Feeding Native Birds

The right food, given the right way, helps keep our native birds healthy, strong and wild.

Natural is Best

Native birds thrive on the foods nature provides.

Feed Wisely

The wrong food or too much can do more harm than good.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Small amounts, fed infrequently, is key.

Keep Them Wild

Our goal is healthy, wild birds that can care for themselves.

Why It Matters

Many people love to feed wild birds, but not all foods are safe or suitable. Birds have specialised diets that provide the right balance of nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Feeding birds the wrong foods can cause malnutrition, disease and dependence. Our aim is to help you make informed choices that support the health and wellbeing of our native birds in the wild.

"The best way to help a wild bird is to understand what it truly needs."

– Rowley

Guidelines for Feeding Wild Birds

Choose Natural Foods

Offer foods that are compatible with their natural diet. Avoid bread, as it has little to no nutritional value.

Small Amounts Only

Give small amounts as a treat, not a meal replacement.

Feed Infrequently

Feed once per day, maximum. If they are fed daily, feed no more than once a day.

Feeding Common Garden Birds
Kookaburras, currawongs, crows, butcher birds, magpies and pee wees (mudlarks) have varied diets.
Feeding Wild Parrots and Cockatoos
Provide a mix of natural foods such as seeds, fruits, nuts and native blossoms.
Feeding Swans and Ducks
Bread is not good for any species of bird. Opt for natural grains and greens.
Feeding Pelicans
Do not feed pelicans. It can cause harm and disrupt their natural instincts.

Let's Keep Our Birds Healthy and Wild

By feeding wisely, we can all play a part in protecting our beautiful native birds and preserving their natural behaviours.