Birds readily consume cranberries, which serve as a natural and available food source, particularly as colder weather approaches. These berries, belonging to the genus Vaccinium, remain on the vine well into the late fall and early winter. This persistence allows them to become a valuable sustenance option when other fruits and seeds are less available. Birds play a role in seed dispersal across wild habitats.
Bird Species That Consume Cranberries
A diverse range of avian species incorporates cranberries into their diet, depending on their habitat and the season. In wilder, forested areas, ground-feeding birds such as Ruffed Grouse and Pheasants consume the berries directly from low-growing plants. These birds often rely on the fruit as a substantial energy source during the harsh winter months.
Suburban and backyard birds, especially those with omnivorous or frugivorous diets, will also seek out cranberries. American Robins and Cedar Waxwings are frequent consumers, often stripping the remaining berries from highbush varieties in late autumn or early winter.
Other common species observed eating cranberries include Blue Jays, Northern Mockingbirds, and various finches and blackbirds. For many of these birds, the consumption of cranberries significantly increases after the first hard freeze. The berries become a more palatable option when insects and softer fruits are no longer accessible. In Europe, species like Blackbirds, Redwings, and Fieldfares feed on the berries of related Vaccinium shrubs.
Nutritional Value and Safety for Birds
Cranberries are a safe and moderately nutritious food for birds, offering a blend of hydration and energy. A raw cranberry is composed of approximately 87% water, making it a source of moisture. The fruit also contains carbohydrates, which provides a necessary energy boost.
Beyond hydration and simple energy, cranberries contain beneficial micronutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and manganese. They are also rich in antioxidants. Fresh cranberries have a distinctly tart taste due to their natural acidity, which often makes them less appealing to birds earlier in the season.
Birds frequently prefer cranberries after they have undergone a natural freeze-thaw cycle, which softens the fruit and slightly reduces the tartness. If offering dried cranberries, ensure they are unsweetened and free of chemical preservatives like sulfur dioxide, which can be toxic to birds. Cranberries intended for human consumption often contain added sugars or oils, which should be avoided when feeding wild birds.
Protecting Cranberry Plants from Foraging
Gardeners and commercial growers who wish to protect their crop from foraging birds have several non-harmful options. The most effective method involves physical exclusion, using lightweight bird netting draped directly over the plants or secured over frames. Netting must be installed before the fruit ripens, typically in late autumn, to prevent birds from becoming entangled.
Visual deterrents can also be employed to discourage birds from landing near the plants. Strips of reflective foil or Mylar tape, sometimes called flash tape, can be tied to nearby stakes or branches. The flickering light and movement created by the tape in the breeze create a disorienting environment that birds tend to avoid.
Other visual methods include the use of effigies such as plastic owl or hawk decoys. To maintain their effectiveness, these decoys must be moved every few days, as birds quickly realize that a stationary predator poses no real threat. Providing an alternative source of food and water away from the cranberry plants may also draw attention away from the cultivated crop.