Yes, wild birds will readily eat apple slices as a food source. Apples provide nutrients like carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for wild birds. Offering apples is an excellent way to attract different bird species to a backyard or bird feeding station. Here are some quick facts about feeding apple slices to wild birds:
- Many backyard bird species enjoy eating apples including blue jays, woodpeckers, mockingbirds, robins, thrushes, orioles, and finches.
- It’s best to offer thinly sliced apples so birds can access the flesh and juice.
- Apples can be left in half slices or quarter slices on platform feeders, skewered on sticks above the ground, or speared on branches.
- Cut apples will decompose faster but can still last for several days if fresh.
- Dried apples can also be fed to birds and will last much longer.
Now let’s look in more detail at why wild birds relish apples and how best to serve them.
Why Do Birds Like Eating Apples?
There are several key nutrients and benefits apples offer wild birds:
Carbohydrates
The sugars and carbohydrates in apples provide birds with an excellent energy source. The natural fructose and glucose in apples can fuel birds as they go about their active days.
Dietary Fiber
Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids birds’ digestion just as it does in humans. This helps promote good gut health and nutrient absorption.
Vitamins
Apples have vitamins A, B, and C. Vitamin A supports vision and immune function. The B vitamins aid metabolism. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps cellular health.
Minerals
Notable minerals in apples include calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Calcium helps growth and bones. Iron assists in oxygen transport. Magnesium supports enzymes. Phosphorus aids metabolism. Zinc promotes immune health.
Water Content
The high water content in apples provides birds with much-needed hydration. This helps keep them energized and supports all bodily functions.
Best Ways to Offer Apple Slices to Birds
Here are some recommendations for serving apple slices successfully:
Cut Apples Thinly
Cut apple slices approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This makes it easier for small beaks to bite through and access the flesh.
Remove Seeds and Skin
For safety and digestibility, core apples and remove seeds and skin before slicing. The remaining apple flesh is safest.
Skewer on Sticks
Spear apple slices on sticks or twigs and insert them into the ground or rests them in branches or on platform feeders.
Use Feeders
Hang or set apple slices out on flat platform feeders, fruit feeders, or suet cages to encourage feeding.
Refresh Daily
Offer fresh apple slices each day if possible. Remove any spoiled slices promptly. Dried apples last longer.
Provide Other Foods
Offer apple slices among other fruits, birdseed, suet, nuts and insect foods to attract the most wild bird species.
Which Birds Like to Eat Apples?
Many backyard birds will take advantage of apple slices as a food source, including:
| Bird Type | Specific Birds |
|---|---|
| Woodpeckers | Downy, hairy, red-bellied, red-headed, pileated |
| Corvids | Blue jays, crows, ravens |
| Thrushes | American robin, wood thrush, hermit thrush |
| Mimics | Northern mockingbird, brown thrasher |
| Waxwings | Cedar waxwing |
| Orioles | Baltimore oriole, orchard oriole |
| Tanagers | Scarlet, summer |
| Finches | Purple, house, American goldfinch |
| Sparrows | Song, white-crowned, white-throated |
As you can see, apples attract a diverse range of wild birds. Offering apples is an easy way to draw in various species to observe and enjoy.
Tips for Feeding Apple Slices to Birds
Follow these tips when putting out apple slices for wild birds:
Buy Organic
Choose organic apples whenever possible to avoid any pesticide residues. Thoroughly wash conventionally grown apples.
Remove Seeds
Apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide and should be removed before slicing apples for birds.
Cut Generous Slices
Larger slices are easier for birds to pick up and feed on. Cut apples into big chunks or thick slices.
Mix with Other Foods
Pair apple slices with nuts, berries, mealworms, or birdseed to attract more species. Vary food daily.
Use Bird Feeders
Set apple slices out on platform feeders, in fruit feeders, or skewered onto branches through suet cages.
Clean Up Promptly
Discard any spoiled apple slices daily to avoid mold or bacteria. Keep the feeding area clean.
Provide Water
Offer fresh water daily along with apple slices so birds can wash down fruit. A bird bath is ideal.
Conclusion
Apples are a nutritious and enticing food for a wide variety of backyard birds. Sliced apples attract various wild bird species when offered on platform feeders, branches, or skewered onto sticks. The natural carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and water in apples provide quality nutrition and energy. With their sweet flavor and appetizing scent, apples are a feeding station staple that will draw in both fruit-loving and insect-eating birds. By monitoring your apple slices daily and refreshing them regularly, you can provide a safe and nutritious fruit feast for wild birds. Apples are a simple way to diversify your bird feeding and enrich their daily diet.
