyards almost anywhere south of Canada. Of course, they are partial to nuts and seeds. But they're more inclined to tuck into earthworms they’ve foraged for on the ground.

6. House Sparrow

Whether it’s a city, town, or farm, House Sparrows are found in every state in the United States, except Alaska and far northern Canada. These noisy and sociable birds are keen on not wasting food. So much so, that they’re often found scavenging through rubbish.

7. American Goldfinch

Residing in North America, this bright and beautiful highlighter yellow bird changes hues from season to season. In spring and early summer, adult males are bright yellow, while females are a duller yellow. During the winter, these birds look brown rather than golden and you’ll spot the active little finches clinging to weeds or filling up their stomachs at a bird feeder.

8. Mourning Dove

Perhaps one of the most common birds heard and spotted across North America, Mourning Doves are often sighted near humans. Whether it’s in backyards by the bird feeder, perching on a fence, or walking on the ground scavenging for anything tasty.

9. White-breasted Nuthatch

Living in pairs all year round, you’ll spot these birds in woody areas across North America with places like southern Canada and southern Mexico being hot spots. These small flying friends forage up, down, and sideways over trees and will chip away at wood to find food.

10. Steller’s Jay

Often found on the West Coast, these large dark jays love mountainous regions with thick evergreen canopies. Steller’s Jays can be tempted to leave their woody regions though for picnic tables, campgrounds, and bird feeders if they’re filled to the brim full of food.

11. Spotted Towhee

If you live in western North America, chances are you’ve spotted these large sparrows at one point or another. Spotted Towhees like to visit or live in backyards, especially if you’ve got shrubby spaces or overgrown hedges. But instead of eating from a bird feeder, they’d prefer to pick at their seeds from the ground.

12. Downy woodpecker

Fascinating to look at, a Downy Woodpecker has a checkered black and white print with males having a small red patch on the back of their head. Downys are found in most of North America and hold the title of being the smallest and most common American woodpecker. If you’ve got loads of insects in your gardens, these flying friends will feel right at home as they love dining on beetles, ants, caterpillars, and wasps.

13. Tufted Titmouse

Once only native to the Ohio and Mississippi River basins, the beautifully created Tufted Titmouse is now often sighted in Quebec and Ontario in Canada. A frequent visitor to feeders, these hoarders will stash seeds in tree cracks so they can still feast in winter.

14. Northern Cardinal

Perhaps one of the most beautiful and interesting of birds to look at, these bright beauties are red from head to toe with just a sprinkling of black around their eyes and beak. So, it’s fair to say that this mid-sized songbird is known for its red plumage but also for its love of red fruits, like berries and mulberries.

15. Blue Jay 

Traveling in pairs, Blue Jays live in eastern and central North America in forests and residential areas where they spend their days feeding from bird baths or devouring peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet.

16. Black-capped Chickadee

Easily identifiable thanks to their black cap-like markings, Black-capped Chickadees are one of the most studied and frequent songbirds to feeders and backyards in North America. These chatty creatures will hop from branch to branch and can even hang upside down in their plight to find food.

17. Common Grackle

Found on suburban lawns across North America, this common blackbird will spend its days walking back and forth across the grass to scour for insects including grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetle grubs. When they’re full, you might spot several of these birds perching on treetops creaking and singing songs.

18. Lesser Goldfinch 

The Lesser Goldfinch gets its name because of its gold coloring and for being the smallest of all North American goldfinches. Found in a variety of regions and habitats across the US, these small yellow creatures stick to treetops and weedy fields.

19. Dark-eyed Junco

Most likely to be spotted during the winter months, Dark-eyed Juncos are seed-eaters at heart, but they are partial to berries and cracked corn. These neat little sparrows are one of the most common birds in North America — so much so, it’s estimated there are around 630 million of them.

20. Song Sparrow

Sighted throughout most of North America, these intricately colored sparrows when they’re not nesting, foraging or flying, as their name suggests, they’re often singing. Males in particular do this throughout the year to help attract females. Their prey includes insects, seeds, fruits and spiders.

21. Carolina Chickadees

Carolina Chickadees are social birds, sighted across the southeastern states of America. Along with a Mourning Dove and Blue Jay, you might also spot one near a Downy Woodpecker. Often snapped hanging upside down while feeding on insects, these cute little chickadees will make use of bird feeders too.

22. Wood Pigeon 

Estimated to be anywhere between 51 - 73 million Wood Pigeons worldwide, if you live in North America, there's a high chance you've spotted this largest pigeon species snacking on just about anything in your garden. Seen in pairs, Wood Pigeons love devouring seeds and nuts, along with shoots and buds.

23. Common Chaffinch

Often referred to as a Bird of the Old World, the Common Chaffinch has been sighted in most of Europe, Africa, Asia, and now Canada and the northeastern United States. Usually spotted on the ground foraging for food, these red-breasted beauties prefer to spend their time in farm fields, orchards, and suburban yards.

24. Northern Mockingbird 

Northern Mockingbirds are found in more than half of all US states, along with Canada. But while they're a keen visitor of suburban backyards, these constantly singing Mockingbirds won't often visit feeders. Instead, they much prefer to devour food from fruiting trees or bushes like hawthorns and blackberry brambles.

25. Eastern Bluebird

Often found in eastern North America and Central America, these beautiful blue birds love spending time around humans. Keen to encourage an Eastern bluebird into your garden? Just know: they prefer flat feeder surfaces but will live off dried mealworms and berries.

26. Pileated woodpecker

Black with white stripes and a red crest, the Pileated Woodpecker is native to the eastern half of the United States and Canada. They’re often found foraging in forest floors, dead trees, or stumps in a bid to find insects they can feast on or fruits and nuts.

27. Chipping Sparrow

Whether it’s golf courses, parks, or in backyards, Chipping Sparrows can be spotted flitting North America foraging for seeds on the ground and any other items they can eat. Living anywhere between 4-7 years, these flying friends have been nicknamed as the 'hair bird' because nests are often woven with long horse hair.

28. Golden Eagles

Yes, it really is possible to spot an Eagle in your backyard especially if you live in Alaska and most western states. These fearless hunters can reach up to 200mph and are seen soaring high in the sky while deciding what they’d like to feast on. Sometimes it's mountain birds and hares, other times its snakes and rabbits.

29. American Bald Eagle

You’d be very lucky to spot a Bald Eagle in your backyard. But if you’re in Canada and Alaska, it wouldn’t be beyond belief. Of course, fish is a staple of their diet, but these opportunistic feeders will eat any prey they can find, including birds, reptiles, and mammals.

30. Reed Buntings

Spotted in North America, Reed Buntings tend to live in wetlands and farmland and they can be spotted in rural gardens away from busy towns and cities. Seeds are a staple in their diet, but they’ll also snack on plants in marshes and weeds. If you're hoping to have one of these small creatures visit your garden, they will feed from seed feeders, but they'd much prefer to eat on a ground tray or table.

31. American Crow

Smart, known for hiding their food and dropping nuts encased in shells on hard substrates in a bid to crack them open, the American Crow is one clever creature. You can find these black-flapping friends in open areas or near garbage dumps, gardens, or parking lots.

32. European Starling

Stocky in their appearance, these black birds are known for being noisy and aggressive. Normally infiltrating a lawn in large flocks, European Starlings will devour insects, like beetles and caterpillars as well as feasting on berries, fruits, and seeds.

Discover the brilliant birds tips that give some advice on all aspects of these majestic creatures. If you want to learn how to make bird suet, check out this vet's simple recipe. Or, learn if you should help a baby bird.

You will need to put out the best bird food if you want to attract winged visitors to your garden. But before you run to the nearest store to grab your supplies, it’s worth thinking about which birds you want to attract and the kinds of food they are going to enjoy the most.

Some foods will be more suitable for some birds than others. Fill the best bird feeders with tiny nyjer seeds, for example, and you’ll attract finches because their beaks are best equipped to eat it. Put out mealworms and you’re going to see more wagtails, blackbirds and robins.

Peanuts are great for nuthatches and tits while thrushes and wrens will enjoy fat balls. But seed mixes have the widest appeal if you simply want to attract as many birds as possible.

“There are a variety of bird food options available which suit different species, so most people offer a mixture,” expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan says.

Bear in mind that you will need to know how to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder so that all of the food goes to its intended audience and make sure the food doesn’t become contaminated by regularly cleaning the feeder. And feel free to experiment. You don’t need to stick with just one brand of best bird food: mix it up and you may be surprised at which birds will visit.

The best bird food 2026

How we chose the best bird food

While we stopped short of actually taking a taste-test, we looked for food that was natural, packed with nutrients and provided value for money. We considered which birds you would want to attract and the food that was likely to bring them to a feeder and we looked at the packets themselves. If they’re resealable, they’ll get an extra thumbs-up for freshness.

What do vets recommend as the best bird food?

When it comes to the best bird food, there is no one single solution. The answer to this question very much depends on the birds which come to your yard (so keep an eye out for the varieties) and the birds you want to attract. For the best advice, we turned to Dr Rebecca MacMillan and she recommended a host of different foods, namely:

Sunflower seeds: “These are popular with many birds and contain a variety of healthy fats,” Dr MacMillan says. “Sparrows, nuthatches, and blue tits all enjoy these. If you feed the shelled variety, bear in mind that birds can make a mess when eating them (due to the discarded shells).”

Peanuts: “These can be offered whole or in granules and they are popular with most garden birds. Whole peanuts should always be provided in a bird feeder to stop smaller species from taking larger pieces than they can safely manage.” Here’s some more info about feeding birds peanuts.

Nyger seeds: “Also known as nyjer or niger, these seeds are popular with sparrows, doves, finches, and bunting, but due to their size, they need to be offered in a finer-mesh feeder to stop the seeds from falling out.”

Suet: “Suet is great during the autumn and winter months when birds require more energy. Suet can be offered in balls from a suet feeder, in blocks, or set in coconut shells. Many birds enjoy these, but particularly woodpeckers, robins, and jays.” If you enjoy crafting, here’s how to make your own bird suet.

Mealworms: “You can buy mealworms alive or dried and they provide protein and fat to garden birds. Most species enjoy these, so they are a great addition to your feeding station. If offering dried mealworms during the breeding season, try soaking them first to make them easier for baby birds to eat.”

Is it important to leave water as well as food?

Absolutely. A clean supply of water is not only great for quenching a bird’s thirst, it also allows them to have a bath. “It is always a good idea to have water available for wild birds in your garden,” Dr MacMillan affirms. “This is important in the hot summer months, but also in the winter months when regular water sources might be frozen.”

But how should you present the water? It’s a good idea to keep it slightly away from the food so bits don’t end up falling in the water. “A large shallow bird bath or dish is preferable, as birds will use this to bathe in as well as drink from,” Dr MacMillan adds. “As with your bird feeders, you should clean this out regularly to avoid algae and bird droppings from contaminating the water.”

Can some bird food persuade birds to leave your plants alone?

Not really. There are no particular foods that will persuade birds to leave your plants alone. “But offering a varied selection of good quality bird food at your feeding station will help to keep them busy and less hungry,” Dr MacMillan says. “You should also look at protecting your plants and vegetables, for example by growing them under mesh or netting. Hanging shiny, spinning, or noisy objects nearby will also discourage them from attacking your plants.”

If you want to learn how to make bird suet, then you've come to the right place. With the help of an expert vet, we've created an easy recipe for you to follow at home. The best part? You'll only need 25 minutes, two ingredients and it will cost you under $10 to make.

This is a great way to attract more flying friends into your garden and you can customize the recipe to attract particular birds. If you like chickadees and robins, try white millet; for finches, use flaxseed; or for morning doves, safflower seeds work well. Alternatively, you could put out some of the best bird food if you don't have time.

Bird suet is high in calories, fats, and nutrients, and is a great source of energy. This is particularly important for birds during the winter when food sources are low and weather conditions are harsh and they might need an extra helping hand. You can find the ingredients in your grocery store and it's pretty inexpensive to make.

Before you get started, you'll need one of the best bird feeders or best squirrel proof bird feeders to put the suet in - otherwise, it could get stuck in their feathers. To learn how to make it, what the benefits are, and whether there's a vegetarian alternative, keep on reading. Vet Rebecca MacMillan has shared her brilliant recipe below:

Jump to recipe card

How to make bird suet: ingredients

To make bird suet, you will need:

• 250g of lard
• 500g of dry ingredients (bird seeds, oats, mealworms, fruit or chopped bird-friendly peanuts)

How to make bird suet blocks: method

1. Melt the lard on a low heat in a large saucepan
2. Stir the lard until it has melted
3. Allow it to cool for five minutes
4. Once cooled, stir in the dry ingredients until thoroughly mixed (one spoonful at a time)
5. Once the lard has thickened, spoon the mixture into a baking tray around 2cm deep
6. Spread the mixture evenly and place the tray in the fridge for it to harden
7. After an hour, remove the tray from the fridge and slice it into small blocks
8. Wrap them in greaseproof paper and store in the fridge or refrigerator

How to make bird suet balls: method

1. Melt the lard on a low heat in a large saucepan
2. Stir the lard until it has melted
3. Allow it to cool for five minutes
4. Once cooled, stir in the dry ingredients until thoroughly mixed (one spoonful at a time)
5. Once the lard has thickened, spoon the mixture into a baking tray around 2cm deep
6. Spread the mixture evenly and place the tray in the fridge for up to 10 minutes
7. Remove the mixture and then use your hands to roll and mold the suet into round balls
8. Place these balls on a baking tray and return them to the refrigerator to harden
9. Wrap them in greaseproof paper and store in the fridge or refrigerator
   

Recipe card

Is suet unhealthy for birds?

Is suet unhealthy for birds? No! In fact, Dr. MacMillan explains that it has lots of health benefits. Not only is it highly digestible, but it also provides birds with essential fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It's also high in calories and is a concentrated energy source, making it a one of the best bird food choices for the winter months.

Dr. MacMillan says: "Suet is particularly useful to birds in the cold winter months when food is scarce and birds use a lot of energy just to keep warm. However, it can be offered in garden feeders all year round to help support other energy-consuming activities like breeding and molting. Just remember that your homemade suet may melt in high temperatures or when sat in direct sunlight."

We have a helpful guide on what not to feed wild birds.

Is vegetable suet good for birds?

As you'll see in the recipe above, suet is made using lard which is 100% animal fat. However, if you're looking for a vegetarian-friendly alternative, you can swap this for vegetable shortening instead. Since it's an energy-dense fat source, Dr. MacMillan says that it works well as a substitute and has other advantages too.

She explains: "This vegetable fat will be similar to handling lard, so it is a fine substitute. Vegetable suet is still an energy-dense fat source, plus it has the advantage that it has a more stable shelf-life and is less likely to go rancid if left uneaten in bird feeders for several days."

Found this helpful? You might also want to read: What to feed birds from your garden and what to feed a baby bird.

While keeping our feathered friends nourished all year round is important, feeding birds in the winter is even more vital as the temperatures plummet and many natural food sources become unavailable.

In the colder months, investing in one of the best squirrel proof bird feeders and regularly putting out fresh offerings of the best bird food and water can be a great way to ensure that the birds in your neighborhood receive the nutrition they need to thrive.

And while it’s unusual to come across a fledgling at this time of year, it can happen, and the feeding guidance will be different to that of adult birds. Be sure to check out our guide to what to feed a baby bird if you find an orphaned little bird in your garden.

To help you understand everything about feeding birds in the winter, we spoke with Dr. Hannah Godfrey to get her take on what foods are safe, what foods to avoid, and how to go about feeding garden birds in winter.

Feeding birds in the winter

Winter can be a difficult time for wildlife. When the temperatures plummet, food can be incredibly difficult to find, and while insect-eating birds will turn to alternative food sources and foraging behaviors will adapt to meet the tougher conditions, we can do our part for our feathered friends by providing extra food options to help them during the tough winter months.

What to feed birds in the winter

“During the colder months, birds need food that is high in fat and contains lots of energy,” explains Godfrey, who says suitable options include the following:

• Peanuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Fruit

While you may not have thought of feeding birds fruit, Godfrey says that fruit can make for a highly nutritious snack.

“Although fruits aren’t high in fat, they do contain water and lots of simple sugars, making them a great option for keeping energy high in the winter months.”

It’s also worth bearing in mind that different birds will be attracted to different kinds of foods. Birds like woodpeckers, for example, tend to be drawn to things like peanuts, whereas robins love mealworms and live foods.

Consider offering a variety of tempting morsels to maximize the variety of birds that visit your garden.

How do I feed my garden birds in the winter?

You may be wondering the best way to feed your garden birds during the colder months and thankfully, Godfrey has some great tips.

“It’s best to offer your birds food from a bird table or feeding tray positioned somewhere safe from predators, like cats,” she explains. “That means keeping the feeder out in the open, away from fences, large trees, or hedges that cats could use for quick access.”

It’s also important that you offer food regularly — daily or twice daily depending on demand.

“You should adjust the amount or frequency so that there isn’t much food left to go moldy, as this can make birds unwell,” says Godfrey. “Don’t forget to provide water too — it’s not just useful during the warm dry months, it’s also essential when most water sources are frozen.”

Should you feed birds bread in the winter?

If you’re anything like us, you may have thought that feeding birds bread in the winter months would provide them with a hearty and nutritious snack. But according to Godfrey, bread is best avoided.

“Many people reach for bread or breadcrumbs when they’re feeding birds, and birds seem to love it. However, while this is a tasty treat, it’s actually got limited nutritional value for birds. This means it fills them up and prevents them from getting the calories and fat that they need to sustain them over winter,” she explains.

So does that mean all that leftover bread you have in the kitchen is better off in the bin rather than being tossed out onto the lawn for your neighborhood birds to enjoy? Well, for the most part, yes.

“While bread can be given occasionally, it’s best to stick to high-energy or high-fat food that will help the birds maintain their body condition when food is less available,” Godfrey says.

What should you not feed birds in the winter?

While bread isn't ideal for birds since they need foods that are high in fat and energy to sustain them, Godfrey says there are also other foods that should be avoided.

“For instance, while fat balls can be a great source of seeds and fat for birds, if they’re made using meat dripping or used cooking fats, the fat can damage their feathers and cause them harm.

“You should also avoid feeding leftovers that could be high in salt, or any foods that have a firm consistency that could lead to choking. You should never leave old food on the bird feeder, and be sure to clean it regularly, as mouldy food can make birds very unwell or attract pests.”

We also have a full guide on what not to feed wild birds.

Tips for feeding birds in winter

1. Offer a range of different foods

As Godfrey mentioned above, there are lots of foods that are suitable for birds, so don’t be afraid to mix it up! Choose a high-quality bird food that offers a selection of nutritious and delicious nuts and seeds, and consider putting some fresh fruit out as well — dried fruit is particularly popular with blackbirds, robins and thrushes. Growing berried plants in your garden is another great option as these provide a wonderful source of antioxidants during the winter months. You could learn how to make bird suet.

2. Provide a fresh water source

It’s good if you can provide a source of fresh, clean water for the birds in your garden. Try placing shallow containers or lids near the food you’re putting out — just be sure to clean them regularly to avoid contamination.

3. Clean your bird feeder regularly

As with any water containers, it’s important you also clean any bird feeders you have around your garden on a regular basis. Birds are sensitive creatures who can easily become sick due to disease and infection, something we can help prevent by ensuring we clean our bird feeders once a week with a natural cleaner that’s safe for birds.

4. Keep it up

Once you start feeding birds in your garden, you want to keep it up. While it’s true that birds are really adaptable and will move to a new feeding ground if food at a particular location dries up, a sudden drop off (or stopping altogether) can leave them scrambling. Although not as crucial in summer when food is plentiful, this can mean the difference between life and death for birds during the winter months.

5. Safeguard the bird food

Cats and squirrels can be a huge problem if you’re trying to attract birds to your garden. Our feline friends see them as prey and will try to hunt them down, and squirrels have a keen interest in all those nuts and seeds, so protecting the food from predators is vital. While not particularly beautiful to look at, putting wire mesh around feeding stations can help keep cats and squirrels away. Squirrel-proof bird feeders are also widely available and scent deterrents can work really well with cats.

Do ducks make good pets? If you’ve ever watched a raft of ducks happily frolicking about in a lake or pond, then it’s a question you may have found yourself pondering. And the good news is, yes, these adorable poultry birds can make wonderful pets as long as they’re kept in an appropriate environment.

That being said, there’s a lot more to duck care than you might think. Unlike our smaller feathered friends who can set up home in the best parrot cages, our larger beaked buddies require a lot more space. They are also highly outgoing and social creatures who like spending their days and nights with their paddling mates.

While there are certainly lots of benefits to having a duck as a pet - think lots of manure to fertilize your garden and plenty of fresh eggs for breakfast - there are also some fairly big drawbacks. 

As you’d expect, ducks are incredibly loud, so there’s noise pollution to consider and they’re also messy, which means a lot of cleaning up after them. Unless you’re able to let them free roam on a large section of land, keeping ducks comes with a lot of daily responsibility.

To help you decide whether keeping a duck as a pet is the right option for you, we walk you through all of the pros and cons you’ll want to be aware of before welcoming one of these highly intelligent and emotional birds into your family. 

• 20 brilliant pet bird tips

Can you have a duck as a pet?

When it comes to keeping a duck as a pet, the process is different than it would be if you were adopting a dog or a cat. The first thing you’ll need to do is to find out whether your city or state will even allow you to own a duck.

Each area has its own laws around keeping poultry as pets, with some outright forbidding it and others being more flexible. If you find that your city or state does allow you to own a duck, you’ll want to then ensure you’re clear on the parameters.

Some locations will say no to ducks living in residential areas but yes to ducks living on farms, while others will let you keep a duck in a town or city but will have strict limits on how many hours a day you’re allowed to let your duck outdoors for.

It’s really important that you read the laws and guidelines of the area in which you live carefully as the last thing you want is to have bonded with your feathered friend only to have to return them. 

Pros of having a duck as a pet

While ducks are all unique, on the whole, they tend to have the most wonderful personalities, which can make them so much fun to get to know. Alongside their quirky little natures, there are several other benefits to owning a pet duck that make these birds well worth considering:

• An abundance of eggs - If you love nothing more than starting your day with a steaming hot plate of eggs or whipping up an omelet for lunch, then you’re going to feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven having a duck as a pet. Unlike chickens, ducks produce eggs all year round and will continue to do so until they reach around six to eight years of age. 
• They’re the ultimate mood booster - While this may come as a surprise, ducks are very smart creatures and just like dogs and cats, they can understand commands, will engage with toys and will take great delight in playing games. They can also come to really enjoy cuddles, especially if you adopt a duckling and gently train it to like being with people.
• They tend to be great with children - As long as they’re handled and engaged with appropriately, ducks tend to be very gentle, so they can be a good choice for a pet if you have young children in the house. Ducks often grow to be very affectionate with their humans and some will be very tolerant of being petted and cuddled. They can also be a wonderful way of teaching children about the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.

Cons to owning a duck

While ducks can make fantastic pets when kept under the right circumstances, there are some cons that you’ll want to consider before making the decision to welcome one of these feathered friends into your home:

• Noise pollution - It’s important to understand that ducks are not quiet creatures. In fact, quite the opposite. Highly vocal and with a natural love of communicating, ducks love nothing more than a good chat with their buddies. Your level of noise tolerance (and that of your neighbors if you live in close proximity to others) is something you’ll want to think carefully about before getting a duck.
• They don’t do well alone - We really don’t recommend you have only one duck as a pet. Extremely social, they prefer the company of many duck friends and suffer the same feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression as we humans do when they’re kept in solitary conditions.
• Expect a lot of mess - They may be cute, but boy oh boy do these guys poop a lot. If they’re confined to an enclosure, expect to have a lot of cleaning to do each day as not only do ducks poop frequently, but they’ll do so absolutely everywhere, including any pools or tubs of water you’ve left out for them. If you don’t fancy spending time each day cleaning up large amounts of wet, stinky mess, a pet duck is definitely not for you. 

How to take care of a pet duck

Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons of having a duck as a pet and have decided to proceed, here are a few tips for caring for your new beaked buddy to ensure they stay happy and healthy:

1. Housing

You’ll need to invest in a good quality, predator-proof duck coop to house your feathered friend when you’re not home. 

It will need to be kept out of the sun, provide protection from the wind and be made from solid sheeting or welded mesh. In terms of the size, at a minimum you’ll want 0.5 sq meters of space per duck. 

2. Bedding

Make sure both the flooring and the bedding are waterproof and create a specific private nesting spot in the coop as well. Lino and tarps work well as flooring and then on top of that you could use rice hulls, mulch or wood shavings. Recycled paper will also do the trick.

3. Water

You’ve probably already noticed just how much ducks love water. Expect each duck to use about one liter of fresh water per day to clean themselves. We recommend you create a little pool for them with water that’s deep enough for them to fully submerge their head. 

Kids clam-style pools are ideal as the bottoms are less slippery than a tub, making it easy for ducks to climb out. Make sure you supervise your duck the first few times they use their tub so that you know that they can get safely in and out on their own. 

4. Health care

As long as they’re kept in a clean environment and fed a nutritious, duck-specific diet, pet ducks can live up to 20 years of age with relatively few issues. 

They do need to be wormed every six months with a poultry wormer and they can be clumsy at times, which may result in the odd foot injury that will need checking over by a vet, but other than that, you’ll find it fairly easy to keep them in good health. 

Should you get a pet duck?

Ducks tend to be fairly hardy and adaptable little creatures, so long as they’re provided with good food, clean drinking water, a dry and safe coop, and protection from extreme weather conditions and predators. 

While they can make for wonderful pets, they’re by no means a low-maintenance one, so be sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons before welcoming one of these adorable feathered friends into your family. 

Keeping birds can be a rich and rewarding hobby, providing companionship, interest and entertainment. One of the downsides, though, is bird biting. 

Even smaller birds such as canaries are capable of giving a painful nip, while larger birds such as macaws with their strong beaks can really hurt. 

In this guide, we’ve put together some reasons why this behavior might be happening along with advice on what to do to stop it.

For more guidance on caring for your bird, see our guides to DIY bird toys, as well as creative enrichment and foraging ideas for parrots.

• 6 top games for birds that'll keep your feathered friend entertained

What does a bird bite feel like? 

We all know that carnivores such as dogs and cats can sometimes nip. If you own a parrot or a canary though, the fact that your pet can bite might come as more of a surprise. 

The first thing to decide is whether your avian pet is actually biting. Many birds use their beaks in the same way as their feet, for grip and balance. 

A bird balanced on your finger might well pinch a little skin when he shifts his weight, but he’s not trying to bite. This type of maneuver is called ‘beaking’, and it can feel slightly strange but shouldn’t be painful or break the skin.

True bites are rare, as unlike cats and dogs birds don’t use biting to assert dominance. A bird bite is usually a very quick nip with a good bit of pressure behind it. 

Depending on what size the bird is, such a bite can be painful and cause a small injury. For novice owners, this is normally the easiest way to tell the difference between ‘biting’ and ‘beaking’ as beaking normally causes no damage.

 Can you get an infection from a bird bite? 

It’s unlikely, but yes you can. With larger birds, the wound may also need stitches or formal treatment. If you get bitten, thoroughly clean and disinfection the wound and monitor it for signs of infection such as swelling or increased pain. Consult a physician if you have any concerns. 

Why is my bird so aggressive? 

Chances are he’s not, or at least not on purpose. Birds don’t usually bite aggressively, and will only use it as a form of defense when they feel threatened. 

First of all, try and determine whether he’s actually lunging at you to bite or just beaking. True biting is often accompanied by ruffling of the feathers as your feathered friend tries to make himself look bigger and warn you to back away and give him some space. 

If this is what’s happening, then he’s feeling cornered and you need to give him some breathing room.

If your avian amigo is beaking or lunging continuously though, you might actually have accidentally taught him to do it. When a bird beaks it can feel a little strange, particularly if he accidentally grabs a sensitive area like an earlobe! 

If you let out a high-pitched shriek of surprise, then your bird may interpret this as praise, particularly if he’s a youngster. When training, high-pitched speech should be reserved for positive praise and low-pitched for discouragement.

Why does my bird keep biting or beaking me? 

As already discussed, it’s important to differentiate between the two. Beaking is a natural behavior and normally simply means your pet is trying to keep his balance!

 Biting is an unwanted form of behavior which will need a little more thought. We’ve rounded up a list of reasons for both behaviors below.

Biting

Actual biting is normally due to one of two reasons. Either your pet is feeling threatened and is literally giving you a warning nip, or at some point he’s been ‘trained’ to think that you actually like it! 

As we’ve already seen, making a high-pitched noise when you get bitten could be interpreted as encouragement. It’s much harder for young children to control their responses and they’re more likely to make involuntary high-pitched noises. 

If your bird is biting, it’s best not to let children interact with him until you can get the behavior under control.

Beaking

Beaking is when your bird takes hold of you (on the hand, or the clothing) with his beak. He normally does this to test the strength of the perch before he trusts his weight to it. 

Another reason is that birds have extremely sensitive tongues, and use them to explore their environment. If you’re wearing a new sweater or an unusual scarf, your avian friend might take hold of it to try and work out what it is.

How to stop a bird from biting 

No matter how much you love your feathered friend, being bitten is not pleasant! A firm bite from a big bird like a parrot can really hurt, and draw blood. 

Here’s what you can do about it:

Consider their environment

Birds normally bite if they’re feeling threatened or anxious. If this behavior is new, then try and work out what’s changed. 

Have you introduced a new bird, or made changes to the environment? Once you know what the problem is, you can set about tackling it. 

Don’t lose your temper

Being bitten hurts, but the worst thing you can do is lose your temper. Your pet is already feeling upset and threatened, so being shouted at will do nothing to diffuse the situation! 

Say ‘no’ in a firm, low-pitched voice. If necessary, leave the room for a few minutes to give you both some time out.

Take short-term precautions

If your bird is nipping at you constantly, adopt some temporary measures until you can get things sort out. Wearing a leather armguard, glove or vest to protect your skin will help prevent further injury. 

Work a long-term solution

Most biting is due to fear or uncertainty, and birds are very good at picking up on human emotions. If you’re not feeling confident, he won’t be either! Many bites occur when you’re encouraging your pet to step onto your hand. 

It’s vital that you keep your hand firm and steady so that your bird can move onto it confidently. Keep all your movements calm and consistent and gradually he’ll stop feeling threatened. You can also try some of our top games for birds to help build a stronger relationship with your pet.

Many birds – especially parrots – use their beaks all the time to manipulate objects, crack open stubborn food and as a climbing aid. 

That means they also need to clean and sharpen them from time to time. Some species, such as African grays, need to chew almost constantly and will need to be provided with appropriate toys rather than using you as a sharpening post.

Should you discipline a bird for biting? 

If by ‘discipline’ you mean yell or smack, then absolutely not! Reacting in this way will only make the situation worse. That doesn’t mean that you have to put up with the behavior either, though. Read through our tips above to help you find a long-term solution.

Summary

If you and your feathered friend aren’t seeing eye to eye (or beak to nose), then we hope our guide has helped to put matters on a firmer footing. 

Understanding why your bird is biting is crucial to managing and preventing the situation and keeping you both healthy and happy.

If you’re looking for the best squirrel-proof bird feeders, then it’s likely you’ve identified a particular problem – namely mischievous squirrels climbing up to your bird feeder and stealing the selection of best bird food you’ve put out for your feathered friends. It’s a common problem and one that will adversely affect your efforts. Not only will you need to keep topping up the feeder with the best bird food, repeated visits by squirrels is likely to prove off putting to birds who fancy paying a visit.

Understanding how to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder is therefore important and, thankfully, there are so many dedicated squirrel-proof feeders on the market that are just as flexible as any of the best bird feeders.

“Many bird feeders are specially designed to prevent squirrels from being able to access the food,” explains expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. One thing’s for sure, you’re going to be rather spoiled for choice, which means your efforts to attract birds to your garden will not be wasted.

You will find lots of squirrel-proof feeders that are tough and study. You’ll also come across a squirrel-proof feeder of the required size. There are some which can be mounted on poles and some that can be hung. So let’s take a look at the best squirrel-proof bird feeders around today and help eliminate one of every bird-lover's worst nightmares.

Best squirrel-proof bird feeders 2026

How we chose the best squirrel-proof bird feeders

In essence, we recognised that a squirrel-proof bird feeder needs to be as sturdy as possible. Squirrels are rodents and their chisel-like teeth, which grow constantly, could so easily chew through soft plastic parts so we favoured metal, caged feeders. We also looked to see if they had spring-activated covers that slid over seed-access points whenever sufficient weight is applied to the perch.

What do vets recommend?

Squirrels are well-adapted to the human world. No other creatures, apart from perhaps racoons and brown bears, are better at exploiting our yards to their advantage and, as we’ve seen, they love to raid the food we put out to attract garden birds.

As such, vets recommend looking out for anti-squirrel features flagged up on the packaging and at the materials the feeders are made from. “If your chosen feeder doesn’t have any clever designs, then you can add your own squirrel ‘baffle’,” says Dr MacMillan. “These are typically positioned underneath the feeder or hanging above it and prevent the squirrel from being able to climb onto it. Alternatively, you could add squirrel-proof caging around your feeder. The right-sized gaps will allow birds through but not squirrels.”

Where should I place a squirrel-proof bird feeder?

Feeders need to be placed well so that squirrels can't jump or climb to raid them. Generally, squirrels can jump five feet high and seven feet across a gap. They will also drop up to nine feet from a higher perch.

“Having your bird feeding station situated away from fences, trees or walls will greatly reduce the chances of a squirrel being able to steal your bird food,” says Dr MacMillan.

Here are some more tips on how to hang a bird feeder.

Should I avoid certain foods that may be attractive to squirrels?

Squirrels don’t like everything enjoyed by birds. “You could stick to bird feed that squirrels don’t tend to enjoy as much, including safflower seeds, nyjer seeds, and white proso millets,” Dr MacMillan advises.

It’s also worth considering how large your feeders are. Putting out large amounts can lead to wastage as it gets wet and becomes moldy, especially if the local birds are slow eaters. Try to keep your seed dry indoors or under cover rather than sitting uneaten in a wet feeder. Only if you have a lot of birds, does a larger feeder may make sense, as you’d be trudging to replenish a small one several times a day.

If you're looking for the best toys for parrots then you've come to the right place. With the pick of what's on offer here, you can rest assured that there's enough on show to keep your feathered friend happy.

These top toys are essential for creating an interesting environment for your bird. After all, simply investing in the best parrot cage for your buddy isn’t enough. There are a number of ways you can enrich your parrot’s life, including ensuring they receive ample time out of the cage and encouraging foraging. 

Although we often think of toys as being more for dogs and cats, parrots are highly intelligent creatures who truly thrive when they have fun and interesting toys and accessories to engage with.

Toys for parrots serve a number of purposes: for instance, they can be puzzle-based and keep those bird brains busy, and can enrich their environment by imitating their natural home. Moreover, they can help tap into and develop their natural instincts and talents. 

What's more, you don’t need to spend too much money to do this. Parrot toys tend to be relatively affordable, so you can find a great selection without your bank account even noticing that you've been shopping. If your budget is a bit tighter, however, then be sure to check out our guide to the best DIY bird toys for all sorts of wonderful toys using items you may already have around your home.

Whether you make your own parrot toys or purchase ones from your local store, the most important thing is to keep your feathered friends cage full of variety and to swap the toys out regularly. 

Here are the best toys for parrots you can invest in right now... 

PetsRadar's pick of the best toys for parrots

This is a great-value set including some of the best parrot toys on offer. You really do get a lot for your money with 7 toys in total, including rotational wooden beads, a parrot swing, cotton rope, wooden pendant, copper bells and more. 

Your parrot will be mesmerized by the beautiful colors of this set and it will keep them entertained for hours. These toys are great for birds to relax and provide mental stimulation while carrying out their natural behaviours such as chewing and pecking. 

These parrot toys are made from non-toxic and environmentally friendly materials so they are safe for your parrot, however, some buyers have noted that the small bells may not be suitable for smaller birds as they can easily chew this item and swallow the small ball. 

All the toys have metal hooks, which make it easy to clip them on to any cage, and they will brighten up their living space.

If you’re looking to make your parrot feel more at home, then this natural wood perch is ideal for their cage. The branch mimics that of a tree branch in the wild, providing a place for your bird to perch and peck. The natural wood is much better for your parrot’s claws than a plastic perch, so you’ll find them much more relaxed and comfortable with this parrot toy. 

The perch is sturdy and also has some hanging ropes which provide some mental and physical stimulation for your parrot to swing and chew.  

At 25cm in length and 25mm in diameter, it fastens onto your birdcage with a hook and a clip, however, depending on the size of your cage this could be trickier to attach than some, with buyers saying it can wear quite easily over time. 

For those who have particularly mischievous birds, this Shred it! Roll is heaps of fun. Rather than let your bird destroy your home, this small paper roll allows them to peck and pull at this paper, shredding it up in the comfort of their cage without making a mess in your living room.

The plastic roll holder simply clips onto the cage and a thick roll of paper is placed inside, the bird can then pull this paper out from the opening at the bottom, and then the fun begins! Some buyers said this parrot toy can be a little tricky to get the hang of to start with, but once your parrot knows what they’re doing (and that they won’t get in trouble for shredding), they can play all day and beat their boredom with this simple yet fun toy. 

The roll is refillable and you can buy separate paper rolls, which are very cheap. The plastic holder has several holes to help your parrot grip onto it and retrieve the paper, and while you will have to clean out the shredded paper from their cage, at least it’s not toilet paper all over your house!

Give your parrot a space to relax and cool down with this hanging birdbath. It simply clips onto the side of the cage and you can fill it with water for them to bathe or play. This bath is made from durable non-toxic plastic which is safe for your bird and it practically fits in any birdcage. You can then unclip it easily to remove and clean. 

The bath comes with a small mirror, which can be fun and mentally stimulating for birds to see their reflection, especially if they live alone. Allowing your parrot to bathe is good for their health and hygiene as it clears their feathers of dust and ensures no pests or parasites get stuck to them. Bathing also moisturizes their skin and keeps them cool which is important during the summer months. 

When you’re not bathing your parrot you can also use this as a bird bowl to put food or water for them to drink. It is easily accessible, but it may be a little flimsy for bigger birds.

This parrot activity wall is perfect for keeping a cage neat and tidy while still giving your bird plenty of entertainment. Simply clip this on to the wall or the roof of the cage and your parrots can chew, peck, climb and swing- all of the natural behaviours parrots have. 

While this parrot toy may seem expensive, this is one of the best parrot toys 2020 has to offer due to it offering several activities in one. This is worth a few smaller toys, but this activity wall is made of high-quality materials and is designed to last, even with your birds chewing at it. 

The different colors and textures provide great mental stimulation to parrots, and all of the materials are non-toxic and bird safe, so you can have peace of mind that your birds are looked after. 

If you’re not looking to clutter up the cage with lots of toys, then this is the best parrot toy for you.

Your parrot could have hours of fun with this jingle ball that is easy to pick up, roll and chew. It features a jingling bell inside which provides good mental stimulation for your bird, however, this could annoy you after more than 10 minutes (but is a good toy for them to play with while you’re out of the house!)

The plastic ball is around 3 inches, making it the ideal size for medium birds to play with. Some buyers noted that their birds were quite keen on destroying it (making it a pricey toy for such a short lifespan), however, when they stuffed treats or shredded paper inside, it became even more fun for them to play with. 

This ball could be used on its own either inside or outside of the cage for parrots to chase, or you could attach it to some string and hang it up as a swinging toy for them. If you get fed up of the jingling ball, the two sides screw apart so you can remove it and always replace it with something else, or leave it hollow.

Ideal for climbing or playing, the Bird Perch Natural Wood Stand Toy provides your bird with the perfect perch. It's created from non-toxic natural wood that's rough enough to be sturdy and enticing enough to help your parrot to exercise and maintain healthy feet, without hurting. 

The tree is available in a good few sizes to match most common parrot cages and it offers a pretty spacious area for up to four birds to perch, imitating their natural environment spent with other parrots high in branches. 

It's fairly easy to put together; the perch can mounted inside or outside the cage with the screw and disc system, though some bird owners have reported a few issues with the size of the screws being too small for the size of hole. 

You can leave it plain and use it as a perch or even hang toys from it to create a foraging tree effect that will keep them entertained for hours.

It's an ideal accessory to sit back and watch your feathered friend hop from branch to branch. 

We like the idea of parrot toys that have multiple uses. Arriving in the form of a number of colorful paper sticks, these serve a number of purposes: for instance, they can be used in game of fetch with your parrot, or hidden around their cage for them to find.

Beyond this, they can also be easily used to create other toys, as they are easy to thread into things like balls. Their low weight makes them easy to use in this regard.

As well as for play, they can serve practical uses. Making an important phone call, or in a work meeting that can't be disturbed? These will provide a welcome distraction.

Their versatility is further highlighted by the number of bird species they are deemed to be suitable for: African Greys, Amazons, Budgies, Cockatoos, and Lovebirds are all listed among the species these are recommended for.

Their lifespan may be in question, as these aren't exactly the strongest-looking of material, but there should be a good amount of mileage in these in terms of potential use.

How to choose the best toys for parrots

There are so many different parrot toys on the market today, but every bird is unique so make sure you think about your parrot’s unique and individual behaviours before buying them a toy. 

If your parrot gets quite restless, then getting them a toy that is going to keep them mentally and physically stimulated will wear them out so they get some rest at the end of the day. Swinging toys and balls are good for this. Colorful toys tend to be more appealing to parrots too, as they are familiar to them, and these can be comforting especially if they are the only bird in the house. Birds with a calmer demeanour may enjoy toys that help them relax such as the perch, the bath or the swing

Education and mental capacity is also important for parrots, and some of the best parrot toys provide a challenge for birds to figure out how they work, like the Shred it! Toy. In having to work things out for themselves, this indulges their curiosity and keeps them creative. 

Make sure you consider the space you have available and the size of your pet. Some toys might take up too much room, which is why toys such as the Activity Wall are great to keep the cage spacious.

There’s nothing a wild bird loves more than a good nut to sink their beak into and our feeding birds peanuts guide has everything you need to know about this popular nut that’s not actually a nut. Yes, that’s right, while it may contain ‘nut’ in the name, the peanut you put into the best bird feeder for your feathered friends is actually a legume, so it’s officially part of the bean family. 

Not that that little factoid is of any interest to the wild birds who flock to your backyard and enjoy flitting around your hanging bird feeder munching on their favorite snack. All they care about is that the peanut is delicious. But, as luck would have it, peanuts are also highly nutritious, making them the ideal refill for your feeder.

If you’ve been wondering how to attract birds to your garden, the humble peanut might just be your secret weapon. A wide range of birds love nibbling on this tasty treat and, believe it or not, there are lots of different ways that you can serve this snack up to keep things interesting.

In our feeding birds peanuts guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about this nutritious nut, including which birds love them, how to feed birds peanuts and what you need to know about peanut safety. Before you dive in, we recommend investing in one of the best squirrel proof bird feeders if you don’t already have one because, as you’ve probably already noticed, our feathered friends aren’t the only ones that go nuts for nuts!

• What to feed a baby bird: A vet's guide to caring for a fledgling
• What to feed birds from the kitchen
• How to hang a bird feeder with or without a tree

Are peanuts good for birds?

Peanuts are an excellent food source for birds and a great addition to any bird feeder. Not only do birds love the taste of peanuts, but they’re also high in fat, which makes them a great source of energy and calories and one of the best bird foods. 

This is particularly important in the colder months, when birds may struggle to find food. Offering peanuts all year round means that birds can store them away for the winter, giving them a vital hit of nutrition when resources are at their most scarce.

But it’s not just good fats that peanuts are rich in. They also provide high amounts of protein and fiber, the former of which is vital for growing and maintaining strong feathers, which allows for proper flight and ensures adequate insulation. 

Birds that love peanuts

If you’re wanting to attract a wide range of wild birds to your yard, you’re in luck - while very small birds such as hummingbirds and finches won’t eat peanuts, there’s a long and colorful list of birds that will. These include:

• Brambling
• Chickadee
• Crow
• Dove
• Grackle
• House sparrow
• Jay
• Northern Cardinal
• Nuthatch
• Raven
• Tit
• Wren
• Woodpecker

There are lots of different ways that you can serve peanuts up to your feathered friends and how you do so will determine which birds are more likely to gobble them up. Let’s take a look at the different options.

How to feed peanuts to birds

You’d be forgiven for thinking there was only one way to serve up a peanut, but believe it or not, there are several serving options that can help keep things varied and interesting for the wild birds that frequent your feeder.

The first way to offer peanuts to birds is in their shell and let them forage for their food. This is particularly great for bigger birds, like crows and magpies, who thrive on the mental and physical stimulation they get from chipping away at the shells with their beaks. 

When it comes to dishing up peanuts in their shell, you can place them on a ground feeder, or, to make things a little more interesting, you can actually string them with thread (a bit like you would do with popcorn) and hang them up around your garden.

Birds of all sizes will appreciate shelled peanuts that are either served as halves or broken up into small chunks. Some of the most popular birdseed wreath recipes use peanuts as one of the core ingredients, so if you love being creative, this can be a great way to offer up peanuts to your feathered friends in a really special way. 

If you choose not to opt for a wreath, we recommend steering clear of serving broken up bits of peanut on a ground feeder as small pieces attract small birds who are more prone to falling prey to predators, such as cats. You can buy bird feeders that have been specially designed for peanuts, so investing in one of these is a great option.

Your final option for serving up peanuts to the wild birds in your garden is to opt for the universal bird and human favorite - peanut butter. Smear smooth or crunchy peanut butter on a tree trunk, add it to a wreath or suet cake, or add dabs all over your ground or hanging feeder. Whichever way you go, you can rest assured this creamy and sticky foodstuff will be a huge hit. 

Peanut safety

While peanuts make for a delicious and nutritious snack for wild birds, there are a few things you need to be aware of from a safety perspective to ensure your birds can eat this food and stay happy and healthy. 

First up, stick to plain peanuts only. Birds are unable to process high levels of salt and should never be given salted, smoked, seasoned or roasted nuts. Consuming these sorts of nuts can cause serious illness and even death. You’ll also want to avoid chocolate-covered peanuts and baked goods that contain peanuts, as these are not suitable for birds.

Precautions also need to be taken with how you serve up peanuts during the breeding season. During this time, avoid whole peanuts and stick to broken up pieces of peanut only. This is because mother birds will often feed the nuts to their chicks and whole peanuts present a choking hazard. So, make sure you crush those peanuts up nice and small or steer clear during this time of year.

Finally, only put out small amounts of peanuts at a time. Peanuts are very susceptible to mold, and, in particular, the fungus Aspergillus Flavus, which releases a poisonous toxin called aflatoxin. This carcinogen is seriously harmful to birds and can cause respiratory infections and death. Topping up your feeder regularly with small amounts of peanuts will ensure they always remain fresh and safe to eat. 

You might also want to read: What not to feed wild birds.

Turn your garden into a bird’s paradise with homes to suit every taste. From cute and colorful to understated and functional, these bird houses will provide a resting place for weary winged friends to recharge and will give you a lifetime of bird-watching enjoyment.

Assembled with rust-resistant zinc chromate screws rather than nails, it can withstand temperature changes and features an easy to open, slide down front panel for checking the progress of nesting birds without disturbing them. It’s easy to clean and has an air ventilation gap at the top and drain holes at the base.

Chemical-free, each house is handmade for a unique look and feel, and provides great shelter from the rain and sun. Coming as a set of three, they are rugged and reusable and will blend into their surroundings. With an opening of approximately 16x18, it’s the ideal size for small birds, including hummingbirds, but compact enough that predators can’t gain access.

This kit comes with wood pieces, a chain for hanging, four paint pots, paintbrushes, nails, glue, and instructions. The easy to build assembly requires no hardware and is a great project for kids ages five and up. It doesn't come with any sealant, which would be wise to purchase and use in order to prevent paint from running and mildew from growing.

Measuring 7 inches in width and 6 inches in height, it hangs at a length of 18 inches and comes fully assembled. Perfect for your patio or garden, this house would also make a great gift for any nature lover. Because it is made from resin, it has the potential to break if is falls.

Designed in a sweet style with lots of colors to attract birds, it provides a great place for them to shelter from the cold or heat. The house includes a jute cord for easy hanging and can be left empty or scattered with seeds to provide visiting birds with some extra nourishment and an energy boost.

How to choose the best bird house

Deciding to invest in a bird house can be a great way of adding a talking point to your garden and providing our feathered friends with a place to refuel or shelter from extreme weather. One of our favorites is the Beetle & Bee Build A Bird Bungalow, a great choice if you want to construct and decorate your own bird house or if you want to give nature-loving kids a fun project. For an already assembled and very affordable buy, we love the Dawhud Direct Decorative Hand-Painted Birdhouse, which will look gorgeous in any garden.

If you love Bluebirds and want to provide them with a safe place to nest, then we recommend the Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House with it’s easy to open, slide down panel that allows you to check on their progress. And when it comes to a great, eco-friendly option, the AQUEENLY Hummingbird House gets our vote every time.

Why trust us

At Pets Radar, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As experts, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your life. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. Our detailed product overviews balance objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is easy.

Whether you’re wanting to attract more birds to your backyard or take care of a pet, a specifically formulated bird feed can help. Filled with essential vitamins and minerals, they provide a great source of nourishment to help birds thrive. Our favorites include fat-packed wild bird blends that deliver a hit of energy and Omega fatty acid-filled domestic dishes to keep indoor birds looking their best.

The hulls of these sunflower seeds are thinner and smaller make it easier to eat than other seeds and grains. While the sunflower seeds appeal to a lot of birds, having just the one grain in this feed means there will be a lot of birds that won't show up at dinner time. You'll need to mix in additional grains and seeds if there are specific birds that you want to entice.

This feed features a good balance of protein and fat to provide wild birds with the vital energy they need. With 40% sunflower seeds, the mix also includes peanut pieces, red and white millet, and raisins for sweetness. It works well in tubes, hoppers, or platform feeders, and comes in a convenient velcro press-lock bag.

Lower in fat than most seeds, the pellets support heart health, which is helpful for pet birds that don't fly and exercise as much as wild birds. It also has plenty of protein and fiber to keep your tweety bird feeling full. Packed with fruit like bananas, apples, grapes, and oranges, this antioxidant-rich formula is vet recommended and provides all the nutrients your bird needs to stay fit and well.

It’s free from fillers, and all the shells and husks are removed, so there’s zero waste. This scrumptious blend makes for a deliciously satisfying snack that will give birds all the energy they need to flutter their way through the day. This feeder mix appeals more to smaller song birds, so larger birds will likely not be seen.

The seeds are hulled before being coated with stabilized vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure your bird gets the same high-quality nutrition that they would get from pellets. The non-GMO and human-grade ingredients are free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

How to choose the best bird feed

Whether you’re wanting to fill your backyard with wild birds and keep them well-fed and full of energy, or you have an indoor feathered friend you want to keep nourished, choosing a specially formulated bird feed can do just that. Our favorite is Kaytee Wild Bird Food Black Oil Sunflower, full of fat from the oil it contains, it provides a vital source of energy for wild birds.

A fruity and flavor-filled blend for medium-sized birds, ZuPreem FruitBlend Flavor is lower in fat than many bird feeds making it great for heart health, and the variety of included fruits deliver a hit of antioxidants in every beakful. And for parrots who love to forage, LAFEBER’S Classic Nutri-Berries offer a ton of mental and physical stimulation while delivering all the nutrition your feathered friend needs.

Why trust us

At Pets Radar, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As experts, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your life. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. Our detailed product overviews balance objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is easy.

The best bird cage provides a safe and happy home for your feathered friend, so choosing the right one is essential for their well-being. First and foremost you need to make sure they have enough room to fly around in. Next, consider how easy it is to clean, what accessories are there to keep your bird entertained, and the spacing between bars. Check out our top picks to help you decide which is the best cage for your bird.

Included are three wood perches and four plastic double cups giving somewhere to rest and eat. Two large front doors give easy access to the cage and a bottom drawer slides out for convenient cleaning. Underneath the cage is a handy storage shelf to keep food and other accessories close by.

The metal bars are coated to ensure nothing sharp hurts your birds while the base easily slips out for cleaning. Most of accessories are made of plastic, which makes this bird cage more affordable and easier to clean. However, it also makes it easier to break and doesn't last as long as cages with wooden perches and metal food and watering cups.

With four lockable feeder doors and food cups for easy feeding, two long interior wooden perches for resting, and a removable pull-out tray for waste, it's the perfect home for rest and play. Because the perches are on different levels, this allows you to hold multiple birds that won't crowd eachother's space, or give a larger birds more than one hangout spot. The tray is removable as is the bottom grate. Just be careful since removing either of these may create a bit of a gap that some smaller birds can escape through.

Built from long-lasting non-toxic, powder-coated iron wire, the cage stands at three feet tall, making it an ideal space for your feathered friend to stretch their wings. Four small front doors give easy access, while a detachable ladder, a pair of wooden perches, and a multicolor bell toy will make sure that your bird will never be bored.

A roll-down shade prevents overexposure to the sun, while mesh fabric sides ensure plenty of air flows through the cage. Inside a removable perch, bowl and tray fulfill your feathered friend’s needs when out. Because this is made from fabric it isn't the most sturdy cage. And if you have a persistent bird, it may bite or claw its way through the mesh.

Included are holders for food and water, though the cage rungs are separated just enough to hold an attachable watering system. Just like a full-sized bird cage, the base slides out for easy cleaning. This traveling cage is small, so it won't hold larger birds. But it is compact enough to not take up too much room while stored in between vacations.

How to choose the best bird cage 

Keeping your feathered friend happy and healthy is paramount, and choosing the right cage will go a long way to ensuring their well-being. You need to give them plenty of room to stretch their wings, but also a cage needs to be easy to clean and include a few toys to stop your bird from getting bored. If you want to leave the house you’ll need a different option than the standard cage. Here we have chosen a selection to cater to all needs.  

Our top pick is the Prevue Hendryx Pet Products Wrought Iron Flight Cage, which is designed for multiple birds but could also provide a spacious home for a single bird. Wooden perches, multiple feeding cups, and plenty of space make it ideal for most birds. 

The Best Choice Products 36in Indoor/Outdoor Iron Bird Cage and ZENY 53-inch Bird Cage both provide plenty of vertical room for your feathered friend to stretch their wings and are designed to fit smaller spaces in the home. 

Need to take your bird outside the home? Try the easy-to-carry VIVOHOME Travel Cage if you’re off to the vets or going on vacation. If you simply want to take your bird out for the day the X-ZONE PET Bird Travel Bag is a great choice.

Why trust us

At Pets Radar, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As experts, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your life. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. Our detailed product overviews balance objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is easy.

Investing in the best bird feeder for your yard has multiple benefits for both you and any feathered friends who decide to check out what you have to offer. The most obvious is that you’re providing a source of food, which helps to maintain bird populations especially when natural crops are in short supply. It also gives you an opportunity to see birds up-close and watch them as they come and go.

As you’ll see from this guide, there are many different types of feeders and they’re generally created to suit different types of wild birds. Tube-style and hopper-style feeders, for example, are aimed at smaller birds while ground or platform feeders are better for larger birds. 

“Your decision-making may be based on which type of species you want to encourage into your garden or perhaps the population you already have and want to support,” says expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan.

It may even be the case that you will want more than one feeder. “Keen bird fanatics may want a selection of feeders with several types of the best bird food to attract a variety of species into their garden,” Dr MacMillan adds.

Just be sure to learn how to attract birds to your garden and check out the best squirrel-proof bird feeders if it’s likely pesky rodents will seek to nibble on any food you leave. With greater peace-of-mind, you can sit back and watch as cardinals, blue jays, hummingbirds, Goldfinches and more head your way. So let’s take a look at the best bird feeders on the market today.

Best bird feeders 2026

How we tested the best bird feeders

First of all, we assessed how attractive a feeder was likely to be for a bird and this involved checking how much seed could be kept in a feeder and how easy it would be for the intended varieties to access their food. Second, we looked at the practicalities of a feeder: was it strong enough to cope with the weather, was it waterproof, did it seem robust enough to withstand repeated visitors and could it be easily assembled and fixed if need be? Third, we checked how easy the feeder would be to clean.

What do vets recommend as the best bird feeder

Birds can be surprisingly fussy about where they eat, so if you want certain varieties to visit, the right kind of feeder can be very important. For smaller birds, tube-style feeders that are hung from a height tend to be a favorite among smaller birds and, because they're positioned high up, they're less likely to attract the attention of predators. The same is true of window feeders. “These are best for small birds like finches and sparrows, whereas woodpeckers and jays will enjoy suet feeders,” says Dr MacMillan.

Bear in mind that tube feeders are also popular with squirrels so if this is going to be an issue choose a hopper-style feeder which releases food when it senses a light bird but closes shut when it senses something larger. This method of operation does make hopper-style feeders unsuitable for larger birds though. As such, for larger birds, select a ground or platform feeder, which are easier for them to feed from. The benefit of these is that you could introduce food from your own kitchen.

Which bird feeder features are most desirable?

As a basic, look out for feeders that are durable, easy to maintain and work for the birds that are local to your area. “You should choose a design that has no sharp edges that a bird could injure themselves on and one that is made from a durable and non-toxic material,” Dr MacMillan says.

Added features that help to keep bird seed dry are also advantageous. “It will keep the food attractive for the birds,” Dr MacMillan adds. “Feeders that have a tray underneath to catch stray seeds can also be a good idea as this reduces the risk of accidentally feeding pests like rats in your garden.”

Where should I place a bird feeder?

Once you have bought a bird feeder, you need to consider carefully where it’s going to go. Spend some time outside walking around, looking for ideal locations. “In my experience, situating a bird feeder in a sheltered, undisturbed area of the garden is best,” says Dr MacMillan. “A space that has noisy pets, regularly moving vehicles, or children kicking a ball about is unlikely to be attractive to wild birds.”

Think about other visitors to your outdoor space and how you can tackle potential problems. Small trees, shrubs, or bushes can provide some security for birds visiting the feeder, but you should take care to position it away from large nearby trees, walls, or fences,” Dr MacMillan adds. “Cats and squirrels may use these to gain access to the feeders. The feeder should also be around five feet off the ground so that the birds don’t feel vulnerable while using it. This also makes it easy to top up feed and for cleaning. And of course, situating it in a spot where you can easily enjoy watching the visiting birds is important too!”

How do you keep a bird feeder clean?

Don’t place your bird feeder so high that it’s going to be difficult or even dangerous to take down and clean. After all, it’s important that your chosen bird feeder is kept clean so this is a task you will be doing more often than you think.

“Old food must be removed regularly, and the feeder needs a good wash in warm soapy water (rinse well),” Dr MacMillan says. “Remember that old feed can become moldy, especially during warm and damp conditions, and diseases can spread through multiple birds contacting the same feeding station.”

Parrot enrichment is a term you may have come across if you’ve been thinking about welcoming a feathered friend into your home or already count one as a much-loved member of your family. 

The question of should you get a parrot for a pet is an important one to consider if you’ve not yet taken the plunge because, while they may look like they’d be easy to care for, parrots are much like dogs and cats in that they require a decade-long commitment and come with their own unique needs.

Two of these center around their need for daily physical and mental stimulation, which is where enrichment is so important. Just like us, parrots can get bored, stressed, depressed, and anxious when they don’t have enough to challenge them, and this can lead to a range of destructive behaviors.

Investing in several of the best toys for parrots and placing these in their cage can really help with this, but there are also lots of other forms of enrichment you can use to keep your parrot happy and healthy.

Let’s take a look at some simple yet effective ways that you can keep your feathered friend physically and mentally sharp, including our favorite visual, auditory, and food-based enrichment ideas. But first, a quick recap on why parrots need enrichment.

Why is parrot enrichment so important?

It’s easy to think that purchasing one of the best parrot cages and popping in a few fun toys is all it takes to keep our feathered friends thriving, but enrichment is actually more complex than that - and so too, are parrots.

While they come in a range of different breeds and sport every shade of feather color under the sun, what all parrots share in common is their high level of intelligence. And what does any intelligent animal hate? Yes, you guessed it, being bored.

A lack of physical and mental enrichment activities can lead your parrot to display a range of negative behaviors, including feather plucking, excessive vocalization, and an increased fearfulness of people. They can also become moody, depressed, anxious and withdrawn.

The good news is, that all of these issues can be remedied by providing appropriate enrichment activities in a variety of different ways to keep your parrot on their toes. Giving your feathered friend plenty of stimulation will ensure they stay happy and healthy and we have a ton of great ideas below.

Visual enrichment

Most parrots originate from tropical or subtropical areas that are teeming with lush plants, vibrant flowers and a range of wildlife. In their natural environment there’s a lot going on visually and it can help to recreate a little bit of this in and around their cage. Here are a few tips:

• Make sure their cage is placed on a table or other piece of furniture that allows for a certain degree of elevation. This will let your parrot see what’s going on around them and eliminate some of the vulnerability they feel when their cage is on the floor
• Pop them in a room that has a regular flow of traffic so that they can watch your comings and goings, but avoid anything too busy or noisy
• Place several perches in their cage at varying heights and angles so that they get different views
• Make their cage environment interesting by including branches, leaves and wreaths
• Provide a selection of brightly colored toys

All of these ideas will tick the box of visual enrichment and give your parrot plenty of stimulating things to look at.

Auditory enrichment

Another enrichment aspect you’ll want to consider is what your parrot has to listen to. While parrots are visual creatures first, their hearing is their second most relied upon sense, so it’s vital to tap into that. Here’s how you can do it:

• Play soft and soothing music for your feathered friend - they’re particularly fond of classical music without lyrics, natural sounds like rainforest noises, folk songs, or chiming bells. Avoid anything with heavy instruments, such as drums, which they can find frightening
• Pop on a YouTube video that has been specifically made for parrots - this will also provide visual enrichment
• Speak to your parrot

You’ll find some parrots love music so much that they’ll even dance along to it, which can provide them with a great workout!

Foraging and food-based enrichment

Trying out a range of foraging ideas for parrots can be a great way of providing enrichment and let’s face it, food makes everything more fun! Choosing the right food can also give your parrot a much needed mood-boost and foraging taps into one of their favorite natural instincts, so combining the two is a win-win. 

• Weave leafy green vegetables through the bars of your parrot's cage
• Make fruit and vegetable kebabs and hang them from the ceiling of your parrot's cage
• Make a DIY foraging box and stuff it with shredded paper, toilet rolls, egg cartons and other items before hiding food in it
• Smear pine cones with almond butter and place around their cage
• Create a food foraging trail by scattering food items on the floor of their cage
• Hide food in puzzle boxes and make your parrot work to release it

Foraging activities don’t always have to be food-based either. You can drill holes in a PVC tube and stuff it with popsicle sticks that your parrot has to dig out, place beads and buttons in a box, or make a wreath out of leather strips or cotton that your feathered friend has to unravel. 

Environmental enrichment ideas

One of the most important ways that you can provide your parrot with enrichment is to make their home feel like a home. Make it safe, secure and stimulating, and you’ll find your feathered friend thrives throughout the years you share together.

After you’ve picked out the right size cage for your parrot, be sure to include the following:

• Several perches of different sizes that are placed at various heights and angles
• Ladders for your parrot to climb
• Swings for them to play on
• A variety of toys - including puzzle options

While mirror toys have always been popular, try and avoid these. It can actually be hard for parrots to distinguish between themselves and other birds, and mirrors can cause them to mistakenly believe there’s another parrot in their cage, which may lead them to feel stressed and anxious.

The best parrot cages offer the perfect place to provide safe and secure surroundings for your pet bird. But at the same time they will give your pet parrot some freedom and fun, and take care of their welfare and well-being. Their natural instinct is to fly, so you need to make sure that their new home is big enough to let them move from perch to perch and enjoy their space with all the best toys for parrots.

Size is the most important consideration when buying a new cage. Too small and your bird will get stressed out, which isn’t good for their health. Bigger is effectively better, the more room your feathered friend has to move around in, the happier they will be in their home. But you can’t forget what is made of, or importantly what the cage is coated in. It needs to be non-toxic and durable, as some parrots love to have a chew and if any coating comes off and they swallow it you could be facing an unwanted vets bill. But don’t panic, nearly all cages are pet-safe.

A happy bird is your first priority but you need to think about yourself as well. How easy is the cage to move? How easy is it to clean? What accessories does the cage come with? Are they good quality accessories? Make sure to check out this guide to help you get answers to these questions and help you make the right choice when choosing a parrot cage for your feathered friend.  

PetsRadar's pick of the best parrot cages

Need a strong sturdy cage that is going to last as long as your bird? Of course you do and this bird cage is definitely one that you should be putting on your shopping list. It has a strong metal frame made from premium wrought iron that is coated with pet-safe, durable anti-rust powder paint in a good-looking silver anthracite finish. And four hard-wearing swivel casters make it easy to move from room to room, or outside to add a little variety to your feathered friend's life. 

From floor to cage top the frame measures 31.1 inches wide by 20 inches deep and 52 inches tall, so you’ll need a decent amount of space for it, but it will happily fit in a recess. The cage itself is a little smaller, it retains the same width and depth, but its height comes down to just over 3 feet. While it's considered a large bird cage by its manufacturers, it’s not ideal for large parrot breeds.

It is more suited to small and medium size breeds. You don’t need to worry about your bird escaping through the bars as it has a sensible 0.6 inches gap between its non-toxic powder-coated metal wires. This extends to the bottom of the cage so the wire stands just above the slide out sand tray. 

This makes for quick and easy cleaning for you and stops your bird walking in their own mess. Two doors on the front of the cage make for easy access to the cage and your bird, but they are secured with two strong latches to keep your bird safe and secure. As an extra precaution - if you need it - there is also a chain to restrict how far the door opens. 

If you don’t want to spend too much, but still want something that will make an ideal home for your parrot then this budget-busting cage could be just what you are looking for. Although you will need to assemble the cage before you can use it. Thankfully the necessary tools, hardware - and instructions - are included, so it will be up and running in no time. 

Available in black or white you can color match the sturdy and durable 64-inch frame to fit in neatly with your home decor. The cage sits on top of a set of four legs with wheels to make the cage easy to move to anywhere you want indoors or outdoors. And it is easy to separate from the legs if you ever want or need to. Unclip the buckles and use the two handles on top of the page. The legs also incorporate  a metal grid shelf which is ideal for storing food, toys and anything else your featured friend might need. 

The cage itself is not quite as large as you might expect, it’s tall and thin and at just over 33-inches it is just over half the total height of the cage and legs combined. Add its 18-inch width and 14-inch depth and it's only really a home for small parrot breeds such as Lovebirds, Parrotlets and Budgerigar. It has three doors, the standard two front doors, which give easy access to get in or out and its open top design offers a third on the top of the cage. A perch can be added to give your bird a bit more freedom and a place to rest. This is one of four wooden perches and for even more fun there is a swing included.

Finally, for easy cleaning there is a plastic pull out tray for you and a removable grate to keep your pet parrot clean, but the plastic tray isn’t a long life tray. 

If you want color, a different design and peace of mind for you and your pet parrot then this cage from Yaheetech ticks all the boxes. The cage is specifically tailored for small birds, so no good for medium or large breeds. But it is perfect as a comfortable and cozy habitat for Zebra Finch, Canary, Parrotlets, Java Finch, Lovebird, Budgie, Senegal Parrot, Green-cheeked Conure, Sun Parakeet, Cockatiels and similar.

Made from coated metal wiring the cage is strong and sturdy but doesn’t have the strength of a metal framed cage. But the downgrade is reflected in the price and the cage is still fit for purpose, coated in a durable, non-toxic paint. And, if black and white - the typical color choices - don’t meet your needs or you just want something a bit more exciting, there’s another three colors in the range including the very likeable Teal Blue. 

A special roof design - similar in shape to a house - gives a little extra headroom for your feathered friend when going back and forth on the supplied swing. It also gives your bird a sense of privacy and security. Adding more fun and frolics to playtime there is a 25-inch ladder and a couple of toys to entertain. All of these are easy to access thanks to the two large front doors which clip shut and stay secure.  But for added convenience there are four smaller feeder doors that slide up so you can slip in some tasty treats into the supplied plastic feeders, without scaring your bird or them trying to escape.  

This cage has got it all going on, especially if you have more than one bird that you want to house. When it comes to bird cages bigger is often better, it gives more room for your feathered friend - or friends - to enjoy and the extra space is great for their well-being and this cage has plenty of it. But, it's not an impulse buy with a hefty price tag, but at the same time it's good value for money if you need a cage this big.
A strong, sturdy, heavy duty metal frame houses three levels, each with its own platform and a ladder to connect if your bird feels like a walk rather than a fly. The cage measures an impressive 51-inches in height, is 30 inches wide and nearly 20 inches deep. Add in its detachable wheeled stand and it reaches to over five feet. So make sure that you’ve got enough space for this imposing cage. Even though it's big the bar spacing is relatively small at 0.4 inches. So difficult for your bird to escape or get its head stuck.

As you might expect the cage is no lightweight, so like all good cages its stand has four 360° swivel smooth rolling casters, making it easy to manoeuvre when needed. There’s a storage shelf as well for keeping your bird's food and accessories neatly tucked away and always at hand. 

Two large front doors give easy access to the cage when needed and strong crescent shaped locks make sure that even the smartest bird will struggle to open them when you're not around. You can use the top door to add in the in-cage entertainment in the shape of a ring bell and a parrot bungee rope. Don't worry they won't hit the bottom of the cage.
Your bird’s droppings will have a long way to fall from the top, but all are caught in a large metal tray and any platforms or ladders can be quickly removed and cleaned to give your feathered friend a hygienic home. 

Spacious, sturdy and smartly designed, this metal framed cage boasts all the plus points of a good cage and throws in a few extras that, while not absolutely necessary, will definitely be appreciated by you and your bird. 

From top to bottom the cage measures 18 x 18 inches and an impressive 61 inches in height. But those dimensions don’t tell the whole story. The cage itself retains the width and depth, but the base version is only 32 inches in height. This makes it ideal for small to medium sized birds including Budgies, Canaries, Cockatiels, smaller Conures and Lovebirds.

However, you can slide out the bottom grille to add around another eight inches to the height. An easily removable seed skirt sits around the bottom of the cage to catch any falling food or debris. This slides down into the removable metal tray for easy cleaning with the added bonus keeping the surrounding floor area clean. But the skirt does add around an extra six inches to the width and depth. So make sure you take this into account when deciding where it is going to go in your home.

There is no storage tray under the cage bottom, but its stand does have easy glide non-marking casters so you can move the cage from room to room or outside. A large front door allows for easy access to the cage and gives plenty of room to get your bird out of the cage without injuring them. A patented bird-proof lock makes sure that the doors stays shut when you close and lock it. 

Inside the cage you get a single wooden perch that goes from one side of the cage to the other and three stainless steel feeding bowls. But unlike most parrot cages this cage incorporates an outdoor entertainment space with a ladder, two feeding bowls and a wooden perch to give your feathered friend a little more freedom when they need it. 

Is your cage far too big and heavy to lift and get into the back of your car when you fancy a day out or need to visit the vet? Most everyday cages that house your bird in the home aren’t suitable for such tasks, so the ideal solution is to invest in a specialist travel cage like the Prevue Pet Products Travel Bird Cage.

This is smaller, portable, lightweight and ideal for any of your short-term travel needs. Short-term is the key word here. This cage is not really suitable for everyday use due to its size. Sturdy and well-designed it measures a respectable 20 x 12.5 x 15.5 inches, making it ideal for nearly every breed of parrot for short periods of time. Larger birds won't be able to spread their wings fully but small and most medium sized birds won't feel constricted at all. 

A single decent sized 9 x 9 inch door means you won’t stress out your bird when trying to get them in and out of the cage. On top of the cage is an acceptable handle for transportation, though it could have done with a grip.

Inside the cage there’s a single wooden perch and two stainless steel feeding bowls, enough for short journeys. An easy pull-out debris tray - with a wire rail stopper to hold the tray in place when in transit - makes for quick and simple cleaning when needed.

And when you have finished with the cage it's a quick and simple process to neatly fold it flat to store ready for the next time you need it. 

How to choose the best parrot cage 

Get the right size 

When purchasing a cage for your parrot, the size is crucial. You don’t want to be buying a cage that is too small for your bird. This will stress them out and lead to an unhappy bird. As a general rule a cage should be at least 1.5 times larger than your parrot's wingspan. But bigger is better - at least twice the size is a good choice - as this will give more room for your parrot to move around and the more space they have the happier they will be. 

But cages designed for larger birds can have wider spacing between the bars. This means that your bird could squeeze through the gap and escape, or worse, get their head stuck between the bars. So make sure that you check the size of the gap, before you buy a larger than needed cage.  

Materials  

A cage needs to be strong enough to house your parrot without them destroying it. Most cages are made of iron or steel, both of which are typically sturdy enough to stand up to everyday use. Check if the cage has been treated or is covered in a coating - to stop rust - that is pet safe. Wooden cages are not as sturdy as a metal cage. They typically won't last as long, especially if you have a bird that likes to chew wood constantly. 

Easy cleaning 

A bird cage will need to be cleaned and the easier that is for you to do the more likely you are to do it. Look out for a cage with a slide out tray, especially if you are looking to get a large home for your parrot. The alternative is a lift off cage which is OK if you have a smaller cage. However, you will need to let your bird out while cleaning.

Useful extras 

Wheels are a definite plus on any parrot cage. They make it much easier to move the cage to a new location, perfect to give your parrot a little sunshine or if cleaning, keep the mess outside. If you are going to transport regularly you will need a sturdy handle to make it easier. Check if the cage comes with food and water bowls, if the perches are made of wood or plastic and where the openings are. All these help you choose the ideal cage for you and your bird.    

These top games for birds will do it all, from helping your pet bird burn off some unwanted calories to keeping their minds active and alert. Plus, they're so much fun that we're pretty sure you’ll end up enjoying them too!

From parrots and budgies to canaries and cockatiels, there’s something for everyone in this list. However, it’s important to remember that not all species enjoy the same games so there will be a little bit of trial and error in order to work out exactly what your pet loves.

Whatever you and your feathered buddy decide on, playing games together is a great way to build on your bond and, more often than not, you’ll be left with a huge grin on your face once you see the joy it brings your pet.

So, without feather ado, here’s a range of games for you to play with your beloved pet bird!

• Best toys for parrots
• 20 brilliant pet bird tips

1. Fetch

Playing fetch isn’t exclusively for dogs. Some parrots love to chase after a small ball or lightweight toy and bring it back to you over and over again.

Teaching your beaked buddy simple commands such as “fetch” or “go get it” will assist with their cognitive function. Plus, they will also be getting lots of exercise in the process!

2. Hide and seek

Otherwise known as Peekaboo, this game follows the same rules as when played with another human, most commonly a baby or toddler. 

To mix it up and make it more interactive, encourage your bird to physically find you. So when you hide underneath a lightweight blanket, your bird must pull back the covers to find out where you are.

Alternatively, you could hide around a corner or behind a door and help them find you by calling their name until their little head appears.

3. Get your groove on

Many birds love music and will often dance when they hear it by bobbing around. Sometimes, when they see their owners dancing, they will attempt to mimic the moves.

Birds are visual learners, so why not put on some of their favorite music and start showing off your own “wing-flapping”, head-bopping moves. Encourage your feathered friend to join in using commands including “let’s dance” so that they recognise this activity in the future.

4. Chase

Even though it may not be the full version of chase that you would play with another human or a pet dog, birds also get a thrill from being chased too.

To transform this into a smaller-scaled game, set smaller parameters - such as the bed or living room floor - and use your hands and fingers to chase your bird instead. Saying things such as “I’m gonna get the birdie” or “I’m gonna get your tail” will help to elevate the fun and playfulness of the game. 

Be sure to let your bird catch a breath in between games though as you don’t want to over-exert them in a short space of time.

5. Slamdunk

We’ve all seen the clips online but did you know that birds really enjoy playing basketball?

Teaching your feathered friend how to dunk a bird-sized basketball into a bird-sized basketball hoop couldn’t be more fun! Simply buy a miniature basketball set and show your pet how it’s done with the help of a keyword associated with the game, such as “woosh”, “toss”, or “slamdunk”, to reinforce the game.

Your bird is so clever that even if they don’t seem to be all that interested at first, if you show them enough times they’ll soon know exactly what to do. 

6. Staircase dash

This is the ultimate game when it comes to keeping your bird fit but it must be played with caution. 

Place your pet at the top of the stairs and call them down. Most will begin the descent naturally and, in doing so, will get lots of exercise along the way.

The second part of the game involves running up the stairs as fast as you can. Instinctively, your bird will most likely start following you because you are “their” human and they don’t want to be without you.

Of course, it goes without saying that pet birds are a lot smaller than humans, so make sure that you watch your footing with this one.

Ahh, National Bird Day, that magical time of year when those of us who love these beautiful creatures get to celebrate them in all their glory. If you frequently attract birds to your garden, then you know how much joy can come from watching them up close - a feeling the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) is working hard to protect by ensuring our feathered friends stay wild and free.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, 2022 marks two decades of tireless work by the Avian Welfare Coalition to put an end to birds in captivity. The wild bird trade causes many of these creatures to suffer immense physical and mental health issues, but with your help, we can raise public awareness and reduce suffering.

While investing in one of the best bird feeders is a great way to keep your neighborhood feathered friends happy and healthy, if you already have one in your garden, don’t despair as there are plenty of other ways you can do your part for this great cause. 

So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about National Bird Day, including a deeper look at what it involves, when it is, and how you can get involved and show these beautiful creatures some love.

• What to feed birds from the kitchen
• 10 bird-watching accounts you must follow
• Guide to better bird photography

What is National Bird Day?

National Bird Day is the brainchild of the Avian Welfare Coalition, a group dedicated to raising awareness of the destructive bird trade, the realities of cruel breeding mills and how we can all work together to improve the welfare of birds already in captivity.

While the organization understands why people choose to keep birds, they believe that captivity robs these creatures of their natural behaviors, such as being able to fly and flock together. 

Over time, confinement in a cage can lead to neurotic behavior, excessive screaming, feather plucking, self-mutilation, and other destructive habits that can cause birds a great deal of physical and mental harm.

The AWC is hoping that over time they can replace the demand for birds as pets and instead encourage the public to help preserve each species in the wild, where they can fly free and be there for future generations to enjoy.

When is National Bird Day?

Today! That’s right, National Bird Day is kicking off right now on Wednesday 5th of January, which means you don’t have to wait a single second to get involved. And how might you do that we hear you ask? Well, as luck would have it, we have a ton of great ideas for you below.

How can you celebrate National Bird Day?

The AWC has a wealth of information on their website on how you can celebrate National Bird Day. Here are just a few of our favorites:

1. Make a squawk on social media

Perhaps the easiest way to get involved is to promote this event across your social media pages. Use #NationalBirdDay, #CancelCages, and #MoreBeautifulWild to help get a conversation started and spread the word.

2. Distribute material from the AWC 

Pop on over to the AWC’s website and you’ll find a stunning selection of full color flyers and factsheets that you can share on social media, distribute around your neighborhood, and share at your local school. 

3. Get your kids involved

Lucky the Lorikeet is a beautiful children’s book that has been produced by the AWC and is based on a true story of a parrot who is captured in the wild and eventually regains his freedom thanks to the help of a young boy. It’s a great way to educate children about the plight of captive birds and the importance of conservation.

4. Support reputable organizations

Show some love to bird rescues and sanctuaries in your area that are doing great work to help nurse our feathered friends back to health so they can be released back into the wild. 

5. Put pressure on the USDA to implement changes

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has excluded birds from their regulatory guidelines around animals used in research, exhibition and commercial endeavors, meaning that bird breeding and housing is largely unregulated. You can help to change this by signing the AWC’s petition here.

If you’re trying to figure out how to hang a bird feeder, we’ve got you covered. You can attract beautiful birds to your backyard and serve up some tasty treats for them.

Of course, you can hang one of the best bird feeders and make your job easier. But if you’re looking for a crafty DIY project then this is the article for you. Depending on the types of birds you might see in your backyard will determine what you fill your bird feeder with. If you’re unsure what the best bird food to offer is, don’t worry you can check out our vet’s guide on what to feed a bird from the kitchen to help.

In this feature, we are talking about how to hang a bird feeder, even if you don’t have a tree. Let’s find out all the easy ways you hang up your next bird feeder.

What to consider when hanging a bird feeder

There are a few things to bear in mind when hanging a bird feeder. First, find a suitable and safe location. Typically, bird feeders are located in a visible place to attract passing birds and are safe from predators. What’s more, it’s best to avoid windy and noisy spaces and to hang in shaded areas to protect seed and nectar from spoiling quickly. Feeders are naturally messy, so it’s also important for regular cleaning and refilling.

Another thing to consider is how high should you hang a bird feeder. While this is dependent on your chosen station, it’s advisable to hang at eye level or five to six feet high, which is suitable for most garden birds. If you want to know how to stop cats killing birds, you’ll want to avoid hanging feeders too low or within the reach of cats or rodents who will raid precious feed. In addition, it may be worthwhile investing in a squirrel-proof bird feeder, which will protect birds and help to keep the feeding area more hygienic.

How to hang a bird feeder on a tree branch

This is one of the most common places to hang a bird feeder. Find a sturdy branch, ideally towards the trunk, and ensure you choose the right hooks to handle your feeder weight. Most feeders require an extra S-shaped hook, but there are also stretched-out extension hooks and wide branch hooks available. It’s always best to use an S-shaped hook with deeper, curved ends as they are more secure when birds land on it or on a windy day.

Next up, you need a strong cord to hold the feeder in place. This could include rope, chain, jute twine, or any other durable material. Avoid things like elastic or anything springy to create excessive moments when birds land and feed. Depending on how high up you want the feeder, ensure the length is sufficient and knotted several times. You want to make sure it is secure enough that it will not fall or become loose.

Alternative bird feeder ideas

Bird feeder on a pole

Bird feeder poles are another great way of attracting furry-winged friends, especially if you don’t have sturdy trees. In addition, they are versatile, holding up to eight bird feeders at a time. The idea is to position the feeder poles at varying heights for different birds to access easily.

What’s more, they are ideal for smaller birds to eat peacefully without being pushed out by the larger, dominant birds. There are many options of pole kits that come equipped with multiple hooks or squirrel baffles to keep those athletic squirrels out! Best of all, you can place a pole anywhere around the garden to safeguard the tasty feed from predators.

On a wall or shed

If you’re tight on backyard space, wall brackets offer a great solution for hanging bird feeders to a solid structural wall. These are ideal to position on a brick wall of a house, walled shed, or outhouse.

Simply place the wall bracket up high for the bird feeder, so it’s still within easy reach to clean. Nectar feeders in particular need regular cleaning as they are prone to ants and other insects. The only downside to having a feeder on the brick wall is that you can’t get a nice view of your beautiful visitors. In that case, it’s probably best to place it near a window.

Window bird feeders

Window-mounted bird feeders are also a fuss-free option. All you need is a clear plastic window bracket with outdoor suction cups to secure in place. Just remember, the heavier your feeder is, the more suction cups you’ll need to invest in. Best of all, window bird feeders are incredibly versatile. If you don’t want to place them on glass windows, you can also fix the suction cup brackets to PVC or varnished smooth wooden window frames, a door window, or even a garden shed window.

Bear in mind, birds can’t grasp what windows are so may well try to fly into them. However, you could install window alert decals (vinyl) or window identification devices that will help birds from harming themselves.

In any case, these will create a peaceful and idyllic retreat for our garden birds and bird watchers alike!

Ground feeders

Since most people are probably used to seeing bird feeders higher up, you might be surprised to know that there's an extensive range of bird feeders based on the ground.

They can be used by a wide range of birds, including poultry, and are extremely versatile, allowing you to use them for a wide range of foods.

Being based on the ground, there is of course the risk that they could be at risk from non-bird species. Many of them come with protectors, but if an animal is particularly determined, the chances are that they will find a way in. Nevertheless, this is an ideal option if you'd like something a bit different.

Bird tables

Depending on where you put them and their size, bird tables are likely to attract larger birds, so you should seriously consider whether this is what you want before you place one in your garden. Even so, they’re portable and easily customizable and represent one of the easiest and cheapest ways of attracting birds into your backyard.

One of the most common types of bird feeders out there, bird tables come in all shapes and sizes, and since they're stationary, they render the question of how to hang a bird feeder moot!

DIY bird feeder options

Plate or bowl feeder

This method requires a bit of handiness, but the results are worth it. To start, you just need two old pieces of tableware: a bowl and a plate. Drill a hole through the saucer and the plate and attach them together with the plate or saucer upside-down above the bowl.

The saucer will act as a little rain protector for any birdies who come to munch. Check out Erin's Creative Energy for more details on how to make this feeder.

Old bottles

The Garden Roof Coop offers great advice on how to DIY wine bottle bird feeders. You'll need to be fairly handy and have tools like a drill and several bits, but the results are gorgeous feeders of repurposed wine bottles that add color and flair to your yard.

Milk carton feeder

This is a really easy one! Crayola gives a great step-by-step breakdown on how to make a DIY milk carton bird feeder, which includes grabbing an old milk carton, cutting out an opening in the side, creating flaps for it, and hanging it up in the yard! By far the easiest DIY bird feeder we've seen.

DIY bird toys can be a lifesaver if you’re on a budget and are looking to keep your feathered friend amused without upsetting your bank account.  Although most bird toys don’t cost a lot, our beaked buddies tend to attack their toys vigorously, which means they need to be replaced a lot more frequently than you may be able to afford.

While the best toys for parrots and other smaller birds come in a wide range of options, the cost can quickly add up if you’re being forced to invest in these on a regular basis. Thankfully, DIY bird toys offer a great solution that lets you use up a lot of common items around the home.

Below you’ll find a range of great options that take basic materials such as paper, string, and wooden beads and transform them into toys that will keep your bird physically and mentally stimulated for hours at a time. All of them are simple to make and best of all? They cost next to nothing!

• 20 brilliant pet bird tips
• 3 adorable birdseed wreath recipes

1. Dishwasher foraging basket

Quite possibly the coolest idea ever, a dishwasher foraging basket will keep your birds amused and entertained for hours at a time. Easy to find and super affordable, we love the Munchkin High Capacity Dishwasher Basket because it’s nice and safe for birds. 

Once you’ve picked yourself up one, you’ll want to secure it to the sides of your bird's cage using several plastic zip ties and then fill it up with chopped up vegetables, such as carrots and celery. You can use leafy vegetables like kale too and have them sticking up through the top, bottom and sides or for a special treat, try broccoli smeared with almond butter.

2. Cheap DIY bird toys

If you don’t want to spend a fortune making toys for your feathered friends, then you’ll want to check out this fantastic video where you’ll learn how to make five wallet-friendly toys for $15, using items you can easily get from your local dollar store. Not only are these toys cheap, but they’re incredibly fun and will keep your bird busy for hours.

3. Easy paper bird toys

Not sure you want to spend $15 on DIY bird toys? No worries! In this video, you’ll learn how to make five quick and easy toys for your feathered friend using just paper - it doesn’t get much cheaper than that! With simple and straightforward instructions, you’ll have these toys whipped up for your bird in no time. 

4. Bead swing

To make a bead swing for your bird, cut a piece of string about one foot (30cm) in length or longer if you’re wanting a bigger swing. Use a piece of twine or cotton rope but avoid fishing line or metal wire as these could hurt your birds feet. 

Once you’ve got your piece of string cut, start threading it with wooden beads that measure roughly 1.9 cm, continuing until the beads are all tightly packed together but with a little string left at either end. Avoid using plastic beads as your bird could bite into them and hurt themselves.

Take the ends of the string and tie them about 10-15 cm apart at the top of your bird’s cage - reduce the space if you want the swing looser or increase it for a tighter swing.

5. Hanging almond toy

Get a piece of fishing line or sewing string and thread it with a 1.9 cm wooden bead before tying the end off to keep your bead and ingredients in place. Once you’ve done that, take 15 almonds and hold each almond by its end, poking a needle through the middle.

Thread the string through the hole in each almond, so that they stack together to form a long chain. Bunch the almonds close together and leave plenty of extra string at one end to make it easy to hang.

Take another wooden button, just like the one you used at the beginning, and place it on top of the almond chain, tying it on securely to hold all the almonds in place. Now take the rest of the remaining string and use it to hang the almond chain from the top or side of your bird’s cage.

6. Build-a-toy

We love this video because not only is it quick (which is great if you’re time poor!) but it shows you how easy it is to take common items, like wood, leather, paper, stainless steel, natural fibers, and more, and turn them into something special that your bird will love to play with. 

7. Twig ball

Take a bunch of twigs from your garden (pliable willow is particularly good for this) or a heap of long dried grass and weave it together to create this cool ball that your bird will have hours of fun with trying to unravel. To make the toy even more exciting, why not fill the ball with treats, smear it with almond butter or spray it with millet spray.

Coming up with a good rotation of enriching foraging ideas for parrots poses a little bit more of a challenge than finding amusing activities to keep our feline friends and canine companions out of mischief. But rest assured, it can be done!

Parrots are highly intelligent creatures who love nothing more than solving a good puzzle and foraging is extremely important for their mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Just like we humans, parrots can become depressed when they don’t have enough to keep them occupied and because the vast majority of their time in the wild would be spent hunting for food, an idle parrot can exhibit less than desirable behaviors.

Thankfully, foraging is the perfect solution that not only taps into their natural instincts but provides their brains and bodies with plenty of stimulation. The below foraging ideas for parrots are a great way to banish boredom and ensure your feathered friend is getting all the enrichment they need to thrive.

• 11 types of pet parrot
• Should you get a parrot for a pet?

1. Make a DIY foraging box

This is an amazing way to take a ton of everyday items that you have around the house and repurpose them into a fun foraging activity for your pet parrot and to do that, you’ll firstly need to do a little foraging of your own - through your recycling box!

Pull out any empty toilet rolls, egg cartons, paper cups etc and then grab a container of your choice - we find cereal or shoe boxes work great here. Start by popping in some shredded paper and then position the toilet rolls, pieces of egg carton and whatever else you’re using.

Once that’s done, choose several food items, such as nuts, fruit and vegetables, and strategically place them throughout the box, making sure to hide them within the paper and various objects that you’re using. 

Depending on the size of the box you’ve chosen, you can either hang it up in their cage or place it in a space in your home that your parrot is allowed access to. You can then sit back and watch as your feathered friend works to free their food! 

2. Create a food foraging trail

One way to keep your parrot endlessly entertained is to create a different food foraging trail each day so they never quite know where their meals are going to be. You can do this in several different ways:

• Spread their food across several different bowls and place these around their cage
• Use lettuce leaves to hide food under
• Take a vegetable, like broccoli, and push pellets, nuts and seeds into it so that they have to work to free them
• Hang up brussel sprouts that are still attached to the stalk and smear with almond butter
• Cut fruit into fun shapes and scatter across the floor of the cage

Mixing up your birds daily routine will make mealtimes more exciting and will keep them constantly on their toes. Just ensure you monitor your parrot and check to see that they are actually finding their food. If they’re giving up, try making the foraging trail a little easier.

3. Put those backyard citrus trees to good use

If you have a lemon, orange, grapefruit or lime tree growing in your garden, why not cut off some branches and turn them into a foraging activity for your feathered friend? As long as you haven’t treated your plants with any chemicals, these forms of citrus are all safe for your parrot.

You can either stick the branches with the leaves attached on the floor of their cage, or to make things more exciting, weave them into the bars so that they have to work to free them. 

Your parrot will love ripping off all the leaves to nibble on and chewing on the branches is great for their teeth. Just make sure you remove any thorns or sharp pieces before you let your parrot have them. 

4. Make a wreath

The idea here is to create something that your bird has to work to deconstruct. Thinner and more pliable branches, such as willow, are great for forming the structure of a wreath as they can be easily woven together, but leather, paper, and cotton can all work well too. 

Once you’ve created your wreath, you can hang it up inside your parrot’s cage as it is or use it to hang food or toys from to provide an extra challenge.

Or, for an even tastier option why not try out one of these delicious birdseed wreath recipes? Just make sure to avoid using peanuts, which contain Aflatoxin, a liver toxin that is dangerous for parrots.

5. Invest in some foraging toys

Many of the best toys for parrots have been created especially to tap into a parrot’s natural love of foraging, so if you don’t have the time to make your own, there are a ton of affordable options on the market that will work beautifully. 

Toys are a particularly great option if your parrot is alone for most of the day as they provide your feathered friend with lots of fun options that they can engage with independently.

You’ll find a range of foraging toys on the market, including wheels that your parrot needs to spin to release treats, skewers that can be hung from the sides of their cage, plus foraging puzzles and pinatas. 

We recommend you place the toys strategically and move them around regularly to keep your parrot’s living quarters feeling fresh and exciting. 

6. Hang up a pine cone or two

One of the most fun foraging activities around, the structure of a pine cone is ideal for keeping your parrot mentally and physically stimulated. Disinfect them at 200 degrees Farenheit in the oven and once cool, smear with almond butter and then place on the ground of their cage or hang from the ceiling - you can even adhere a few extra seeds or pellets to the surface for an extra treat.

7. Turn their cage into a mini-library

Now, please rest assured that we are not suggesting you pop your prized first edition copies of your favorite books into your parrot’s cage for them to have a field day with, but if you have any old phone books still lying around or just a book or two that you no longer have any use for, then trust us, giving them to your feathered friend will earn you major brownie points!

Parrots love to shred things and books are a brilliant outlet for this. Depending on the size and weight of the book you’re using, you can either hang it up in their cage or place it on the floor - either way, they’ll have a ball pulling out all the pages and throwing them about their cage. Just bear in mind, this one is a little messy, so you’ll have a bit of a cleanup on your hands afterwards but we have a feeling their joy will make it all worth it. 

If you want to know what to feed birds from the kitchen you aren’t alone. Birds aren’t super common pets like cats and dogs, so it can be confusing trying to figure out what they can and can’t eat.

While you can definitely, serve up some of the best bird food, it may be easier to offer food that you already have. Luckily, the foods on this list are common items that can be found in most kitchens. Some of these are even items you might not have thought of but it turns out our feathered friends like a lot of the same foods we do.

It’s worth noting that younger birds have a different diet than older birds. So if you have a baby bird on your hands you may want to check out our guide on what to feed a baby bird. We also got advice from Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, on what is and isn’t safe to offer to the different types of birds you might see in your backyard, let's take a look.

What to feed birds from the kitchen

Now, before we get into our list Dr. MacMillan has pearls of advice for us. “Some of the healthiest options for birds include seeds, such as that left over from pumpkins or watermelons, and fruit. Popular fruits for wild birds include berries, bruised apples, bruised pears, and bananas.”

She also notes that you should cut food into small pieces to make it easier for birds to eat. Here are what we recommend offering your feathered friends.

Apples

When serving up this tasty treat, you’ll want to slice the apples up and remove the seeds. If you want to attract hummingbirds, slice the apple in half, scoop out part of the fruit, and fill it with sugar water before skewering it onto a feeder.

Bananas

Another crowd-pleasing fruit is the nutrient-rich banana and it’s so easy to dish up, simply remove the peel, chop it into rounds, and then place it on a tree stump or skewer.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds also make a great addition to a birdseed wreath. Check out these great birdseed wreath recipes for ideas on how you can make your own DIY version at home.

Raisins

Just make sure you soak them in some warm water first so they’re nice and soft and easy to eat.

Sweetcorn, peas, and potatoes

Although it’s a fiddly job, make sure you remove the outer skin from the peas and sweet corn as well as the potatoes. Dr. MacMillan these items are very appealing to birds.

Eggs and eggshells

Cooked eggs are packed full of nutrition and their shells are calcium-rich, which female birds need a lot of, especially when they’re nesting. Oh, and they’re good for digestion too, helping our beaked buddies to stay regular!

Cereal

As well as plain or toasted oats, you can also serve up bran flakes, corn flakes, or plain cereals with fruit and nuts, like low-sugar muesli. Before you give any cereal to birds, crush it with a rolling pin so there are no large chunks that could get stuck in their throat.

What not to feed birds

• Avocados
• Fruit pits and seeds
• Uncooked beans
• Salt

Dr. MacMillan also advises against serving cooked oatmeal as it can get stuck around the birds’ beaks. She also states, “Things like breadcrumbs, plain cooked pasta, pieces of pastry, or cooked rice should only be offered occasionally. Birds can fill up too much on these items which are lacking in essential nutrients, leading to an unbalanced diet.”

If you're interested in finding out what not to wild birds check out our vet's guide.

Loved this feature? Check out 32 tips for taking care of wild birds and 32 nutritious things birds can eat besides bird food. Or learn if you should help a baby bird

Finding a young fledgling bird can be distressing and your natural instinct may be to immediately search 'what to feed a baby bird' or 'what do baby birds eat' in order to find it some food. At this stage, you're likely wondering how you can care for it and pondering your next steps to ensure its survival. You may even be looking to return the fledgling back to its parents, but you're unsure how to do so without causing harm.

Here, veterinarian Dr Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS is on hand to offer advice for such a situation, having been regularly asked to help with nestling, fledgling or injured baby birds as part of her job. As you'll discover, the decision to rescue and nurture a young bird isn't always clear cut and feeding is quite tricky. When working out what to feed a fledgling bird, it's not a matter of satiating hunger using the best bird food, that's for sure!

Before reading on, however, you need to assess whether a bird actually appears vulnerable. The RSPB has asked the public to be wary of simply picking up seemingly abandoned birds, saying it's normal for them to be flightless at first – in many cases, they have not been deserted. But, assuming a bird is vulnerable, Dr Woodnutt is ready to tell you all you need to know in her guide to caring for a fledgling.

What to do with a baby bird

If you’ve found a baby bird on the floor, or one has been brought in by your cat, the first thing to do is get it to a safe place. Gently pick it up – you can use a tea towel if you’d rather not touch it – and put it into a box. Any sort of box with a lid that’s large enough will work – you don’t need to make it perfect, just get it contained and in the dark whilst you work out what to do next. Try to have a peek at it as you lift it. Is it injured? Is there any blood?

Now, you need to decide if you’ve rescued a nestling or a fledgling. By far the most common rescues are fledglings. These young birds are just learning to fly, so they spend a lot of time on the ground. This means you’re more likely to spot them, and they’re more at risk of being caught by the cat!

Fledglings have most or all of their feathers, but might not look as neat as an adult bird. If the baby bird is a fledgling, you can leave him where you found him if it’s safe, or place the box, open and on its side, under a bush, or hanging from a branch so he can hide until he’s ready to try flying again. His parents will be nearby, waiting to feed him. Keep pets inside if possible to give him a fair chance!

A nestling, on the other hand, will have no feathers. He’ll likely have fallen out of his nest, and you may find more than one baby bird, or even a whole nest on the ground. Have a look for the nest – if you can see it, pop him back in there and leave him – his parents will carry on feeding him. If the nest is on the ground, prop it up high or – even better – wire it into the bush or tree it fell from so that it’s safe from predators. If you can’t see it, or it’s damaged, try using a plant pot with some nest material, and wire it to a bush.

If you can’t return the baby bird to his parents, or you’ve tried but have seen no sign of them after continuous watching of two or more hours, you may have to consider hand-rearing the bird.

Should I look after this baby bird?

Hopefully you’ve tried to return the bird to his parents – hand rearing is hard work, and nowhere near as rewarding as they make it sound in books. Feeding needs to happen frequently – as often as every 20 minutes – during daylight hours, so this is a big responsibility. Most people don’t have the equipment and experience necessary, so taking in a bird should be a last resort.

Hand reared birds struggle to survive in the wild and are unlikely to ever live a normal life unless they’ve been reared by a professional. It’s also extremely common for baby birds to die from stress, incorrect diet, or undiagnosed injury or illness – so be prepared. Lastly, you’ll need to check your local law. In some areas, it’s illegal to keep wildlife captive unless you have a license, or it may be illegal to release the bird again once you’ve brought it into the house.

If you’re sure the bird has been abandoned, the best option is to see if there’s a nearby wildlife rescue or shelter that will take the bird, as this will give the bird the best chance of being safely released. If this isn’t possible, see if they can tell you what species of bird it is and give you any advice or equipment.

How do you take care of an abandoned baby bird?

If you can’t find anybody else to take the bird and you really want to give it a shot, it’s time to find out how to take care of an abandoned baby bird. Here’s all you need to know:

Housing an abandoned baby bird

You’ll need to find somewhere suitable for the baby bird to live until it’s old enough to be released. For a fledgling, this is easy – they’re already out of the nest so you just need to provide a safe space in the garden that they can escape when they’re ready.

For a nestling, you’ll need a box lined with something non-slip easy to clean – birds are messy! Don’t forget that the box should be pet-proof! They’ll also need a ‘nest’, as this supports their weight and allows normal development of their bones. Place the box in a quiet place. It’s best not to use a heat lamp unless it’s very cold, as a nestling will be unable to move away if they’re too hot.

What to feed a baby bird that fell out of its nest

If your bird is a nestling, you’ll need to feed from a syringe or pipette. These birds would be being fed regurgitated food from mum and dad, so they’ll need a soft food. A common option is a mix of cat/dog food, hardboiled eggs, and crushed mealworms, but your wildlife rehabber will be able to give you a more exact recipe designed for the age and species of the bird. You’ll need to find out how to make the baby bird food, how long it can stay in the fridge for, and how often to feed the baby bird.

If you’re wondering what to feed a fledgling baby bird, don’t worry – this is much easier! Fledglings will still be being fed by their parents, but they’re picking up many of the skills they need to feed themselves. First, try offering a bird food mix of seeds and mealworms, and see if the bird helps himself. If he does, great! If not, you’ll need to find out what sort of bird he is, and feed him his preferred food – often softened mealworms – from a pair of tweezers until he’s a little older.

Can you give baby birds water?

It’s very important that birds don’t get dehydrated, but it’s difficult to safely give water to a baby bird. Nestlings should not be given water – they won’t know what to do with it and might drown in it. Both nestlings and fledglings that are not yet feeding themselves will get their water from their diet – so they’ll need access to moist foods. Fledglings that can feed themselves can be given a shallow dish of water until they recover from their shock and fly away.

Knowing what to do with a baby bird that’s been abandoned is tough. Whilst our instinct is to rescue and look after them, it’s generally not in the bird’s best interests – they’re better off outside and rarely do well when hand reared.

If you do end up feeding a baby bird, take as much advice as possible from an experienced bird rehabilitation center to maximize the chances of a successful release.

You might also want to learn what not to feed wild birds and should you help a baby bird. Or, learn what to do if you find a baby bird.

So you fancy owning a parrot? Question is, what types of pet parrot should you consider? There are lots of different species of varying sizes and colors. Some will be more suited to novices than others; some are better outside than in. Here we take a look at 11 types.

African Greys

Prized for their ability to mimic human speech, African Grey parrots are popular pets and they're the ones that people tend to associate most with parrots. 

With cognitive skills said to be on a par with that of a five-year-old child, they're also capable of developing a large vocabulary (so be careful what you say in front of one). Indeed, it's not unknown for them to utter more than 1,000 words and they'll be able to understand what a good number of them mean.

Even so, aside from being adept at reasoning, they're also prone to boredom. They need a lot of mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming unhappy and distressed which can lead to feather-picking so make sure you have a selection of the best toys for parrots on hand. Also, if you're considering an African Grey, be aware that they tend to become clingy to one person and that may or may not be you. They can live up to 80 years so think carefully when considering if you should get a parrot for a pet.

• 20 brilliant pet bird tips

Amazon Parrots

Amazon Parrots are great talkers and singers, and they'll have few problems quickly picking up words and melodies. Trouble is, their pronunciation isn't the most accurate and they may appear a tad tone-deaf but you'll soon tune your ears into what they're saying and singing.

What you may not enjoy as much is an Amazon Parrot's penchant for screaming when they want to grab attention. You need to keep a close eye on them before handling too, since these parrots can be aggressive when they're in pain, anxious or just plain moody particularly when they reach sexual maturity.

These are certainly parrots for the more experienced pet owners and you'll need to be attentive to them: they need lots of interaction throughout the day. Different types of Amazon Parrots display their own personalities so bear that in mind: Southern Mealy Amazons are gentle, for instance, while Green Cheeked Amazons can get up to mischief.

Macaw

Colorful, long-tailed and large, Macaws are a long-term investment, not least because they'll live for more than 60 years. As the largest of the parrot species, these are also pets for those with a huge amount of space. You've got to give them room to flex wingspans of up to 60 inches, after all.

Of the 18 species, most people will generally opt for the scarlet, blue-and-gold, Hahn's, hyacinth, or green-winged varieties and they'll be bowled over by the undoubted elegance inherent in these birds. Yet they're not for novices. Although they can be gentle, macaws can appear hard to read and aggressive. When kept as pets, they need to be constantly enriched and because they have a low boredom threshold and will also chew anything in sight, they need ongoing fresh supplies of toys.

What's more, Macaws are noisy too, so they won't be suitable for apartments or if neighbors' homes are too close by. Some species can mimic human speech, however, and they have bags of personality. Their intelligence will impress.

Poicephalus

There are nine species of Poicephalus parrots including Meyer's, Jardine's, Brown-headed and, most famously, Senegal. They tend to be green and gray with accents of other colors and these stocky birds have proven to be popular pets for many centuries.

Given they are relatively quiet (although rather loud if they want to be), they're good pets if you have close neighbors or live in an apartment. They're also friendly and loving, allowing owners to scratch their heads and neck. What's more, they're not so needy that they want you to be around them all day.

Even so, by socializing them well, they'll avoid becoming a one-person bird or, worse, anti-social with a preference for the comfort of their cage. Don't worry if you have children since these birds are good around kids, proving playful and affectionate. It's also possible to get them to mimic some sounds and some Poicephalus do learn to talk.

Lorikeets

If you want a very colorful parrot, then look no further than a lorikeet – their green bodies are adorned with beautiful flourishes of blue, orange, purple, and yellow, making them very eye-catching indeed.

That's if you can keep up with them, anyway. Native to Australia, the birds are lively and they barely stop for a breather so anyone owning one will have to try and match their intense energy level. Yet this is part of their charm. Lorikeets are known as the clowns of the parrot world, getting up to lots of fun, whether you choose the small Australian lorikeets or the larger tropical variety. They'll talk, be a great companion and entertain you with some dancing.

Interestingly, lorikeets also have brush-tipped tongues which they use to feed on nectar and soft fruits. It helps them to sweep food into their mouths. As you can guess, this is their preferred food and it will result in runny, sticky poop which can be pretty bad. It's something to think about.

Conures

These colorful companions range in size from small to medium but they are also big on personality. Not only are they clever and comical, they're extremely energetic, so give them a lot of toys and they'll get stuck in, exploring and playing while providing you with lots of entertainment.

It's possible to teach these birds some simple tricks and it's a good way to socialize and enrich them. Take them out of the cage and you'll also have much fun getting them to snuggle with you: so long as you're respectful of them, you'll find that you'll grow in each other's company over the course of their 20-plus year lifespan.

During this time, you won't have much of a conversation. Conures can talk but their vocabulary will be very limited. They do communicate loudly, however, and there is a danger that they will begin to scream. These birds can also be a bit nippy but whether you go for a sun, jenday, blue crowned, green cheeked, nanday or red masked conure (or indeed any of the other varieties), you'll be sure to fall in love.

Parakeets

There are 115 different species of parakeets – that is, small, slender-built parrots with long tail feathers – and these include the budgerigar. They tend to be intelligent and highly social little things, with a penchant for hanging around with their human owners and with a lot of love and affection to give. As such, they make for wonderful avian pets.

Although parakeets are less smart than larger birds, they will mimic human speech. They just won't understand the meaning of any words they utter. Males are noisier than females and the sounds they make will indicate their mood: screaming means they're unhappy while whistles and singing generally means they're feeling upbeat. They'll be happiest when paired with another parakeet for company and you'll find they'll be very playful together. Parakeets tend to live for between eight and 12 years but they're inexpensive to keep.

Cockatoos

There are 21 species making up the family of cockatoos and some, such as the Sulphur crested cockatoo, will be recognizable to most. They're not easy birds to keep because they're very demanding of human time and attention. They stick to their owners like glue most of the time so they'll need to be taught how to cope when you're not around or need some space. Plenty of toys would do the trick.

Like most parrots, cockatoos are highly intelligent but they can be emotional, having temper tantrums and squawking at ear-piercing frequencies. They will talk using human words although you'll have to train them hard to do so. Species include the bare-eyed, citron, goffins, rose-breasted, and black palm cockatoos. Growing up to 24 inches or so, they'll live up to 60 years.

Parrotlets

They may be pocket-sized parrots at around five inches in height but Parrotlets are feisty little things. The accepted advice is, therefore, to keep them apart from other animals and humans because they can be rather aggressive. Their bites certainly hurt so they'll need to be well trained and socialized from a very early age. Handled well and daily, however, Parrotlets can form bonds and be affectionate so the effort is definitely worth it. Have them perch on your shoulder or pop them in your pocket.

Just don't expect them to talk. Females won't chatter using human words at all and, while males will, their voices are very quiet so any vocalization won't feel particularly satisfying. Ensure they are given a healthy diet, though, and you'll find you have a happy bird on your hands. Then you'll discover their small bodies are hiding a big personality. Pacific parrotlets are the most popular.

Eclectus

Depending on the gender of these parrots, there's a huge difference in appearance – so much so that they were once thought to be entirely different species. The males are a bright emerald green while the females are a mix of bright red with a blue/purple plumage. Both are medium-sized, however, measuring about 12 inches or so in length.

Of the two, pet owners are generally recommended to opt for the male. They're less aggressive and assertive than their female counterparts and easier to train. In either case, you're going to need space but because they're highly intelligent birds, you'll find they adapt well to your home life particularly when they are socialized. You can also teach Eclectus to speak and they'll learn fast. They have a wider range of vocalizations than most parrots too.

Lovebirds

Made up of nine species, lovebirds are so-called because a pair will form a monogamous relationship and they'll pine for each other if they become separated. Does that mean it's best to keep two lovebirds? Actually, no. Pairs will breed and you may find the resulting offspring becomes too much to handle. And if you're looking to gain some affection or bond from a pair of lovebirds, forget it. They'll tend to only have eyes for each other.

With a single bird, you have to step up to the mark and take the place of the companion, giving them lots of toys to enrich them and spending time training and engaging. Lovebirds won't speak much – they're not classed as talkers even though they can utter words – but they will twitter incessantly at times. Since these are very active small birds, they need to be let out of the cage for a few hours each day. They are territorial, however, and don't take too kindly to other bird species.

Whip up one of these super-sweet birdseed wreath recipes and not only will you be attracting all the local birds in your neighborhood to your backyard, but feathered friends from far and wide will be dropping by to get a bite of your tasty treat.

While the best bird feeders are great for ensuring there’s always food around, sometimes you want to splurge and create something a little more special - and what better way to do that with an adorable birdseed wreath?!

Alongside DIY bird cakes, wreaths can be a fantastic way of packing in extra nourishment that you can’t always find in a standalone seed mix. They also look pretty too and can add a unique touch to your garden.

And on that note, if you’ve been wondering how to attract birds to your garden, a birdseed wreath isn’t all style and no substance - our feathered friends go crazy for these sweet and savory delights that include a beautiful blend of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. So if you want more birds in your backyard, trying out one of these delightful birdseed wreath recipes is the way to go!

• Best squirrel proof bird feeders: How to stop furry pests stealing your birds' food

Birdseed Wreath Recipes

While many of the birdseed wreath recipes out there are similar, we've found three that use different nuts, dried fruits and seeds to set themselves apart. 

You can follow the recipes as they are, but feel free to experiment with your own combinations. 

And if you're stuck for inspiration, our guide on what to feed birds can help you out.

1) Seeded wreath

What you’ll need:

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon
• 9” bundt pan
• 2 packs unflavored gelatin
• 1 c. warm water
• 6 tbsp. light corn syrup
• 1 ½ cups. flour
• 8 c. birdseed
• Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Cooking spray
• Ribbon 
• Scissors

Instructions:

1. Mix  2 packets of gelatin with 1 cup of warm water.
2. Add in 6 tbsp of light corn syrup and 1 ½ cups of flour and then mix until smooth.
3. Slowly add in the 8 cups of birdseed, stirring as you go. It can take a while to get all the birdseed coated, so patience is key here!
4. Grab your bundt pan and lightly coat it with the cooking spray.
5. Add a few fresh or frozen cranberries into the pan and then spoon the birdseed mixture on top. Make sure to press it down firmly.
6. Let the wreath dry for 24 hours.
7. Carefully remove the wreath from the bundt pan and loop the ribbon through to hang it up.

2) Dried fruit and nut wreath

What you’ll need:

• ½ c. fresh cranberries
• ½ c. pumpkin seeds
• ½ c. almonds
• 3-4 c. birdseed
• 1 c. gelatin mixed with ½ to ¾ c. warm water
• ½ c. light corn syrup
• ¼ c. flour mixed with ⅓ c. water
• Cooking spray for greasing
• Bundt pan
• Ribbon or twine for hanging
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Instructions:

• Grease your bundt pan with the cooking spray, sprinkle a few cranberries in the bottom and set it aside.
• Mix a ⅓ cup of water with ¼ cup of flour and ½ cup of corn syrup to form a natural glue.
• Add 3 cups of birdseed to this glue and mix together well. The 4th cup of birdseed is optional if you’re going to be lying the wreath down, but if you’re wanting to hang it up, stick to no more than 3 ½ cups.
• Prepare the gelatin mixture by placing the gelatin powder in a bowl or measuring cup and dissolving it with the water. It needs to be pourable but super thick.
• Add in the almonds, remaining cranberries, and pumpkin seeds and press the mixture into your bundt pan.
• On top of the gelatin mixture, add the birdseed glue mixture and again, press it down firmly. 
• Place the wreath into the fridge and allow it to set overnight in the pan. 
• After 24 hours, tie the string around your wreath and hang it. Alternatively, if you’re worried about it being too fragile, you can lay it on a platter instead. 

3) Sweet and crunchy wreath

What you’ll need:

• 1 package of gelatin
• ½ c. warm water
• 3 tbsp. corn syrup
• ¾ c. flour
• 4 c. birdseed
• A selection of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds 
• Cooking spray
• Bundt pan
• Ribbon

Instructions: 

1. Mix the gelatin with the water until dissolved.
2. Whisk in the syrup and flour until all the lumps are gone (it should look thick and paste-like).
3. Slowly add in the birdseed, mixing well after each addition. 
4. Once you’ve mixed it together, spray your bundt pan really well with cooking spray to help the wreath slide out easily when it’s dry.
5. Add your selected dried fruits, nuts, and seeds to the bottom of the bundt pan. 
6. Scoop the birdseed mixture into the pan and really pack it down to make sure it stays together.
7. Let it sit for 24 hours.
8. It should feel nice and firm by this stage, so carefully slip the wreath out of the bundt pan and loop ribbon through to hang it up.

A parrot for a pet? Well why not? As well as repeating what you say and mimicking human language, parrots are highly social birds with heaps of personality. They'll reward you with great loyalty for many years to come and those who love them will tell you how great they are to have around.

Yet, the decision to buy a parrot is not so straightforward. There are 398 species of parrot, some large, some small and lots in between. Of those, about 220 are available in captivity and you’ll find grays, cockatoos, macaws and amazons among the larger species; rose-ringed parakeets, rosellas and conures occupying the middle ground; and budgies, cockatiels and parakeets among the tinier fliers. Your experience will vary depending on which you choose.

• 20 brilliant pet bird tips

Parrots have been popular as pets for thousands of years. They were favorites among ancient Egyptians, royal companions in Asia and Africa and domesticated by the Romans. The birds were also so beloved of Portuguese explorers to India that those which ended up being brought back were protected by Pope Martin V's “keeper of the parrots” in the early 15th century.

Unfortunately, however, a demand for these birds in more recent times has led to an illegal trade in wild parrots. African grays are particularly highly sought-after due to their talkative nature and intelligence – so much so, that they’re now listed as being endangered. There is a concerted global effort to prevent the sale of these wild birds but that's not to say you should steer clear of those legally bred in captivity.

Large or small?

Reputable breeders care greatly for parrots yet they will also be honest about the hard work needed to look after them. There's certainly no getting around it: parrots can be demanding pets. Not only will their intelligence make them easily bored, they crave human attention, and we're talking hours of it. As such, these are not pets for anyone who spends most of the day away from home but they're perfect if you have a bustling family life with people constantly coming in and out of the house.

Of course, you must consider how much room you can give to your flying pet. As you can imagine, they're going to need a good amount of space in which to spread their wings, and the larger the bird, the more room they'll inevitably require. 

This is going to help determine the size of parrot you choose but it's also worth bearing in mind how big your house is too. You can't keep a parrot caged 24/7 and you'll need to let them out. If you don't like the idea of a bird flying around your home for the hours they need to exercise or if you don't think they'll have enough overall room to do so, then it's best to reconsider.

Size matters

Size also matters in other practical ways. Smaller parrots, for instance – in particular budgerigars and cockatiels – are well suited for first time bird keepers. They're inexpensive to buy and feed, they don't take up a lot of room, and you'll find it easier to keep them entertained than those which are larger.

There's no compromise either. Budgies and male cockatiels will utter a few human words as well as sing and, since they're quieter than larger parrots (albeit still noisy), neighbors living close to your property are far less likely to get upset at the noise.

The larger birds need different considerations and they can be a lot to handle for novices. You're going to need a very large cage or even an aviary to ensure they are comfortable. Amazon grays and cockatoos also make an almighty racket so they're better suited to people living in detached homes with plenty of land.

Lifelong commitment

In all cases, enrichment is key to caring for a parrot and you'll need to tap into their natural instincts. “In the wild, their days are routinely spent traveling to and from feeding areas to forage and, during the breeding season, engage in courtship displays and mating,” says Desi Milpacher of the World Parrot Trust. “A parrot in captivity will have the urge to do these things, but will not be able to.”

The trick, then, is to keep their minds occupied. When you provide a parrot with food, you're literally handing it to them on a plate, cutting away the time they usually spend looking for it. Without the need to forage, they become idle and in need of stimulation both mentally and physically. It's why parrots need as many of the best toys for parrots possible. What's more, the larger the bird, the more toys you'll require and they'll need to be replaced more regularly to prevent boredom.

Given how long parrots live for, you're certainly going to be in it for the long haul. After all, some smaller parrots may not live beyond 10 years but larger ones can go on beyond 60 so consider your circumstances today and how they are likely to change in the future. And remember: it's possible to train a parrot, but they'll never be fully domesticated. Any foibles they have today will be ones you'll likely have to live with.

Behaving badly

And yes, parrots are messy, shedding feathers and tossing seeds around. They'll chew on your furniture, peck away at items and knock items to the floor. They will bite (it hurts), become moody (and hormonal), scream (wear muffs) and make it hard to commit to a full-time job. They also pick a person and can become territorial if anyone else comes close. These are behaviors you'll need to manage long term – the trick is not to pay attention to their tantrums but they'll try it on nonetheless and some things you just can't change.

You can't open the windows if parrots are flying free, you can't use nonstick cookware because of the fumes they give off, and you'll need to consider if plants in your home are poisonous. Some parrots such as the African gray, cockatoo and cockatiel have powder-down feathers and the white substance can set off asthma symptoms when the birds preen or ruffle their feathers.

Even so, the time you invest in a parrot will be rewarded with a curious level of affection and, as many owners find, it becomes hard to have just one. Many parrot lovers end up upgrading their cages and aviaries to accommodate new bird companions. They also spend much time contemplating getting more because there's great satisfaction in watching parrots play, grow and communicate, with seldom a dull moment along the way. 

Needing the needy

So should you get a parrot for a pet? While it may feel as if we've tried to put you off, what we've really done is prepare you and if you have read the words above and you still want to go ahead, then you should. They're not easy pets; they'll ruffle a few feathers. But if they bond with you, then you'll adore your parrot with all your heart.

Trying to figure out how to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder is likely high on your priority list if you enjoy attracting flocks of feathered friends to your garden. Squirrels are notorious for trying to break into feeders to steal nuts and seeds, but thankfully there are plenty of humane ways that you can deter them.

Investing in one of the best squirrel-proof bird feeders is a great place to start. Unlike traditional feeders, these have been specifically designed to allow birds to get in but keep squirrels out. While these are a great help, it’s worth noting that there’s currently no such thing as a completely squirrel-proof bird feeder, so we recommend pairing this with other methods.

Because protecting their food source is such an important part of taking care of wild birds, we turned to expert vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan to get her thoughts on the best ways to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder. Below, she reveals her top four tips — and they’re super simple to implement!

How to keep squirrels out of your bird feeder

1. Consider the type of feeder you use

When it comes to keeping squirrels out of your bird feeder, the best way to do this is to purchase a feeder that's been designed with that purpose in mind. Choosing a feeder that's been constructed to prevent squirrels from being able to access what's inside is the easiest way to give yourself peace of mind that your bird food is getting to the desired recipients!

However, if you already have one of the best bird feeders and don't want to swap it over or you simply don't have the money right now to be splashing out on a fancy squirrel-proof feeder, Dr. MacMillan says there are some simple things you can do to keep those furry foodies out.

"If your feeder doesn’t come with any special designs, you can always add to it," she explains. "A squirrel ‘baffle’ can be purchased which you can position underneath the feeder or hang above it. This will prevent the squirrel from being able to climb onto the feeder. Alternatively, squirrel-proof caging could be added around your feeder. The right size gaps in the caging will let birds get through but not squirrels."

2. Elevate the feeder

Squirrels are not only amazing climbers, but they can jump over five feet vertically and seven feet horizontally. So it’s important to make sure your bird feeders are placed away from anything that they might be able to use to jump off, whether that’s a tree branch, a roof tile or garden furniture.

"Elevating your feeder so that it is at least 5 feet high from the ground can deter squirrels. Choose a PVC or copper pole as these are harder to climb than wood. Just ensure that it is also at least 7 feet away from any nearby fences, trees, or walls as a determined squirrel could run and jump onto the feeder."

If you’ve got a small garden and this is too difficult, try creating hurdles to outsmart the clever critters. If your feeders are hung on a wire between two trees, thread a few cones, old sewing spools, discs or plastic bottles to the wire so that when the squirrel attempts to climb across the objects will spin and the squirrel will fall off.

Finally, make sure the area around your bird feeder is kept tidy. It’s not the bird feeder that’s likely to catch the squirrel’s attention, but the food that the birds have dropped on the ground, so try to clean up after them to avoid attracting the wrong visitors.

As a last resort, stop putting food out for a while and see if they lose interest in your garden.

3. Choose your food wisely

When it comes to selecting the best bird food for your beaked buddies, you'll want to consider your options.

The main problem is that the feed that attracts most birds, such as black oil sunflower seeds, nuts and suet, also attracts squirrels. These bushy-tailed mammals love to eat peanuts, sunflower seeds, fruit and corn, so aim for bird feed that doesn’t rely on these ingredients.

"Squirrels don’t tend to enjoy safflower seeds, nyjer seeds, and white proso millets," says Dr. MacMillan. "Sticking to these food items could deter a squirrel from raiding your feeding station."

If you don’t have the heart to let the squirrels go hungry while the birds enjoy their food, why not feed them separately?

"You could distract squirrels away from the bird feeding station by offering them their own food," Dr. MacMamillan advises. "Squirrels particularly like peanuts and dried corn on the cob, but they also enjoy a variety of other nuts and fruit like apples and pears. Set up their feeding zone away from your bird feeding area, with accessible, easy-to-clean platforms."

4. Add deterrents

You could discourage squirrels from coming into your garden by using objects that move, like decorative spinners. These can confuse squirrels and make them wary. Position them nearby to your bird feeding station to act as deterrent. It is most effective to use a few spinners of different designs.

There are also deterrents that you can add to the food itself. For example, it turns out that our feathered friends don't have the same taste buds that squirrels have when it comes to hot and spicy food.

When your mouth burns from eating spicy food, that's caused by a substance called capsaicin. Mammals (like humans and squirrels) have specific receptors in our mouths that react to hot and spicy foods, but birds don't have these.

That means birds will quite happily chow down on food that has been sprinkled with dehydrated cayenne pepper, whereas squirrels won't go near it. Definitely worth a try if you're looking for another way to keep squirrels away from your beaked buddies food supply!

Keen to get to know more of the birds in your neighbourhood? We've got you covered in our guide to how to attract birds to your garden. Plus, here's what to feed birds from the kitchen if you're looking for inspiration on delicious dishes you can serve up.

Looking to jazz up your bird feeder? Why not make up bird cakes and pretend it's a special occasion everyday?

These can make for a great addition to the best bird feeder, or simply just placed around the garden.

Wherever you choose to put them, you'll find these DIY bird cakes so easy to make that you'll have them ready in no time, whether it's a regular weekend craft or a one-off activity with a friend or family member. 

You'll find most ingredients can be sourced from your kitchen, while spare birdseed can often be integrated for a cheap and cheerful meal, your feathered friends are sure to come back for your DIY bird cakes time and time again. 

• Eight tips on what to feed birds from your garden
• How to set up a birdcam and enjoy your garden more

DIY peanut butter bird cakes

• 1 cup of large or rendered suet
• 1 cup of smooth or chunky peanut butter
• 3 cups of stone ground cornmeal
• 1/2 cup of white flour
• 2 cups of birdseed
• 1 cup of millet (or berries, raisins and/or fruits)
• String or wire
• Large spoons
• Plastic cups
• 1 microwaveable bowl
• 1 large mixing bowl

Method
Add the peanut butter and 1 cup of large to the microwaveable safe bowl. Melt these ingredients just until they are smooth, not boiling hot.
Add the mixture to the large mixing bowl, and mix in 3 cups of stone ground cornmeal and the flour.     
Add a cup of millet or your fruits and raisins and 2 cups of birdseed. Mix together until you have a thick consistency.   
Spray plastic cups with cooking spray and fill them with the mixture.
After a few seconds, make a hole on the top of each cup's mixture and place them on a cookie sheet. Pop them in the freezer for approximately an hour. 
Turn the cakes out of their cups and place florist wire through each of the cakes, running all the way through to the bottom. Be sure to bend the wire over so it creates a loop at the top of the cake to keep it from sliding through the hole.
Hang them on trees or place on bamboo sticks. 

DIY fat cakes for birds

• Biscuit cutters or empty yoghurt pots
• String and scissors 
• Bowl and spoon 
• Birdseed, nuts, raisins 
• Grated cheese 
• Lard or suet

Method
Cut the birdseed, nuts, raisins, grated cheese, lard, or suet into small pieces and add to a bowl at room temperature. Mix together well.
Place your cutters flat on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper. If you’re using pots, make a small hole in the base of each one. Take a metre of string, make a knot about 2cm from one end then poke the string through the hole in the pot so the knot is inside.
Spoon your birdseed mixture into each prepared cutter or pot, pressing it down evenly. Poke a hole through the mixture in each cutter near one edge to make a hole for the string. Fill as many moulds as you can until all the mixture has been used up. Place the filled moulds in the fridge and leave to chill thoroughly.
When the mixture has set, you can press out the shapes from the biscuit cutters or cut the plastic pot away from the cake with scissors. Thread string through the hole and hang up a cake outside. Use just one at a time, keeping the others in the fridge until needed.
Hang from a tree or bird table – the cake might start to break up in wet weather, but once the birds get a taste it won’t last long!

Bird cupcakes

• 30g unsalted beef or lamb fat
• 90g CJ Wildlife Bird Cake Mix
• Sunflower seeds , dried mealworms, raisins or fruit and berries, to decorate

Method
Melt the beef or lamb suet in a saucepan.
Mix in sufficient Bird Cake Mix to absorb most of the fat.
Pour into cupcake cases – if too much free fat appears on top, add more cake mix to absorb the fat.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding extra treats for your birds – garnish with a layer of black sunflower seeds, dried or oil-enriched mealworms, dried fruit or berries from the garden. Allow the mixture to cool further and solidify (ideally in the fridge).
Remove from the mold, hang up, and watch the birds arrive for their home-made treat.

Tip
Sit a piece of string or ribbon into each cupcake case before filling to give you a quick and easy hanger!
If you'd like to add peanuts to your cupcakes, be sure to crush them before adding, as whole peanuts are a choking hazard to smaller garden birds.

If you have a garden, then you might be wondering what to feed birds. It’s always a delight to spot our flying friends outside, so this is a great way to encourage them to pay us a visit. Not only is it a rewarding experience for us, but it also helps the birds through food shortages.

However, you can’t just feed them anything and you’ll need the best bird feeder to get started. If you’ve noticed their food is going missing, you might want to look into the best squirrel proof bird feeders instead. These need to be kept clean, hygienic, and free from pests (which we’ll get into later).

You might be tempted to feed them bread, but they actually need a highly nutritious diet to stay healthy. Below, we’ve listed eight foods that you can feed birds (aside from the best bird food), and how to avoid attracting pests into your garden.

We also have a brilliant expert's guide on what not to feed wild birds.

What to feed birds

1. Quality bird seed mix

Quality bird seed mixes are highly nutritious, and will attract different species to your garden. The best seed mixes contain the perfect combination of oil seeds and cereal grains which will provide plenty of energy. It’s best to buy an all-purpose mix that will typically include a variety of sunflower seeds, maize, rolled oats, pinhead oatmeal, millet, kibbled peanuts, and niger seed. Poor quality seed mixes contain mainly wheat and maize which are ‘bulking’ ingredients or ‘fillers’ such as split peas or dog biscuits that have no nutritional value.

2. Mealworm

Mealworms are high-protein foods and can be given to insectivorous birds all year. Although experts advise that mealworms should be fed fresh, as dead mealworms can cause salmonellosis, you can buy high quality, dried mealworms. These are typically enjoyed by robins, blue tits, blackbird, dunnock, great tit, house sparrow, song thrush, starling, and wren. Mealworm is also ideal to offer during breeding season, but it’s advised to soak first to prevent baby birds from choking.

3. Suet and fat balls

Suet pellets, suet blocks and fat balls are ideal for hanging feeders. Suet provides a vital source of energy for them, particularly in the winter months. Popular amongst birds including blue tit, great spotted woodpecker, great tit, long-tailed tit, robin, starling and wren. You might want to learn how to make bird suet yourself.

4. Peanuts

Peanuts are a great source of protein, however you have to be careful what type of peanut to give. It’s important the peanuts you give birds are labelled, ‘nil detextable aflatoxin rated. Aflatoxins are toxins found in peanuts and can be harmful to birds if ingested. Ensure the peanuts you buy are tested so they have no traces of aflatoxin. Never feed them salted, dry or roasted peanuts from your pantry.

5. Sunflower hearts

These are the hulled seeds of sunflowers and are loved in particular by finches. Sunflower hearts are a great source of vitamins, fat, protein and fiber, and since they have no hard shell, these are easier for the smaller birds to eat.

6. Raisins

Raisins are a good energy source for birds and are loved by robins and thrushes. Before you put them in your feeder, soak them overnight to make them soft. This also adds additional moisture, which is important during the breeding season. Bear in mind that raisins are toxic to dogs and cats, so this might not be the best choice if you have furry friends around!

7. Household scraps from the kitchen

Leftover food can be a much more practical (and cheaper!) option to feed garden birds. Plus, nothing will ever go to waste! While you should never offer cooked food, you can provide energy-fueled beef suet. It’s best to avoid raw meat and vegetables, which will be hard for birds to digest and will attract rodents. Potatoes and scraps of pastry are suitable for their high fat content. Grated cheese is a popular choice of food for robins, wrens, and dunnocks.

8. Fruits from the garden

Most gardens have bountiful, fruit trees and plant food sources to attract a variety of birds. Berry trees and shrubs such as holly, honeysuckle and ivy provides tasty fruit but they also provide the perfect shelter to nest and source insects. Popular fruits such as apples and pears are favored by starlings, thrushes and tits. Bear in mind that such fruits are harmful to cats and dogs so be aware if they are around the bird feeding station.

Fresh water to keep hydrated

Don’t forget to leave out a fresh supply of water every day for your feathered friends. If you don’t have a bird bath, use a large dish or upturned bin lid. Also, it’s best to use lukewarm water on colder days.

How do you feed birds in your garden without attracting pests?

Any bird food left on the ground overnight is bound to entice rats or pests. So only leave out a small amount of what gets eaten, always sweep up any leftovers on the ground, and empty water from bird baths. Typically, seed mix that has already been husked will leave less mess, but it’s also worthwhile to get a ‘pest-proof’ bird feeder.

Those with large seed ports may result in a lot of food falling to the ground when knocked so it’s better to have ones with smaller holes to create less spillages. Alternatively, fix a seed-catching tray on your bird-feeder pole to catch excess food.

Finally, make your feeding stations a ‘mission impossible’ for any unwanted visitors to get to. Squirrels and rats are good climbers, so it’s worthwhile strategically placing your bird feeders away from any branches, fences or poles that they can easily use to get to birds precious feed.

Found this helpful? You might also like to read: How to set up a birdcam and how to 32 nutritious things birds can eat besides bird food.

A pet bird can be a fun and rewarding addition to the family. They’re great-looking animals with bags of character who will definitely contribute to your home with some noisy and colorful activity. However, it’s important to know all the facts before you make an avian addition to your abode.

The good news is that we have compiled this huge list of brilliant bird tips that will help you understand your flapping friends a little bit better, no matter the type of pet bird you might have. These tips and facts will make both the bird's life and yours much happier and healthier in the long run and will help you lead a life together in perfect harmony. Here are 20 brilliant bird tips that we hope will have you squawking with glee.

1. Why parrots talk

Parrots have the ability to ‘talk’ thanks to their amazing vocal mimicry skills and the anatomy of their mouths and lungs. Although they aren’t actually ‘speaking’ to us in our own language, these birds can learn our vocalisations and repeat the huge range of noises and sounds they hear us humans make.

Parrot brains aren’t hard-wired to one particular vocalisation like songbirds are (for example, you’re able to recognise a black bird by its signature song), but they have the ability to make brand-new sounds. Scientists don’t know precisely why this is, but in the wild it’s thought that the ability could have something to do with reproductive fitness, communicating with mates and with distinguishing where other parrots come from. In addition to this vocal learning, parrots can make a wide array of sounds thanks to their flexible tongues. This ability means they can modulate the sounds produced from their vocal cords to mimic vowel sounds like we do. Parrots can even make two sounds at the same time and combine them, thanks to the anatomy of their lungs and windpipe.

2. Birds can live incredibly long lives

Depending on the species, pet birds can be extraordinarily long lived. Many people may not realise this when deciding to get a pet parrot, and this can be one of the main factors of birds being put up for adoption. In some cases they can even outlive their owners. African grey parrots can live for over 60 years! When you’re looking into getting a pet bird, ask yourself if you’re able to commit for that long. Adopting a bird is also an excellent option to consider.

3. Bird can be trained, but they won't be fully domesticated

Unlike cats and dogs that have evolved alongside humans and are domesticated species, not all birds are like this – especially the tropical species of bird. The feathery friend that you bring home will have the same wild instincts as its rainforest cousins, and so it’s your job to develop a relationship with your bird to get it used to life in your home. The best way to start training is to do a few minutes each day, with positive (tasty) rewards to reinforce good behaviour. It is possible to train your bird, so think positive!

4. Bird aren't just indoor pets

Bird ownership isn’t just about the glamorous plumage of parrots and cockatoos! You can also keep many kinds of other, more native feathered friends, like chickens, ducks and geese. These are more independent and primarily outdoor pets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t forge a bond with them. Chickens make great pets, and the fresh eggs are an added bonus!

5. You can let your pet bird fly - safely

Flying is part and parcel of having a bird! They love to stretch their wings and it can be thrilling to have your bird buddy swooping around your home. If you let your bird fly free, make sure windows and doors are secure. Always keep an eye on your pet when it’s out of the cage. If they do fly away, place the cage near the place of escape (and fill with tasty treats) as this will represent safety and security and hopefully lure the bird back.

6. Bird diet facts

Every bird species is different, so be sure to research your species well. However, many pet species do well on a pellet-based diet supplemented with an ever- changing mixtures of other interesting fruit and veggie nibbles to keep things interesting. Darker-coloured fruits and leafy greens are great choices. You can also feed your bird a seed mix, but be sure to choose a nutritionally balanced mix and keep an eye on whether your feathered friend is just picking out the tasty ones!

7. Bird brains and human brains share a similar structure

Although many bird species can vocalise, the parrots are the best at it. And of the parrots, it’s the African grey that has shown to be exceptionally clever. In addition to their vocal talents, African grey parrots have shown that they can be trained by scientists to use our language to communicate their own desires, count, add and subtract, solve puzzles and describe their environment. Other species can also fashion and use tools – all of these are talents that are matched only by primates.

So why are parrots so clever?

The answer lies in the physiology of the parrot brain. Neuroscientists have discovered that parrots have a similar structure in their brain to that of our own called the pontine nuclei. This links two parts of the brain that are involved in higher function, allowing parrots to access higher levels of intelligence. Amazingly, the only other animals known to have this structure are primates.

However, other bird species that don’t have this part of the brain have also shown exceptional intelligence. Scientists think that this may be due to the physical structure of the bird brain that packs more neurons per square inch than the mammalian brain.

8. If you don't have a lot of space, get a small bird

Finches are some of the smallest birds to keep – most measure just ten centimetres (four inches) from beak to tail.

9. Or, if you have the space, get a big one

There are over 370 species of parrot on Earth, and the largest species is the hyacinth macaw - they can be over 3 feet long! Parrots are definitely larger than finches, but you can get one that's smaller than the hyacinth macaw, we promise. 

10. The difference between parakeet and budgie

Surprise - there is none! They’re the same, but in the UK we call them budgies whereas across the pond, they’re parakeets.

11. Birds love music

Playing soothing and melodic tunes and sounds can help keep your birds happy - sometimes they may even bop or sing along to the beat! Test out different types of music to see which one your pet bird prefers - maybe they're more partial to classic, or perhaps a bit of disco.

12. Birds are very expressive creatures

Birds communicate in two ways – with sounds and with body language, so they can make it quite obvious when they want to let us know how they’re feeling. Watching and learning a few of the key stances can help you understand your parrot’s different moods!

Feather fluffing can be a release of tension, or it can shake loose any particles after preening, however if you notice your bird’s feathers are ruffled more than usual, this may be a sign of illness. Pet birds will often try to get your attention when they want something by doing a sort a bobbing dance – this is a normal behaviour, but if you see it excessively this can mean that your bird might be bored or stressed. Parrots will show aggression by making a stance where feathers are fanned, legs are crouched and they may even hiss. It’s best to leave them be when you see this! Fear can often be expressed this way.

Excitement is shown by squawking, wing quivering and sometimes with dilation of the pupils. Birds can get very excited when they see new toys, tasty food or when they want to breed.

13. Some birds love their own reflection 

Isn't that vain? Nah, not really, it's more about socialization. Budgies are highly sociable and sometimes single budgies will treat their reflection as a mate. Aww!

14. Birds have fragile respiratory systems

Birds have sensitive respiratory systems, so be careful not to smoke around them or burn candles or other things that emit volatile or specially pungent compounds. Keep those airways healthy!

15. Parrots mate for life

They're not unlike people in that way, huh? In the wild, many parrots mate for life. This is why bonding with your bird is very important! They treat relationships with great care, so you should too! 

16. Choose the right species for you

Before getting your first bird, it’s essential to consider how much time and money you have, and what you want from your new pet – some species require much more attention than others. 

Great pets for beginners include finches and canaries, as these are small birds that are relatively simple to care for – they don’t need a huge amount of owner interaction and can be fairly low maintenance (although it’s worth saying that all birds require some level of interaction)

If you have a little more time, then budgies and cockatiels are ideal choices as they’re still quite small birds and are easy to tame, but make excellent companion species. Its fairly true that the larger the bird, the more care it needs, so if you have lots of time and energy to dedicate to a pet that needs a lot of interaction, then larger parrots like macaws can be fantastic companions. 

17. Beak grinding is good

When budgies grind their beaks, it’s similar to a cat’s purr, indicating that they’re happy and relaxed.

18. Grooming your bird can help build bonds

Your pet bird will preen themselves to keep in shape, ensure feathers are fluffed and beaks are shiny. However, as grooming is how birds express familial bonds in the natural world, its a great way to bond with your avian pal. Getting them used to grooming also means that any other interaction (and vet trips) results in less nipping. You could start by helping to pluck a few pesky pinfeathers for your bird, and see whether they enjoy it. 

One essential grooming task is nail clipping. This important for fewer scratches when handling and also for keeping furniture intact! Most birds aren’t keen on this though, so it’s important to work quickly and calmly to minimise any stress on the bird. Every so often your bird may also need a beak trim, but this should only ever be done by a trained vet. Another aspect of grooming is wing- clipping. This is your choice, and there are many pros and cons. Some argue that it keeps the parrot safe from flying away, but limiting the natural movement of a bird can affect it psychologically and may also lead to weight issues due to limited exercise from flying.

19.  Birds like to be warm

Most pet bird species hail from warmer climates, so need extra care in the winter. Be sure to keep avian family members toasty by moving cages away from draughty doors and windows, and covering them up at night. Also be very careful with fuel-burning fires as the fumes they produce can be detrimental to bird health. Keep an eye on your bird when it’s cold outside and look for any signs of illness, as a chilly bird has a weakened immune system.

20. There are some essentials to get for a pet bird

The key accessories for every pet bird are the same: start with a suitable sized cage for your chosen species. Add some interesting perches and toys to keep your feathered friend entertained, and be sure to provide toys and other items for enrichment. You’ll also need a box or hidey-hole to give your bird a place to rest out of sight. Be sure to have fresh water available at all times, as well as the right food for your bird buddy!

What better way to escape the stresses and complications of the world than to look to nature? Birdwatching has soared in popularity in the last 20 years and could become an even more beloved past-time whilst the indefinite lockdowns continue all over the world. 

For many of us, stepping outside into the fresh country air is only an option once or twice a year. Thankfully, these stunning social accounts can transport you to the Cornwall hedgerows, Florida Keys, or Scandinavian wilderness, and bring you up close and personal with their feathery inhabitants.

• Best bird feeder: Get birds of a feather flocking together in your garden
• Best squirrel proof bird feeders: How to stop furry pests stealing your birds' food
• How to attract birds to your garden

1. National Audubon Society

Twitter - 176.9K followers l Instagram - 585K followers

America’s premier bird conservation society has been running since 1909 and has built a following of the same repute. Alongside their conservation projects for American species and their habitats, their Instagram and Twitter accounts showcase the best of the country’s aerial wildlife from Alaska to the Florida Keys.

2. BirdSpot UK

Twitter - 22.2K followers l Instagram - 13.5K followers 

Coined simply as “The place for birds”, BirdSpot UK is a twitcher’s paradise showcasing the best shots of British birds from garden to grasslands and their social media accounts are a feast for the eyes. Their website is also a treasure trove of information, containing detailed identification guides on over 170 birds.

3. BTO Garden BirdWatch

Twitter - 49.6K followers l Instagram - 14.1K followers

BTO stands for the British Trust for Ornithology, one of the UK’s oldest bird watching trusts. With over 13,000 members across Britain and Ireland, the project’s website and social media accounts are an endless source of information and visual delights focussing on British birds. They also accept submissions and participation from anyone with a keen eye and a camera!

4. Heather Thorning

Instagram - 71.9K l Flickr 

Heather is a wildlife photographer who highlights the ornothological treats of her native Australia on her popular Instagram and Flickr accounts, including an endless feed of adorable chicks!

5. John Crawley

Instagram - 125K 

Wildlife photographer John Crawley has built an incredible portfolio of nature shots, but his work with birds has earned him particular recognition, including a commendation in the 2019 Bird Photography of the Year Awards. Check out his Instagram for a high-resolution feathery feast from British Columbia to Costa Rica.

6. Vesa Korhonen

Instagram - 3.5K

Finnish photographer Vesa Korhonen’s Instagram brings the Scandinavian landscape and the birds who inhabit it to life throughout the country’s dramatically changing seasons.

7. Jeffrey Patrick Karnes

Instagram - 85.3K l Website 

Jeffrey Klarnes’ photography is among the most intense and colorful you can find on birdwatching social channels. Follow his work for the best close-ups and high color exposures of birds across North and South America.

8. Kothiala

Instagram - 15.1K l Blogspot 

Indian wildlife photographer Aseem Kothiala’s work has been published in National Geographic magazine and by the World Wildlife Fund, and with one glance at his feed you can see why. Kothalia’s breathtaking shots capture all that Asia’s birds have to offer.

9. Melissa Groo

Instagram - 78.1K followers l Online portfolio

Melissa Groo is one of the most decorated wildlife photographers in the game today, earning accolades for her stunning work all over the world. She is a contributing editor to Audobon Magazine, mentioned at number one in this list, and alongside her comprehensive documentation of the world’s birds, Melissa takes her talent to land and sea as well.

10. Graham Jeffrey

Instagram - 3.7K followers

Graham Jeffrey is a Midlands-based amateur twitcher, the kind that we love to showcase! Graham takes all the snaps on his wholesome Instagram feed from the comfort of his own garden, and offers the choice to buy prints of his stunning work.

Enjoyed this? You mighr want to read our guide on birdcams.

If you want to get great results from bird photography, then you’ve come to the right place. Birds, just like any animal, can be tricky to capture at their best, but by following just a few simple tricks and tips, you can instantly elevate your bird photography. 

• Best bird feeder: Get birds of a feather flocking together in your garden
• Best squirrel proof bird feeders: How to stop furry pests stealing your birds' food

Most of the tips featured in this piece can be applied no matter what type of camera you’re using – even if that’s your mobile phone. If you’re a bit more enthusiastic about your pet photography, then there’s also some tips that will cater for you too. 

Earn their trust and affection

Imagine being a small bird with somebody pointing a strange device in their face. Earn your bird’s trust by getting them used to your phone / camera, and rewarding them with their favourite treat as you’re using it around them. 

Don’t stress too much about getting the perfect bird photo right from the off, as it will take time to get into the swing of things. It’s a good idea to switch off any noises or flashes/lights so as not to startle your bird if possible. 

Think about lighting

The most flattering light for just about any subject – whether that’s birds or another type of animal – is natural light. If your bird is indoors, you can still utilize natural light by taking their portrait near a window.

If you want to shoot after dark – that’s fine – but just be aware of yellowish / orange colour casts appearing in your shots. Most modern devices cope well with artificial light, but it’s something to be aware of. If you are finding it to be problematic, you can compensate for this if you’re able to take manual control of your phone, or camera – use a Tungsten or Fluorescent White Balance setting.

Consider composition and angle

Probably the most important thing to consider with any photograph is the composition. That’s also true for bird photographs. 

A good simple tip is to divide your frame into “thirds” – imagine three lines dividing the frame vertically, another three dividing it horizontally. Place your subject (aka your bird) at the point where the lines would cross for an eye-catching composition. 

You should also think about which way your bird is looking. Leave space in the frame for the bird to look into for a more natural appearance. 

Another thing that’s important to remember is getting on the same level as your bird. If you take a shot from above, you’ll overwhelm the bird and it won’t look natural. Similarly, if you take the photo from below, the bird will probably look unnaturally large. You could try both of these angles for a creative look once you’re confident / for a surreal effect, though. 

What to do about the birdcage

If your bird is caged, then you might be wondering how this will impact your photography. The simple answer is to incorporate it into your compositions – use the cage itself as a literal frame for your bird for an interesting look. 

You can also shoot through the cage bars, too, if you need to keep the cage closed. If you’re using a mobile phone, it might be relatively easy to place your phone lens up against the cage bars and not include them. If you’re using a larger camera, get close to the cage bars and use a wide aperture – it’ll throw the bars out of focus and it’ll appear as if they’re not there.

Select your focus point

As is the case with most animal portraits, the most dynamic photographs carefully select the focus point. For birds, focusing on the eye is generally a better idea than focusing elsewhere – such as the beak or the feathers. It will help bring out the character of your bird, too.

If you’re using a mobile phone, tap in the frame where the eye of your bird is to ensure that the focus point is in the correct place. If you’re using a standard camera, again, place the focus point over the eye before you take your shot.

Use the right focus type

If you have the option to select a type of focusing, then it can be a good idea to set continuous focusing (sometimes called AF-C). Birds can make sudden movements, and if you have continuous focusing set, then the camera should follow what they’re doing. Even better if you have a camera which has Animal Eye AF capability. 

If you’re using a mobile phone, you might be able to set tracking focus if you have a professional or manual mode.

Best settings for bird photography

We’ve been through a few different tips for bird photography, but there are a few simple camera settings that you can use as a starting point to build on. Once you start getting the shots you want, it’s time to experiment with different settings and seeing what you can achieve. 

When it comes to shutter speed, you’ll probably want to freeze the action of your bird, so it makes sense to use a fast shutter speed of 1/1000 sec or 1/2000 sec if possible. If you want to include a little motion blur for creative effect, try shooting at slower speeds such as 1/500 sec or 1/250 sec. 

For aperture, the wider the better - which means lower “f numbers”, such as f/1.4 or f/2.8. If you are working with a phone, try using “Portrait” or “Aperture” mode - which most smartphones include - to recreate the effect of shooting with a wide aperture. 

The ISO (sensitivity) you use will depend on the ambient lighting settings of where you are. That said, a mid-range setting of ISO 800 will allow you to shoot at a fast shutter speed, which is probably what you want for freezing action. If you’re in a very bright location, try using a lower ISO, or a higher ISO if the light is low.

Best bird photography lenses

If you’re pretty serious about photographing your pet bird, perhaps you’ve invested in a dedicated camera and are wondering what are the best lenses for bird photography. 

A macro lens is a good idea for capturing fine detail, such as feathers. They also tend to be quite a good focal length (100mm being a classic option) to create enough distance between you and the bird to keep things comfortable. 

You might also want to consider longer telephoto lenses if you have birds that are allowed to fly, since you’ll be able to capture them in flight. 

If you’re just starting out, a 50mm f/1.8 lens can be a cost-effective way of creating pretty portraits with a blurred background. 

Just keep trying!

The most important thing to remember is to just keep trying, have patience, and above all, have fun. Keep photographing your feathered friend and eventually, a style will come through. If you're interested in live-streaming your content. it's worth investing in a birdcam.

Birdcams are a brilliant, non-invasive way to get up close and personal with wildlife outdoors. Whether you set one up in your backyard or watch a live stream online, there are plenty of ways to get involved and take a peek at what's going on.

If you decide to set up your own, you'll need to find a quiet viewing spot, and invest in the best bird food and a good-quality camera. We've recommended our favorite birdcams below, and some of them can even detect what species are being shown.

To help you get started, we’ve written a guide on setting up a birdcam and revealed the best way to attract birds to it. We've also rounded up some excellent live streams that you can watch for free from the comfort of your home.

How to set up a birdcam

1. Select a suitable birdcam

A bird box camera is ideal for hole-nesting birds such as tits and is easily adapted to suit wrens and robins. For these birds, the box should be placed slightly lower down, and viewing panels on the sides need to be left unobstructed. Once nesting season is over and the young have fledged, the camera elements can be re-sited to monitor the action at the bird table instead.

2. Select a viewing site

Watching wildlife can be as straightforward as choosing a window and gazing outdoors, making sure you don’t startle the birds you’re watching with your own movement or noise. A fixed birdcam might be better off either close to the nest or feeding station, or sited in an undisturbed upstairs window looking down on the action.

If you’re training a camera or webcam on the garden from indoors, you’ll need to avoid window glare and ensure curtain movements neither obscure the camera nor cause a disturbance. For evening and night-time viewing, consider whether indoor lights or ones in the garden will affect how well your birdcam displays footage and whether lights may be a wildlife deterrent.

Try to position the viewfinder just above but looking down on the feeder, nest, or water bath. This way you should be able to see the birds’ magnificent plumage as it comes into land.

Ideally, you want a wildlife camera that doesn’t betray its presence with a light that suddenly turns on whenever it senses activity since this might very well scare the animal or bird away.

3. Install your birdcam outdoors

In most cases, you’ll want a birdcam that can be positioned close to the nest or feeder. The RSPB advises that bird boxes with a nest cam should be fitted to a wall or mature tree and fixed at least two meters from the ground and await from fences and other convenient launching places for predators such as cats and foxes. It also needs to face away from the prevailing wind and out of direct sunlight.

How can I attract birds to my birdcam?

The best way to attract birds to your camera is by providing a food source, like seeds or suet.

Vet Dr. MacMillan says: "The type of food you offer may depend on which species you are trying to attract. Many birdcam owners like to appeal to a number of different birds and will often try laying out a variety of food. Popular choices include mixed bird seeds, suet, and mealworms."

She also recommends that you place the birdcam in a relatively undisturbed spot, away from noisy children, moving vehicles, or other pets you may have. To help the birds feel covered and protected from predators, put the camera/feeder near trees or shrubs.

She adds: "A nearby bird bath is likely to make your garden more attractive to the local bird population as well. Just ensure that you regularly clean out your bird bath and bird feeders to remove old food and reduce the risk of disease spreading."

Where can I watch live birdcams?

If you want to watch a birdcam, but are unable to put one up in your own backyard, there are lots of free live streams available to watch at any time. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Explore Live Nature Cams

2. Cornwell Feeder Watch

3. Nature Tec

Found this helpful? You might also want to read how to make bird suet or what to do if you find a baby bird,

Learning how to attract birds to your garden isn’t as complicated as you might think, in fact, with a few simple tweaks you can create a wildlife-friendly oasis in your backyard that will have new feathered friends flocking from far and wide.

While you’ll definitely want to invest in the best bird feeder and plenty of tasty food to put in it, there are other ways you can encourage more birds to pay you a visit, such as planting bird-friendly trees, shrubs and bushes, and installing a bird bath or nesting box.

When choosing feeders, food and other items, you’ll want to first consider the types of birds you might see in your backyard as different birds have different preferences when it comes to what they like. Once you’ve figured that out, you can plan out your garden accordingly.

To help you make small changes to your backyard that will reap big rewards in the form of more feathered friends flying in to say hi, we spoke to vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan who shared her four favorite tips for attracting birds to your garden.

How to attract birds to your garden

1. Set up a bird feeder

"If you want to attract birds, ensure you have food for them!," says Dr. MacMillan. "The type of feeder will depend on what bird species you are trying to encourage. Many people will have a couple of feeders suited to different food types including suet, peanuts, and seeds. Just make sure you remove old food and regularly clean your feeders to avoid mold growth and the spread of disease."

If you want to watch the wildlife in your garden, you could find a feeder that has a birdcam attached.

Check out our guide to the best squirrel-proof bird feeders for a range of great designs that will prevent these cute but crafty creatures from stealing your feathered friends' food!

2. Provide fresh water

"Most birds appreciate a shallow dish of water that they can drink from and bathe in," explains Dr. MacMillan. "Whatever type of receptacle you choose, make sure it is regularly cleaned and that the water is kept fresh. Try and situate it in a quiet area of your garden where birds can use it undisturbed. Make sure it doesn’t freeze over in the winter months, it might need defrosting regularly with some hot water."

You'll also want to ensure the bird bath is low. This emulates the level at which birds usually find water, so they’re more likely to take a drink if it is not on a podium. For extra security, you can place the bird bath in open spaces to give them chance to see predators coming, and thus feel safer. That said, positioning the bath in a shady area is also crucial, as birds use water to cool off, so direct sunlight won’t be as effective in enticing birds to your garden. Maybe look for shadows that last during the day from tall trees and walls to help keep the water cool. And if it’s nice and shallow, this will create the perfect combination for songbirds to splash around in.

A problem people often encounter is making the water resources visible enough for birds. A key way to counter this can be to install sources with noise so that birds can hear the water as they would in nature.

3. Give birds somewhere to shelter

"Think about using a bird table with a shelter on it, so that your birds can stay dry when eating," Dr. MacMillan advises. "This also stops any food that you lay out from getting too soggy. Thick evergreen bushes like conifers are appreciated by birds in the winter months. You could also set up some nest boxes attached to trees or garden walls, which might attract nesting birds in the springtime. Some birds may even shelter in them during the winter."

If you’ve already got a bird box out in your garden that’s not getting any attention, there may be a few changes you need to make.

First of all, you should take into account the food your garden supplies. Only certain birds will nest in boxes, so if you haven’t left out any peanuts or sunflower hearts for bluetits and coaltits, suet for woodpeckers and nuthatches, that’s where you need to start.

Another aspect to take into consideration is the type of boxes certain bird species would like (they’re very fussy). Bluetits and coaltits prefer smaller boxes with small entry holes for maximum security and warmth, while robins are more likely to use open-fronted nest boxes.

As always, make sure your bird box is somewhere in your garden where birds will feel safe!

If you follow a combination of these steps, you’re sure to make your yard as bird friendly as possible. The crucial point to remember when attracting birds to your garden is to ensure the food you leave out, the water you offer up and nest boxes you provide are all free of danger, making the birds feel as secure as they can.

4. Plant bird-friendly bushes and trees

"Gardens that have plenty of vegetation, such as small trees and bushes, will be appealing," says Dr. MacMillan. "This will give your bird population somewhere to hide and shelter. Many birds feel much more secure with some foliage around their feeding areas. Just make sure you don’t situate your feeding station too close to any large overhanging tree branches that a cat could use to pounce on them."

According to research, even when fruits of invasive plants are abundant, migratory songbirds seek out native berries. A study published in Biological Conservation found, ‘Birds primarily consumed the fruits of native species throughout the autumn season.’ Project lead and ecologist, Amanda Gallinat, says this is down to the nutritional value: ‘They can’t be eating ‘fast food’ before they take off on really long migrations. They need something with high energy.’

To find out what plants are native to your area, you can use this handy finder: Audubon Native Plants Database

If you’re after a berry to bring lots of birds to your yard, elderberry is your go-to. Warblers, orioles, tanagers, catbirds, waxwings, mockingbirds, and thrashers will all flock to get a taste; the vitamins provided by the elderberry’s nectar is essentially a superfood for birds.

One of the United States’ most prolific flowering landscape shrub is the viburnum, commonly known as the cranberry. This shrub is very easy to grow, and will be resilient through many different environments. Cranberry will attract a range of birds as well, including robins, catbirds, thrushes, cardinals, finches, waxwings, and bluebirds.

And of course, simply having a lawn will encourage insects to make your garden their home too, which the birds will love to feast on.

What is the best food to put out for birds?

When it comes to the best bird food, Dr. MacMillan says that there's no one food item that's best for birds. "Different food types may attract different species, so most people offer a mixture," she explains.

"Popular food items include sunflower seeds which are enjoyed by many birds, especially sparrows and bluetits. Nyger seeds (or nyjer/niger seeds) suit sparrows as well, but also doves and finches. Peanuts are popular with most birds and can be fed as granules or whole. Just note, if feeding peanuts whole these need to be offered in a bird feeder to stop smaller birds from taking a piece that is too large for them to safely swallow.

Suet is great all year round, but especially in the autumn and winter months when birds require more energy. Most birds will consume suet, but it is especially popular with woodpeckers, robins, and jays," Dr. MacMillan explains. You can check out our guide to how to make bird suet if you fancy whipping up some suet balls at home.

"Mealworms are a great source of protein as well as fat, and many birds enjoy eating them. They can be offered dried or alive, but is best to soak dried ones if offered during the breeding season so that young chicks can consume them more easily."

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