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A Guide for Attracting Garden Birds in New Zealand
Words Courtesy of Topflite
Why Feed Wild Birds?
Restoration
As our population grows, cities get denser and suitable habitats for our birds get smaller.
National bird counts show that some populations of native and introduced species are in decline, while others are increasing. By creating bird-friendly habitats in our urban spaces, parks and gardens, we can help bird populations grow throughout New Zealand.
Preservation
Birds need a little help from us, especially in winter when natural food sources are in short supply.
Most New Zealanders know by now that putting out bread is not the answer. Bread and grains are really bad for birds as it lacks the proper nutrition. Putting out clean water, good quality seed, nectar, fat-based food and fresh fruit will see birds through times of food scarcity.
Appreciation
Watching birds is one of life’s most simple yet enriching pleasures.
Amusing to look at and gorgeous to listen to, birds bring life and personality to the garden. But it’s more than just a pretty picture. Feeding birds creates a connection with nature, which humans need for a good sense of wellbeing. It also helps us to learn about bird species; their habits, food preferences and behaviour.
What Food for Which Bird?
For Native Birds
New Zealand’s native birds eat a combination of nectar, fruit, foliage and insects. They don't eat seed like the introduced bird species brought to New Zealand by settlers. The best thing to do for native birds, if you can, is to plant a range of flowering and fruiting native plants as long-term food sources.
During winter and autumn, when natural food sources are scarce though, try putting out nectar, Energy Food or fresh fruit to attract native birds.
For Introduced Species:
One clue as to what a bird eats is the shape of its beak. Finches and sparrows for example, have triangular-shaped beaks, designed to crack into hard seed coats. Our premium New Zealand-grown seeds are high in energy and rich in essential nutrients, providing a boost when food is scarce for these common garden visitors.
Many introduced species of birds will also love a taste of Energy Food, if there's any left after the tauhou/silvereye have visited! Insect-eaters will gobble up any mealworms that are scattered on the ground, and every bird appreciates a safe, clean water source for drinking and bathing.
Winter Feeding for Wild Birds in New Zealand
A bird’s natural diet is dependent on the availability of food between seasons. Here's what to feed New Zealand birds in winter:
Birds are at their coldest and need more energy than usual to survive. They search out rich sources of fat and protein to sustain them until natural food starts appearing again in spring.
Vegetable fats provide the energy they need to keep warm and make the next flight. Put out Wild Bird Energy food consistently for the small birds, along with bits of fruit. Small birds like silvereyes will visit often. In the colder months, putting out nectar or sugar water can improve survival rates for tūī and korimako. Make sure the feeder is designed specifically for nectarivorous birds and clean it twice a week.
Seed eaters will also be on the look-out for a feed so top up feeders regularly with Wild Bird Seed mix. As our seeds are nearly all grown in New Zealand, the nutritional value is much higher than that of imported seeds. The birds will be well-nourished for the breeding season to come.
