Mary Allen
Introduction: Cranberries as bird food
Cranberries are a popular fruit among humans, but did you know that they are also a favorite food of many wild birds? These tart berries are rich in nutrients and provide an important source of food for birds during the fall and winter months when other food sources may be scarce. In this article, we will explore which wild birds eat cranberries and why they are drawn to these tasty treats.
The American Robin and its love for cranberries
The American Robin is perhaps the most well-known bird that eats cranberries. These birds can be seen in large flocks feasting on cranberries in boggy areas during the fall and winter months. Robins are especially drawn to cranberries because they are high in antioxidants, which help to boost the bird’s immune system during the cold winter months. In addition to eating the berries whole, robins also enjoy drinking the juice that is produced when the berries are crushed or mashed.
Cedar Waxwings and their winter diet of cranberries
Cedar Waxwings are another bird that loves to eat cranberries. These birds are known for their distinctive appearance, with their sleek gray feathers and yellow-tipped tails. During the winter months, Cedar Waxwings often feed on cranberries that have been frozen on the branches of the bushes. This allows them to access the berries more easily, as they do not have to compete with other birds for the fresh berries. In addition to cranberries, Cedar Waxwings also eat a variety of other fruits, including apples, cherries, and grapes.
Eastern Bluebirds and their preference for cranberry sauce
While most birds prefer to eat fresh cranberries, Eastern Bluebirds have a unique taste for cranberry sauce. These birds are often seen perched on top of bird feeders, picking at the leftover cranberry sauce that has been put out for them. This behavior is especially common during the winter months when other food sources may be scarce. Eastern Bluebirds are a favorite among birdwatchers because of their vibrant blue feathers and cheerful song.
The Bohemian Waxwing’s fondness for cranberries
The Bohemian Waxwing is a bird that is native to northern regions of North America and Eurasia. These birds are known for their striking appearance, with their sleek gray feathers and bright red tips on their wings. During the winter months, Bohemian Waxwings often feed on cranberries that have been frozen in the snow. They are especially drawn to the tart taste of the berries, which provides a sharp contrast to their sweet diet of insects during the summer months.
The Hermit Thrush’s taste for cranberries in the winter
The Hermit Thrush is a small bird that is often seen in wooded areas during the winter months. These birds are known for their sweet, melodious songs and their love of cranberries. Hermit Thrushes are especially drawn to the berry’s high vitamin C content, which helps to keep them healthy during the cold winter months. In addition to eating fresh cranberries, Hermit Thrushes also enjoy dried cranberries that have been put out for them on bird feeders.
The Northern Cardinal and its occasional cranberry snack
The Northern Cardinal is a bird that is known for its bright red plumage and distinctive crest. While these birds do not typically feed on cranberries, they have been known to enjoy an occasional snack of the tart berries. Cardinals are especially drawn to cranberries that have been mashed or crushed, as this releases the sweet juice that they enjoy. In addition to cranberries, Northern Cardinals also eat a variety of other fruits and seeds.
The American Goldfinch and its love for cranberry seeds
The American Goldfinch is a small, colorful bird that is often seen in gardens and meadows during the summer months. While these birds do not typically eat fresh cranberries, they are known to enjoy the seeds that are found inside the berries. Goldfinches are especially drawn to the seeds’ high protein content, which helps to keep them healthy and strong. In addition to cranberry seeds, American Goldfinches also eat a variety of other seeds, including sunflower seeds and thistle seeds.
The Common Grackle’s love-hate relationship with cranberries
The Common Grackle is a bird that is known for its iridescent black feathers and distinctive call. While these birds are often seen feeding on cranberries, they have a love-hate relationship with the tart fruit. Grackles are drawn to the berry’s high nutrient content, but they often have trouble accessing the berries because of their thick skins. As a result, they sometimes become frustrated and move on to other food sources.
The White-Throated Sparrow and its winter cranberry diet
The White-Throated Sparrow is a small bird that is often seen in wooded areas during the winter months. These birds are known for their distinct white throat and sweet, melodic songs. During the winter months, White-Throated Sparrows often feed on cranberries that have been frozen on the branches of bushes. They are especially drawn to the berry’s high vitamin C content, which helps to keep them healthy during the cold winter months.
The Tufted Titmouse and its occasional cranberry snack
The Tufted Titmouse is a small bird that is often seen flitting through trees and shrubs in wooded areas. While these birds do not typically feed on cranberries, they have been known to enjoy an occasional snack of the tart fruit. Titmice are especially drawn to cranberries that have been mashed or crushed, as this releases the sweet juice that they enjoy. In addition to cranberries, Tufted Titmice also eat a variety of other fruits and seeds.
Conclusion: Encouraging wild birds to eat cranberries
Cranberries are a nutritious and tasty treat for many wild birds. By planting cranberry bushes and putting out cranberry sauce or dried cranberries on bird feeders, you can encourage these birds to visit your yard and provide them with an important source of food during the fall and winter months. Not only will you be helping to support local bird populations, but you will also be able to enjoy the sight of these beautiful and colorful birds as they feast on your cranberries.