Complete Gardening
Peanuts are not only a tasty treat for humans but also a delightful snack for many bird species. Offering peanuts at your feeder is a sure way to attract a variety of colorful and interesting birds right to your backyard.
Here are twelve birds that love peanuts, each with its own charm and character. Learn how you can entice these feathered friends to visit your feeder by providing this nutty delight.
1. Woodpecker
Woodpeckers, including species like the Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, have a particular fondness for peanuts. These birds are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, where they enjoy peanuts in various forms, such as whole, shelled, or even peanut butter.
Their strong beaks make it easy for them to crack open peanuts, and they relish the challenge. Woodpeckers often store peanuts in tree crevices for later consumption.
Providing a peanut feeder or stuffing peanuts into holes in a log can attract woodpeckers. Their rhythmic pecking is a pleasant sound to hear in any backyard.
2. Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse, with its distinctive grey crest and large eyes, is a charming bird that frequents feeders. These small birds are agile and lively, often seen darting in and out to grab a peanut.
Peanuts provide them with the energy they need, especially during colder months. Titmice are known to take peanuts one at a time, flying off to enjoy or hide them.
To attract these delightful birds, consider placing a mix of whole and shelled peanuts in your feeder. Their playful antics are sure to bring a smile to your face.
3. Chickadee
Chickadees, with their distinctive black caps and friendly demeanor, are among the most beloved garden visitors. These birds are frequent peanut consumers, favoring them for their nutritional value.
Quick and agile, Chickadees often visit feeders in pairs or small groups. They are known for their habit of taking peanuts and caching them for later use. To attract Chickadees, ensure your feeder offers both shelled and unshelled peanuts.
They appreciate a variety of options and are sure to reward you with their cheerful presence and melodic calls.
4. Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal, with its bright red feathers and distinctive crest, is a stunning visitor to any feeder. These birds are particularly fond of peanuts, which provide them with essential fats and proteins.
Male Cardinals are especially noticeable with their brilliant red plumage, while females sport a subtler brown with red highlights. Peanuts in the shell can keep these birds entertained, as they enjoy cracking them open.
Cardinals are typically ground feeders, so placing peanuts at a low height can increase your chances of attracting them. Enjoy their cheerful presence year-round.
5. Nuthatch
Nuthatches are known for their unique ability to climb down trees headfirst, and their love for peanuts is no secret. These agile birds are frequent visitors to peanut feeders. Nuthatches prefer whole peanuts, which they often wedge into bark crevices to open.
Their acrobatic movements and distinctive calls make them fascinating to watch. To attract Nuthatches, offer whole peanuts in a feeder or scatter them around trees. Their entertaining antics and lively energy are sure to captivate any bird enthusiast.
6. Blue Jay
Blue Jays are known for their striking blue plumage and intelligence. These clever birds are not only beautiful but incredibly curious. They are often the first to discover a new feeder in the yard. Blue Jays love peanuts, particularly when they’re in shells.
Offering them a mix of shelled and unshelled peanuts can provide both nourishment and entertainment. Blue Jays are social birds, often seen in small groups. Their bold behaviors and loud calls make them hard to miss.
If you’re looking to attract Blue Jays, consider scatter-feeding peanuts on the ground as well.
7. American Crow
American Crows are highly intelligent and social birds that enjoy peanuts as part of their diverse diet. These birds are often seen in large family groups. Crows are known for their problem-solving skills and can easily crack open peanuts in the shell.
By offering unshelled peanuts, you can watch them engage in this activity. Crows are attracted to open spaces, so scattering peanuts in your yard or park can invite them to visit. Enjoy observing their clever behaviors and social interactions.
8. European Starling
European Starlings, known for their iridescent feathers and social nature, are frequent visitors to backyard feeders. These birds enjoy peanuts for their rich taste and high energy content. Starlings often feed in flocks, creating a lively and noisy atmosphere.
They are adaptable birds, quickly taking advantage of new food sources. To attract European Starlings, provide peanuts in a platform feeder. Their glossy appearance and synchronized movements make them an interesting addition to your garden.
9. House Sparrow
House Sparrows are adaptable birds that thrive in various environments, from urban settings to rural areas. These birds readily consume peanuts, which offer them vital nutrients.
Sparrows often forage in flocks, and their chirping adds a cheerful sound to any location. They enjoy both whole and crushed peanuts.
To attract House Sparrows, consider providing a mix of seeds and peanuts in your feeder. Their lively presence and social interactions make them charming guests.
10. Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebirds, with their vibrant blue backs and rusty red chests, are a delightful sight. They enjoy peanuts as a treat, particularly during breeding seasons. These birds prefer open fields and gardens, where they can easily spot insects and other food.
Peanuts offer them a high-energy snack. To draw Eastern Bluebirds to your feeder, offer shelled peanuts in a tray. Their gentle nature and beautiful colors are sure to brighten any day.
11. Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are striking birds with a penchant for peanuts. Their bold black and white patterns, accented by a touch of red, make them stand out.
These woodpeckers are frequent visitors to peanut feeders, where they enjoy both shelled and unshelled varieties.
Their strong beaks are perfect for cracking open nuts. To entice Red-bellied Woodpeckers, provide a mix of peanut options in your garden. Their distinctive calls and striking appearance are a true delight.
12. Gray Catbird
Gray Catbirds, with their slate-gray feathers and melodious songs, are unique visitors to feeders. While they primarily eat fruits, they also enjoy peanuts as a supplementary snack.
These birds are named for their cat-like calls and are often found in dense shrubs. Offering a mix of fruits and peanuts can satisfy their dietary preferences.
To attract Gray Catbirds, place peanuts near shrubby areas. Their beautiful songs and curious nature make them a wonderful addition to any backyard bird community.