There are several ways you can make your garden more appealing to a range of bird species – and it starts with their favourite foods
Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter
13:35, 16 Oct 2025Updated 13:35, 16 Oct 2025
Around 30 bird species are considered regular garden visitors in Britain(Image: nerion / 500px via Getty Images)
If you’ve been working hard to make your garden beautiful, it can be disheartening when birds don’t flock to it. But don’t lose hope. Experts say that by adding a few simple features, you can turn your green space into a bird paradise.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has found that while over 140 bird species have been seen in British gardens, only 30 are regular visitors. It may surprise you to learn that each species has its own specific likes and dislikes, so understanding their preferred foods is crucial to making your garden more appealing.
“Use different foods and recipes to entice a range of birds,” experts at the RHS have explained online.”Although fat is important, particularly in winter, also provide a grain mix or nuts to maintain a balanced diet.
“No-mess seed mixes are more expensive, but the inclusion of de-husked sunflower hearts means there is less waste and debris under the feeder. Inferior mixes are often padded out with lentils and wheat.”
While there are many preferences to consider, the specialists stressed these key points:
Starlings favour peanut cakesGoldfinches favour niger seedTits favour insect cakesBlackbirds and thrushes favour over-ripe apples, raisins and other fruitsNuthatches, sparrows and finches favour sunflower headsWrens and small birds favour chopped animal fat and grated cheeseFinches favour berry cakes
Many bird species also favour mealworms and seed mixes as snacks. To limit the number of animals that can access the food, consider using an enclosed feeder with a protective outer cage.
Leaving food out on a standard bird table might attract larger birds like magpies, who can dominate the space, often at the expense of smaller birds. Squirrels, known for stealing food, can scare birds away, too.
Although squirrels are clever creatures and might occasionally manage to slip through the bars of ‘anti-pest’ feeders, you can minimise this possibility by positioning them well away from overhanging branches and other convenient access routes.
According to the Express, Jean Vernon, of Richard Jackson Garden, has also previously recommended: “Squirrels are rather partial to a lot of things in our gardens, especially the bird food. But they will also dig up tulip bulbs and eat them.
“They love apples, squash and sweet corn and collect masses of acorns, conkers and nuts. Why not feed the squirrels with a special feeder full of hazelnuts, then you get the best of both worlds, you can watch the birds and the squirrels too.”
Meanwhile, sepcialists at the RHS have added: “A good population of birds in the garden is part of a healthy garden ecosystem, helping to keep caterpillars and aphids in check, which can damage garden plants.”
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