Sparrows are small songbirds that are found all over the world. They are very adaptable birds that thrive living alongside humans in urban and suburban areas. Providing food is one way to attract sparrows to your backyard so you can enjoy watching their busy activity. But what kind of food do sparrows like to eat? Here are some quick answers about the best foods to offer sparrows:
Seeds
Seeds are one of the top foods to feed sparrows. Sparrows are primarily seedeaters and consuming seeds provides them with the protein, carbohydrates and fats they need to maintain their high metabolic rate. Some good seed options include:
- Millet
- Cracked corn
- Nyjer seed
- Oats
- Wheat
- Safflower seeds
- Black oil sunflower seeds
- Sunflower hearts
A seed mixture containing several different small seeds will attract the greatest variety of sparrows. Make sure to get a no-mess blend designed for songbirds.
Grains
In additional to seeds, grains can also be an important part of a sparrow’s diet. Good grains to offer include:
- Cracked corn
- Millet
- Oats
- Wheat
- Milo
- Cracked barley
- Rice
- Quinoa
Try mixing in some grains with seed blends to add some variety. Or put out a mixture of just grains in a separate feeder. Be sure grains are fresh and dry.
Fruit
In addition to seeds and grains, sparrows also enjoy eating fruit. They especially like berries and fruits that are small or soft. Good fruit options to try include:
- Chopped raisins
- Currants
- Grapes
- Berries
- Banana
- Chopped apple
- Melon
Chop any larger fruits into small pieces before putting them out. Dried fruits can also be an easier option than fresh fruit. Avoid citrus fruits, which are too acidic for sparrows.
Insects
While seeds and grains make up the main part of their diet, sparrows also feed on insects, especially during spring and summer. Good insect foods to offer include:
- Mealworms
- Waxworms
- Crickets
- Grasshoppers
- Caterpillars
- Beetles
- Spiders
- Aphids
- Ants
- Flies
- Maggots
You can find dried insects at many bird supply stores. Or catch live insects to feed to sparrows if you are up for it!
Nuts
Sparrows will also eat shelled nut pieces such as:
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Hazelnuts
- Cashews
Chop nuts into small fragments before putting them out. Avoid nuts in shells, as sparrows can’t crack them open.
Bread
Sparrows are opportunistic birds and will readily eat any bread crumbs put out. But bread offers little nutritional value. It should only be an occasional treat, not a regular part of their diet.
Suet
Suet is made from animal fat and provides an energy-dense food source. You can offer suet in cages or smeared into pinecones, bark or mesh bags. Sparrows will cling to these to nibble off small bits of suet.
Water
In addition to food, a fresh water source is vital for sparrows. Make sure to provide clean birdbaths and dripping water features. Change water frequently to prevent mosquito breeding.
Foods to Avoid
There are some foods that should not be offered to sparrows:
- Avocado – contains persin toxin harmful to birds
- Chocolate – contains theobromine toxic to birds
- Caffeine – can be toxic
- Alcohol – can intoxicate birds
- Moldy or spoiled foods – risk of illness
- Salty foods – too much sodium is unhealthy
- Cooked rice – can ferment and spoil
- Dairy – can cause digestive upset
It’s also best to avoid feeding sparrows food scraps and leftovers, as these tend to be unhealthy. Stick to quality birdseed mixes, produce, nuts and supplements designed for songbirds.
Feeder Types
You can offer food to sparrows in a variety of feeder types:
- Platform feeders – flat with perches around the edges, allow easy access for sparrows
- Hopper feeders – enclosed with seed dispensers below, protect against weather
- Tube feeders – clear plastic tubes with perches, great for smaller seeds
- Ground feeders – platters or trays placed on the ground, accessible feeding
- Suet feeders – hold suet cages, blocks or bags
- Fruit feeders – mesh bags to hold cut fruit pieces
- Specialty feeders – designed for specific foods like peanuts or nyjer seed
Offering a variety will allow sparrows to feed on their preferred foods. Try different styles to see which ones sparrows frequent most in your yard.
Location
When deciding where to place feeders, consider these tips:
- Situate near trees, shrubs or other cover to make sparrows feel safe
- Elevate feeders to deter predators like cats
- Place multiple feeders in different spots to reduce competition
- Point feeder openings towards bushes or mature trees
- Avoid locating too close to windows or high traffic areas
- Select sheltered areas to protect food from rain or snow
Observe where sparrows naturally congregate in your yard when choosing the best feeding locations.
When to Feed
Sparrows will visit feeders at all times of day. But you may get most activity in the morning and evening. Peak feeding times include:
- Early morning – 6am to 9am
- Late morning – 10am to noon
- Mid afternoon – 2pm to 4pm
- Early evening – 5pm to dusk
Make sure feeders are stocked during these key times when sparrows are most actively foraging.
Cleaning
To keep birds healthy, regularly clean feeders and replace food. Follow these tips:
- Discard moldy or wet seed
- Remove droppings and hulls from feeders
- Use 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution to disinfect
- Allow feeders to fully dry before refilling
- Wear gloves when handling feeders and food
- Clean hummingbird feeders weekly or more often in warm weather
- Rake up fallen seed hulls and fruit debris on the ground
Develop a routine for consistent cleaning. Clean feeders at least every few weeks.
Conclusion
Sparrows are cheerful songbirds that bring energy and activity to backyards. By offering them a variety of appropriate foods using clean feeders placed in optimal spots, you can attract these sociable birds to your outdoor space. With a little trial and error, you can determine the best feeding setup and foods that will reliably draw in hungry sparrows to your yard.