Quick Answers
Squirrels and birds can eat oranges, but oranges are not a natural food source for them in the wild. Squirrels mainly eat nuts, seeds, fruits, fungi, and sometimes birds’ eggs and insects. Birds eat a variety of foods including seeds, fruits, nectar, and insects. Oranges do not provide the full nutritional requirements for squirrels or most bird species. However, oranges can be an occasional supplemental treat for backyard wildlife.
Do Squirrels Like Oranges?
Squirrels are omnivorous rodents that are found all over the world except Australia and Antarctica. In the wild, squirrels mainly eat foods that are naturally available in their habitat such as:
Nuts and Seeds
Acorns, hazelnuts, chestnuts, and hickory nuts are among the favorite nuts of many squirrel species. Squirrels also eat a variety of seeds including conifer cones and seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and elm seeds. Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for squirrels.
Fruits and Berries
Squirrels enjoy eating fruits and berries such as apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, mulberries, and more. Fruits provide squirrels with natural sugars for energy as well as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients.
Fungi
Many squirrel species eat different types of fungi such as mushrooms, lichens, and truffles. Fungi provide protein and B vitamins for squirrels.
Green Vegetation
Leaves, shoots, buds, flowers, bark, and twigs from trees and other plants are eaten by some squirrel species. These provide fiber, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Insects and Bird Eggs
Some squirrel species, especially flying squirrels, will eat insects, bird eggs, and even small birds at times. These foods provide extra protein. However, meat is only a very small part of the natural squirrel diet.
While most of a squirrel’s diet consists of nuts, seeds, plant materials, and fungi, they are opportunistic foragers. This means that squirrels will take advantage of any available food sources they find in their habitat.
Oranges are not naturally found where most squirrel species live. But if presented with an orange, many squirrels will eat it. The sweet citrus flesh provides sugars for energy. The orange peel can also be eaten and provides fiber.
So in summary, while oranges are not a regular part of the natural squirrel diet, they can be considered an occasional treat that backyard squirrels will eat if available. Oranges provide extra energy from natural sugars that squirrels like.
Do Birds Like Oranges?
Birds have very diverse diets depending on the species. Some common foods that species of wild birds eat include:
Seeds and Grains
Seeds from grasses, flowers, trees, and other plants provide carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. Birds like cardinals, finches, doves, and pigeons primarily eat various seeds and grains.
Fruits
Fruits are relished by many birds including bluebirds, cedar waxwings, orioles, toucans, and parrots. Fruits provide natural sugars for energy as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Nectar
Nectar from flowers is the main food for hummingbirds and sunbirds. It provides quick energy. Orioles, tanagers, and grosbeaks also drink nectar.
Insects and Other Invertebrates
Insects like grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, caterpillars, ants, bees, and worms are eaten by birds like warblers, swallows, flycatchers, and wrens. Chickadees, nuthatches, creepers, woodpeckers and others eat spiders and other insects.
Meat and Carrion
Birds of prey like eagles, hawks, and owls primarily eat small mammals and other birds. Vultures and condors eat carrion. Meat provides protein and fat.
As you can see birds consume a wide variety of plant and animal foods. Their nutritional needs differ greatly depending on the species. Most backyard birds are primarily seed, fruit, or insect eaters.
Oranges are not found naturally in the habitats where most bird species live. But oranges can provide some benefits as an occasional supplemental treat, especially for fruit-eating birds.
Benefits of Oranges for Birds
Here are some of the main benefits oranges can provide for birds:
– Natural sugars for quick energy
– Vitamin C and phytonutrients for antioxidants
– Water content for hydration
Some birds that are known to eat oranges include:
– Bluebirds
– Orioles
– Tanagers
– Grosbeaks
– Cedar waxwings
– Mockingbirds
– Larks
The sweet orange flesh provides sugars that are quickly used for energy. Birds will also eat the orange peel for fiber. Oranges should only be an occasional part of a backyard bird’s diet. They do not provide complete daily nutrition on their own.
Nutrition Comparison of Oranges for Squirrels and Birds
Here is a table comparing the key nutrients squirrels and birds can obtain from oranges versus their normal wild diets:
Nutrient | Squirrels – Nuts, Seeds, Fungi | Squirrels – Oranges | Birds – Seeds, Insects | Birds – Oranges |
---|---|---|---|---|
Protein | High | Low | Moderate | Low |
Fat | High | Low | High | Low |
Carbs | Moderate | High | High | High |
Fiber | High | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
Vitamin C | Low | High | Low | High |
This table shows that while oranges provide beneficial vitamins and sugars for energy, they do not have the same complete nutritional balance as nuts/seeds for squirrels or seeds/insects for most birds.
Good Ways to Offer Oranges to Squirrels and Birds
If you want to put out oranges for backyard wildlife, here are some tips:
– Slice the oranges or separate into sections – This makes it easier for squirrels and birds to eat
– Place the oranges on a raised platform like a table or stump – This keeps them clean and away from dogs and other risks
– Consider mixing with seeds and nuts – This provides some additional nutrition
– Clean up any leftover citrus daily – Rotting citrus can harbor mold and bacteria
– Offer only a small amount at first – Monitor to see if local wildlife are eating and enjoying the oranges
– Make sure ample fresh water is available as well – Oranges are juicy but do not provide enough hydration alone
Only provide oranges occasionally as a supplemental treat. Do not rely on them as a primary food source for squirrels, birds, or other backyard wildlife. Make sure you continue to supply their typical natural foods too.
Conclusion
In summary, while oranges are not a natural staple food for squirrels or most birds, they can be considered an occasional supplemental treat if provided properly. The natural sugars and vitamins benefit energetic wild animals. But oranges should not make up the majority of their diet. They still need nuts, seeds, insects, and other foods to get complete nutrition. If you want to provide oranges as a snack for local squirrels or fruit-eating birds, do so in moderation while still supplying their typical foods as well. This allows them to enjoy the orange flavor and vitamin C as an extra energy boost.