The blackbird is one of the most familiar and melodic garden visitors. This species is classified as an omnivore, consuming both animal and plant matter. Blackbirds are primarily ground feeders, dedicating much of their time to foraging on lawns and among leaf litter. This feeding strategy helps control invertebrate populations while also dispersing plant seeds.
The Blackbird’s Natural Diet
The foundation of the blackbird’s natural diet is composed of protein-rich invertebrates, which they actively seek out on the ground. Earthworms are a favored prey, which the birds locate with remarkable efficiency by using both sight and sound. They often cock their heads to the side, allowing them to detect the subtle movements of worms beneath the soil’s surface before pulling them out.
Beyond earthworms, blackbirds consume a variety of other soft-bodied invertebrates, including grubs, caterpillars, slugs, and spiders. They also incorporate harder-shelled prey into their diet, such as beetles and snails. Blackbirds will occasionally use a hard surface as an “anvil” to break open snail shells to access the soft body inside.
Plant-based foods become increasingly important later in the year. In the wild, blackbirds consume a range of native wild berries like hawthorn, holly, and rowan. Fallen fruits, such as apples and pears that have dropped from trees, also provide a valuable source of natural sugars and energy. Blackbirds will also opportunistically consume seeds and grains they find scattered on the ground.
Seasonal Shifts in Foraging
The blackbird’s diet follows a distinct seasonal pattern dictated by food availability. During the spring and summer months, foraging efforts focus intensely on securing protein. This high-protein diet, consisting mainly of earthworms and insect larvae, is necessary to meet the demands of the breeding season and feeding developing nestlings.
As the weather cools and the ground hardens, the availability of easily accessible invertebrates declines significantly. This environmental shift prompts a dramatic change in the blackbird’s foraging strategy. Their diet shifts away from animal matter and towards high-energy plant foods like berries and fruits.
The consumption of fruits and berries can account for over 60% of their intake during the colder months. This carbohydrate and fat-rich diet provides the necessary energy and fat reserves required for survival through autumn and winter. The shift ensures the birds maintain their body temperature and sustain themselves until spring returns with a fresh supply of insects.
Safe and Recommended Backyard Offerings
For those wishing to support blackbirds in their garden, offering supplementary food that mimics their natural diet is beneficial. Live or dried mealworms provide a direct, protein-rich substitute for the insects and larvae they naturally consume. Suet pellets or high-quality fat balls are excellent choices, especially during winter, as they deliver concentrated fat and energy.
When selecting seeds, it is important to choose options that are easy for the blackbird’s soft bill to handle. Sunflower hearts, which are de-husked, are highly preferred over whole seeds with hard shells. Pinhead or rolled oats, which are served uncooked, also provide a good source of energy.
Soft fruits should be included, as they align with the bird’s natural preference for berries and windfall apples. Readily accepted options include:
- Chopped apples and pears.
- Grapes.
- Sultanas and raisins that have been soaked in water.
Soaking dried fruit prevents it from swelling after ingestion, which could otherwise cause digestive issues.
Due to their preference for foraging on the ground, food should be presented in a way that feels natural to them. Scatter food directly onto a clean patch of lawn or place it on an open bird table or ground feeder tray. Blackbirds generally avoid hanging seed feeders, which are designed for smaller, agile birds.
Foods to Avoid and Why
While it is tempting to share common kitchen scraps, several human foods can be detrimental or even toxic to blackbirds. Bread should be avoided as it offers very little nutritional value and fills the bird’s stomach, reducing its appetite for more beneficial, nutrient-dense foods.
Dairy products, such as milk or large quantities of cheese, are unsuitable because birds cannot properly digest the lactose. Consuming milk can lead to severe stomach upsets and diarrhea. Cooked fats from roasting or frying, and any food containing salt, should also be strictly withheld as they are harmful to a bird’s health.
Whole peanuts pose a choking hazard for young birds and can be difficult for blackbirds to break apart, so they should only be offered as small, crushed granules. Furthermore, certain human foods like avocado and chocolate contain substances that are toxic to birds, potentially causing heart problems or neurological damage.