When it comes to trapping birds, using the right bait can make all the difference between success and failure. The type of bait you use will depend on the species you are trying to trap, as different birds are attracted to different foods. In the opening paragraphs, I will provide a quick overview of effective baits for common bird species.
Seed and Grain Baits
Many seed and grain baits work well for trapping a variety of bird species. Here are some of the most effective:
- Millet – This tiny seed attracts ground feeding birds like quail, dove, sparrows, and juncos.
- Cracked corn – Larger birds like crows, blackbirds, and grackles go for cracked corn.
- Sunflower seeds – These are a favorite of larger backyard birds like cardinals, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and finches.
- Nyjer thistle – Small finches like goldfinches and siskins love nyjer thistle.
- Safflower seeds – Similar to sunflower seeds, these attract cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, and titmice.
- Peanuts – Whole peanuts in the shell work well for larger birds like crows, jays, magpies, and woodpeckers.
The advantage of seed and grain baits is that they will attract a wide variety of bird species. Use safflower seeds, nyjer thistle, millet and fine cracked corn to target smaller songbirds. For larger species, go with peanuts, sunflower seeds, and coarse cracked corn.
Fruit Baits
Here are some fruit baits that work well for attracting birds:
- Apple – Cheap and effective for many species. Chopped apples are good for robins and waxwings.
- Berries – Birds relish all types of berries, including blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cranberries, etc.
- Oranges – Orange halves or slices attract orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks and buntings.
- Grapes – Many birds like these, including robins, catbirds, mockingbirds, and brown thrashers.
- Raisins – Soak raisins in water to attract robins, thrushes, chickadees, and woodpeckers.
- Watermelon – Cubes of watermelon draw in larger bird species.
Fruit baits work very well for omnivorous bird species. Berries can be used fresh or dried. Grapes and raisins should be soaked in water which adds to their appeal. Chopped apples, orange slices, watermelon cubes, and berries are excellent universal fruit baits to try first.
Meat and Fish Baits
Here are some effective meat and fish baits:
- Mealworms – A favorite of most backyard birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.
- Chicken pieces – Draws in crows, vultures, gulls, jays, and magpies.
- Suet – Nut and seed-based suet attracts woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, creepers, etc.
- Canned cat food – An inexpensive bait for predators like hawks, owls, and crows.
- Carrion – Large carrion attracts vultures, crows, and raptors.
- Fish – Leftover fish scraps attract gulls, loons, mergansers, herons, and kingfishers.
Meat and fish baits primarily target predatory and scavenger species. Small amounts of suet, mealworms, or canned cat food work well for smaller backyard birds. Larger carrion or fish scraps target the big scavengers. Use meat and fish baits with caution and remove quickly once you are done trapping.
Things to Avoid
Here are some baits you’ll want to avoid when trapping birds:
- Moldy or rotten bait – This can make birds sick.
- Spicy or seasoned foods – Birds don’t like strong spices.
- Sugary foods – Can harm birds’ digestive systems.
- Poisonous seeds or fruits – Know which ones to exclude, like avocados.
- Contaminated fish – Fish from polluted waters can poison birds.
- Large, indigestible objects – Birds may choke on these.
Always use fresh, high quality baits in bird traps. It’s better to offer foods like seeds, fruits, and mealworms that are part of a bird’s natural diet. Avoid anything moldy, rancid, sugary, or flavored with seasonings and spices. Do your research to understand which foods are toxic or harmful to birds.
Seasonal Considerations
The availability of different natural food sources for birds changes with the seasons. Here are some seasonal bait considerations:
- Spring – Use worms, fresh fruits, seeds, and early season berries and insects.
- Summer – Abundant fruits, berries, seeds, and live insects are preferred now.
- Fall – Variety of fruit and berry crops, start putting out more seed and grain mixes.
- Winter – Switch to seeds, grains, suet, peanut butter, leftover produce, and meat scraps.
Tailor bait selections to foods naturally available each season. In warmer months, focus on fruits, berries, live insects, nectar sources, and fresh greens. In winter, birds rely more on seeds, grains, suet, leftovers produce, and meat sources to survive the cold when insects and fruit are scarce.
Location Considerations
Placement of the trap and bait can significantly impact your success trapping different bird species. Here are some location tips:
- Ground level – For quail, doves, sparrows, towhees.
- On posts – For robins, thrushes, catbirds, mockingbirds.
- Higher branches – For finches, tanagers, warblers, and other perching birds.
- Platform feeders – For cardinals, jays, grosbeaks, blackbirds, starlings.
- Suet feeders – For woodpeckers, nuthatches, wrens, chickadees.
- Fruit trees or bushes – Targets fruit eating species.
- Near cover – Draws in more wary species.
Set traps and bait at the appropriate height and location to target the desired species. Ground or post traps work well for ground foragers. Elevated traps in branches or on feeders attract birds that feed higher up. Place traps near natural food sources or cover to increase your odds.
Bait Selection Tips
Here are some additional tips for selecting bird baits:
- Use baits native to your area that birds are accustomed to eating.
- Try a mix of seeds rather than just one type.
- Soak lower grade seeds to improve palatability.
- Chopped fruit works better than large chunks.
- Clean meat and fish scraps thoroughly before use.
- Don’t use too much bait, a little can go a long way.
- Aim for variety and try different baits until you find what works.
Getting to know the species in your area and their natural food preferences is key. Offering a variety of familiar and appetizing foods will improve your odds of trapping different species. Be mindful of bait freshness, quality, and quantity. With smart bait selection and placement, you can successfully trap a range of bird species.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bait is critical for successfully trapping different bird species. Small seed and grain baits like millet, thistle, safflower, and nyjer target small songbirds. For larger birds, use grains like corn, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. Fruits of all kinds are excellent universal baits, especially berries, oranges, apples, grapes and raisins. Meat and fish scraps attract primarily predatory and scavenging species. Always use fresh, high quality baits and consider seasonal availability. Place traps and bait at the right height and location for your target species. With knowledge of species’ food preferences, some experimenting with bait types, and strategic placement, you can determine the ideal baits to use for trapping your local birds.
