The RSPB advises we should continue providing bird food and water “on a regular basis” throughout autumn and winter – and there’s one particular food it recommendsSteffan Rhys Deputy Content Hub Director and Vita Molyneux Travel reporter
12:13, 29 Oct 2025
Robins are gorgeous birds(Image: Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images)
Throughout autumn, numerous wildlife lovers across Britain notice an peculiar silence descending upon their gardens. The dawn chorus grows faint and our winged companions seem to have vanished almost completely.
If you’ve been pondering “where have all the birds gone?”, you’re definitely not alone. Whilst some species will have journeyed south, the seasonal change means that many familiar birds are simply harder to spot. Nevertheless, those that remain can still benefit from your help, particularly when it comes to food, reports the Express.
The RSPB (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds ) recommends we should keep offering bird food and water “on a regular basis” during autumn and winter. And there’s one specific food it suggests: “Birds need high-energy, high-fat foods during cold weather.”
These charming birds need our help in the colder months(Image: Gary Mayes via Getty Images)High-energy and high-fat foods include the following, which birds love:SuetPeanutsSunflower seedsMealworms
“Mealworms are key for robins; they absolutely love them,” explains Sue Morgan, CEO of SongBird Survival. “But I think if you went with sunflower hearts and mealworms… robins would really like those.”
There are various factors to bear in mind when feeding birds in your garden, especially concerning hygiene and preventing disease.
“Always adjust the quantity given to the demand, and never allow uneaten foods to build up,” states the RSPB.
It’s also crucial to remove old feed and check for signs of illness. If you have a bird bath, make sure you clean it frequently. After the breeding season, adult birds can often feel a bit knackered.
Their feathers, which are crucial for flight and insulation, might be damaged and frayed. To gear up for the winter challenges that lie ahead, birds undergo a complete feather makeover.
This process is incredibly energy-intensive, making our feathered friends more vulnerable and less likely to spend time out in the open.
“Moulting is a physically demanding time for birds,” explains the RSPB. “They need to conserve energy, so they become much quieter and spend more time hidden amongst vegetation, making them less conspicuous.”
Have you been hearing the birds sing?(Image: Getty)
During the spring and summer months, birds are highly visible at feeders because natural food sources can be scarce, and they need a constant supply of energy to feed their young.
However, come autumn, there’s a veritable explosion of natural food. Berries are ripe for the picking, plants are laden with seeds, and insects are still plentiful. With this natural buffet on offer, birds spend less time queuing at feeders.
They disperse into hedgerows, woodlands, and garden shrubs, where they can forage for a diverse diet.
What’s more, juvenile birds, hatched during spring, are also becoming independent. They’re no longer reliant on their parents and are starting to venture into new areas. This “dispersal” means they could relocate from their birth garden, leading to fewer recognisable visitors overall.
Although your garden might appear more subdued, the birds are still around, just being more cautious. You can assist them during this challenging time by:
Supplying water: Providing fresh, clean water for drinking and bathing is essential.Maintaining wild areas: Resist the temptation to have a perfectly neat garden. Piles of leaves, seed heads, and untouched shrubs offer crucial shelter and food sources.Providing high-energy foods: Keep supplying quality bird seed, suet and fat balls, as these offer vital energy for moulting and winter preparation, particularly when natural food supplies start to decrease later in autumn.
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