British garden birds’ favourite foods – and how to stop squirrels stealing them

The Royal Horticultural Society has explained that different bird species have unique food preferences

Lauren Haughey Lifestyle and Money Reporter

00:38, 25 Feb 2026

Around 30 bird species are considered regular garden visitors in Britain(Image: Gary Chalker via Getty Images)

If you have invested considerable effort into beautifying your garden this spring, it can be disheartening when birds fail to take up residence. Fortunately, there may be a solution.

Experts recommend that incorporating just a handful of simple features can turn your outdoor space into a haven for feathered visitors. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reports that over 140 bird species have been recorded in British gardens, though only 30 are frequent visitors.

What may surprise many is that each species has distinct preferences, so understanding their favoured foods is crucial to enhancing your garden’s appeal. “If you need to use supplementary feeds, offer a mix of different foods and recipes to entice a range of birds,” experts at the RHS have explained online.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

“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 various preferences to consider, specialists have emphasised the following essential points:

Blackbirds 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 cakesGoldfinches favour niger seedStarlings favour peanut cakesTits favour insect cakes

Placing food on a conventional bird table may attract larger birds, such as magpies, who often dominate the area at the expense of smaller species. Squirrels are equally problematic, frequently pilfering food and potentially frightening birds away.

Although squirrels are clever and may occasionally manage to get through the bars of ‘anti-pest’ feeders, you can minimise this risk by positioning them away from overhanging branches and other easy access points.

According to the Express, Jean Vernon, of Richard Jackson Garden, has also 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, experts 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.”

Get all the hottest shopping deals, cash saving tips and money news straight to your phone by joining our new WhatsApp Community – The Money Saving Club. Just click this link to join https://crnch.it/eutplxS1

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.

If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice here https://crnch.it/jeQqC872