Providing food for birds in your backyard can be a rewarding experience, connecting you with nature and supporting local wildlife. Understanding which birds enjoy specific foods, like cracked corn, can help you create a welcoming and diverse environment for your feathered friends.

Which Birds Eat Cracked Corn?

Cracked corn is a popular choice for bird feeders due to its affordability and widespread appeal. However, not all birds are equally fond of this type of feed. Some species, like doves and ground-feeding birds, readily consume cracked corn, while others may prefer different food sources.

Benefits of Feeding Cracked Corn

Cracked corn offers several benefits for birds:

• High in energy: It provides a good source of carbohydrates, which birds need for flight and other activities.
• Easy to digest: The cracked kernels are easier for birds to break down and consume.
• Attracts a variety of species: It can draw in a range of birds, including both common and less frequent visitors.

In the following sections, we’ll delve deeper into the specific types of birds that enjoy cracked corn and provide tips on how to effectively feed it to your backyard avian guests.

Which Birds Eat Cracked Corn

Cracked corn is a popular food source for many bird species, especially in backyard feeders. Its affordability, ease of access, and nutritional value make it a favorite among both common and less frequent backyard visitors. However, not all birds enjoy cracked corn, and some may even find it unsuitable for their dietary needs. This article will delve into the world of birds that feast on cracked corn, exploring the species that benefit from it, the reasons behind their preference, and the best ways to attract them to your feeder.

Birds That Love Cracked Corn

A variety of birds find cracked corn a delicious and nutritious treat. Here are some of the most common species:

Ground-Feeding Birds

• Domestic Chickens: While not wild birds, chickens are often found foraging in backyards and will readily consume cracked corn.
• Mourning Doves: These gentle birds are known for their distinctive mournful coo and their fondness for ground-feeding on seeds like cracked corn.
• European Starlings: While considered an invasive species in some areas, starlings are highly adaptable and will readily eat cracked corn from feeders or the ground.
• House Sparrows: These common birds are often seen in urban and suburban areas, where they readily consume cracked corn from feeders.
• Juncos: These small, gray birds with white bellies are common winter visitors and enjoy foraging for seeds like cracked corn in the ground.

Larger Birds

• Wild Turkeys: These large, ground-dwelling birds will often visit backyards in search of food, including cracked corn.
• Northern Bobwhites: These plump, ground-dwelling birds are known for their distinctive “bob-white” call and their fondness for seeds like cracked corn.
• Quail: These small, ground-dwelling birds are often found in fields and grasslands and will readily consume cracked corn.

Why Birds Eat Cracked Corn

Cracked corn offers several advantages for birds, making it a popular food source: (See Also: What Colors Do Birds Like For A Birdhouse)

Nutritional Value

Cracked corn is a good source of carbohydrates, providing birds with the energy they need for flight, foraging, and other activities. It also contains some protein and fat, although it is not as rich in these nutrients as other birdseed options.

Accessibility

Cracked corn is relatively inexpensive and easy to find at most pet stores and feed stores. It can be scattered on the ground or placed in feeders, making it accessible to a wide range of birds.

Palatability

Many birds find the taste and texture of cracked corn appealing. Its larger size and hard texture make it easy for birds to grasp and consume.

Attracting Birds with Cracked Corn

If you want to attract birds to your backyard with cracked corn, here are some tips:

Choose the Right Feeder

Ground feeders are best for attracting ground-feeding birds like doves, sparrows, and juncos. These feeders have a tray or platform where birds can easily access the cracked corn.

Provide a Variety of Food Sources

While cracked corn is a popular choice, it’s important to offer a variety of other food sources to attract a wider range of birds. This could include sunflower seeds, millet, nyjer seed, suet, and fruit. (See Also: What Birds Eat Nectar)

Create a Bird-Friendly Habitat

Birds are more likely to visit your backyard if it provides them with the resources they need, such as food, water, and shelter. Plant native trees, shrubs, and flowers to provide nesting sites and food sources. Add a birdbath to provide a source of fresh water.

Be Consistent with Feeding

Birds rely on a regular food supply, so it’s important to be consistent with your feeding schedule. Fill your feeders regularly and clean them periodically to prevent the spread of disease.

Key Points to Remember

Cracked corn is a nutritious and affordable food source for many bird species, particularly ground-feeding birds. It’s essential to provide a variety of food sources and create a bird-friendly habitat to attract a diverse range of feathered visitors. By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty and activity of birds in your backyard all year round.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birds That Eat Cracked Corn

What kind of birds eat cracked corn?

Many bird species enjoy cracked corn as a food source, including doves, quail, turkeys, chickens, cardinals, blue jays, and sparrows.

Is cracked corn good for birds?

Cracked corn can be a nutritious part of a bird’s diet, providing them with energy and carbohydrates. However, it’s important to offer it in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes other food sources like seeds, fruits, and insects. (See Also: What Does Kill Two Birds With One Stone)

Can I feed cracked corn year-round?

While birds will eat cracked corn throughout the year, it’s especially beneficial during the colder months when natural food sources are scarce.

How do I attract birds to my feeder with cracked corn?

Place a bird feeder specifically designed for cracked corn, or use a platform feeder. Scatter the corn on the ground in a sheltered area, away from predators.

What other foods can I offer birds along with cracked corn?

To provide a varied and nutritious diet, consider offering a mix of sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts, suet, mealworms, and fruits like berries or apples.