Peanuts are a high-energy food source popular at bird feeders, providing a substantial energy boost, especially during colder months or breeding seasons. This food is high in fat and protein. While many common backyard birds readily consume them, proper preparation and presentation are important considerations for avian health.
Which Species are Attracted to Peanuts
A wide range of backyard birds are attracted to peanuts due to their high caloric value. Species show preferences based on their size and foraging techniques. Larger birds, such as Blue Jays, prefer whole, in-shell peanuts, often caching them for later consumption. These intelligent corvids may stuff multiple peanuts into their mouths before flying off to a secure location.
Woodpeckers, including Downy and Red-bellied species, also consume peanuts, readily clinging to mesh feeders to extract pieces. Their strong beaks allow them to break apart the nuts, and they often wedge larger fragments into tree bark before eating them. Smaller songbirds like Nuthatches, Chickadees, and Titmice are also drawn to the fat and protein content of peanuts.
These smaller birds generally prefer shelled or cracked peanut pieces. They carry the pieces to a nearby perch, holding them with their feet while breaking the morsel with their beak. Larger finches, such as Greenfinches, also eat peanuts, often preferring smaller, broken fragments or meal over whole nuts.
Safe Preparation and Presentation
The safety of peanuts relies heavily on preparation; only raw, unsalted, and unflavored peanuts are appropriate for feeding. Roasted, salted, or seasoned forms are detrimental to avian health. The primary safety concern is contamination by aflatoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by the Aspergillus fungi.
Aflatoxins can contaminate peanuts if they are stored improperly, particularly in warm, damp, and dark conditions. Birds are highly susceptible to these toxins. To minimize this risk, it is important to purchase peanuts explicitly labeled as “aflatoxin-tested” and intended for wild birds from reputable suppliers. Store them at home in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth after purchase.
The size of the peanut offering also affects bird safety, especially for smaller species and fledglings. Whole peanuts pose a potential choking hazard for young or small birds during the nesting season, which typically runs from spring through summer. To prevent this, replace whole peanuts with crushed, chopped, or granulated pieces during this time.
Optimal Feeder Placement and Type
The best way to serve peanuts is through specialized hardware designed to manage their high-energy nature and minimize waste. Shelled or cracked pieces are best offered in small mesh feeders, which slow consumption and reduce waste. Whole, in-shell peanuts are typically placed in hanging platform feeders or wire cages, allowing larger birds to open the shell.
Feeder placement helps ensure bird safety and manages non-target animals, such as squirrels. To provide security, the feeder should be situated near natural cover, like trees or shrubs, allowing quick access to shelter from predators. Placing the feeder approximately 10 to 15 feet from cover provides a safe zone.
Managing squirrel access is an important part of the feeding strategy since peanuts are highly attractive to them. Mount feeders on a pole with a wide, inverted baffle underneath, placed at least 8 to 10 feet away from jump-off points like decks or fences. Alternatively, offering a small, dedicated “decoy” feeder with peanuts away from the main bird feeders can reduce squirrel interest.