Chickadees, with their curious demeanor and distinctive calls, are cherished visitors in many backyards. These small, active birds bring a lively presence to any garden setting. Understanding their dietary preferences can help attract them, whether they are foraging naturally or visiting a bird feeder.
Wild Foraging Habits
During warmer months, chickadees primarily consume insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Caterpillars, moths, beetles, and aphids form a substantial part of their diet, with animal matter comprising 80% to 90% in summer. They actively glean food from bark, twigs, and leaves, often hanging upside down to reach hidden prey like insect eggs, larvae, and pupae.
In winter, their diet shifts to include more plant matter, making up about 50% of their intake. Seeds, especially from conifers and deciduous trees, become a significant food source. They also consume berries and small fruits, supplementing their diet with available insects, spiders, or even fat from carrion. Chickadees are known for their caching behavior, storing individual seeds and other food items in various locations like under bark or in dead leaves, and they remember these hiding spots.
Preferred Feeder Foods
Chickadees are readily attracted to high-fat, high-energy options at feeders. Black oil sunflower seeds are a top choice, favored for their thin shells, which are easy for them to crack, and their rich oil content that offers significant energy.
Shelled peanuts, unsalted and raw, also rank high among preferred foods, providing an excellent source of protein and fat. Suet, particularly during colder months, is another beneficial food, offering concentrated fat and energy. Chickadees readily visit suet feeders, and some prefer peanut butter-based suet blocks. Nyjer (thistle) seeds and cracked corn can also be offered, though black oil sunflower seeds and peanuts are generally more preferred.
Responsible Feeding Practices
To maintain a safe and healthy feeding environment for chickadees, consider several practices. Tube and hopper feeders are effective for seeds like black oil sunflower and shelled peanuts, while suet cages are ideal for suet cakes. Platform feeders also attract chickadees but require more frequent cleaning. Position feeders near cover, such as shrubs or trees, but not directly within them, to provide security from predators.
Regular cleaning of feeders prevents the spread of diseases among birds. Clean feeders approximately every two weeks, or more often during heavy use or wet weather. A solution of nine parts water to one part bleach is recommended for cleaning, followed by thorough rinsing and complete drying before refilling.
Clear away discarded seed hulls and droppings from beneath feeders to discourage rodents and prevent disease transmission. Never offer certain foods, including bread, salted foods, spoiled food, chocolate, or raw meat, as these can be harmful or lack nutritional value.