If you have fruit trees in your backyard, then you know that these are a great food source for birds. Fruit is rich in nutrients and energy, so it’s no wonder that many species of birds enjoy eating them. In this article, we take a look at 21 backyard birds that eat fruit, as well as their favorites.
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American Crow
Crows are intelligent creatures that have been observed to communicate with one another. Scientists believe that they may also be capable of communicating the location of food sources, such as fruit trees. Crows can often be seen gathering around fruit trees in the early morning hours and late evening hours when other foods are scarce.
Fruit choices for Crows:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Raisins
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Persimmons
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Bluebird
Bluebirds are very common birds in North America. They mostly feed on insects and spiders, but when the season changes from summer to fall they will start eating berries and other types of fruit. Bluebirds enjoy eating the sweet nectar from ripe fruit, as well as small insects that have been caught on the sticky surface of a flower.
Fruit choices for Bluebirds:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Raisins
- Blueberries
- Persimmons
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Blue Jay
Select have you ever wondered if Jays eat fruit? In a recent study, scientists discovered that Blue Jay’s will consume over 30 different types of fruits. From figs to blackberries, Jays have been found to enjoy them all. However, they only consumed the ripe fruit which means that their diet is restricted in variety and high in sugar content.
Fruit choices for Blue Jays:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Raisins
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Persimmons
Related Post :
- How to Attract Blue Jays to your Yard?
- Do Blue Jays Migrate? The Truth
- What do Blue Jay Eat – All The Facts
- 15 Best Bird Feeders for Blue Jays
Indigo Bunting
Buntings are a small bird that live in North America. They are often found in open fields, on power lines, and at feeders. Fruit is a good source of vitamins and nutrients for birds like the Indigo Bunting because it contains natural sugars which help with energy levels as well as antioxidants that keep their feathers looking nice.
Fruit choices for Indigo Bunting:
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Serviceberries
- Blueberries
- Elderberries
Related Post: How to Attract Indigo Bunting to your yard?
Gray Catbird
Catbirds eat fruit and insects to survive. They also feed on leaves, berries, flowers, seeds and occasionally small vertebrates such as lizards or frogs. The catbird is an omnivore that consumes both animal-based food sources and plant-based food sources depending on its mood.
Fruit choices for Gray Catbird:
- Oranges
- Grapes
- Grape Jelly
- Cherries
- Raisins
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Persimmons
- Figs
- Bananas
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a common sight in gardens and yards. It’s the state bird of seven states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia. The Northern Cardinal is a bird that has the most variety of fruits in its diet. The range of fruit this bird eats ranges from apples to grapes and berries, and more.
Fruit choices for Northern Cardinal:
- Oranges
- Raisins
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Bananas
- Figs
- Mulberries
- Berries
- Cherries
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- Where are Cardinal Birds Found – Best Places to Look
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- 10 Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals
House Finch
House finches are small, bright red birds that eat fruit. They can be found in North America and parts of South America. House finches eat fruit to get the nutrients they need for energy. Their diet is made up mostly of seeds, berries, fruits, and insects like ants or caterpillars.
Fruit choices for House Finch:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Figs
- Mulberries
- Serviceberries
Related Post: How to Attract House Finch to your Yard
Grosbeaks
Grosbeaks are large birds that eat mostly seeds, but they sometimes eat fruit. Grosbeaks are large birds that eat mostly seeds, but they sometimes eat fruit. They like to live in places with a lot of trees and bushes because this is where the food is for them. These types of places also provide protection from their natural predators like hawks and owls.
Fruit choices for Grosbeaks:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Elderberries
Related Post: How to Attract Rose-breasted Grosbeaks to your yard
Northern Mockingbird
Northern Mockingbirds are an abundant species of bird that is found throughout North America. They live in a variety of habitats and feed on insects, fruit, seeds, and sometimes even small vertebrates. The Northern Mockingbird eats many different types of fruits including grapes, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and cherries to name a few.
Fruit choices for Northern Mockingbird:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Raisins
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Persimmons
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Orioles
The Baltimore Oriole is a species of songbird in the Icteridae family. Baltimore Orioles are migratory birds and can be found throughout North America, Central America, South America, and into parts of Canada. They primarily eat fruit from trees or plants. They usually live in habitats such as parks, fields with scattered trees or hedges, woodland edges close to open areas like farmlands or wetlands.
Fruit choices for Baltimore Oriole:
- Oranges
- Persimmons
- Blackberries
- Cherries
- Figs
- Mulberries
- Grape Jelly
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American Robin
American robins are native to North America and can be found in both the eastern and western regions of the continent. They eat a variety of food, including worms, berries, grasshoppers, bugs, and caterpillars. The robin will also occasionally eat fruits like apples or cherries when they find them on the ground.
Fruit choices for American Robin:
- Berries
- Raisins
- Grapes
- Bananas (Mashed)
- Ivy berries
- Juniper berries
- Mistletoe
- Blackberries
- Gooseberries
- Strawberries
Related Post: Interesting American Robin Fun Facts
Sapsuckers
The sapsucker is a woodpecker found throughout North America. This bird has been known to enjoy the taste of fruit, and may have even become partially dependent on this food source. They enjoy many types of fruit including apples, grapes, blueberries and strawberries. They will also eat oranges and bananas if they are available.
Fruit choices for Sapsuckers:
- Apples
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Persimmons
Related Post: 16 Interesting Sapsucker Facts Revealed
Sparrows
House sparrows are small birds that inhabit most areas of the world. They live in all types of habitats including gardens, forests, and urban settings. In their natural habitat, they eat insects, seeds, and grains; however when given access to fruit trees house sparrows will flock there for a meal.
Fruit choices for House Sparrow:
- Berries
- Grapes
- Apples
- Cherries
- Pears
- Plums
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Tomatoes
Related Post: How to Attract Sparrows to your Backyard
Tanagers
Tanagers are found in the Americas and parts of Europe. Tanagers eat fruit, insects, seeds, nuts and berries to survive. They have a diet that includes lots of berries during the summer months, but as winter approaches they switch to eating insects.
Fruit choices for Tanagers:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Blackberries
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Thrashers
Do Thrasher’s eat fruit? Thrashers are small, brightly colored songbirds that live in the Americas. These birds often travel in flocks and feed on insects, seeds, and berries. They will also occasionally eat some types of fruit such as blueberries or apples.
Fruit choices for Thrashers:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Raisins
- Blueberries
- Pokeberry
- Elderberry
Towhees
Towhees are a small songbird that is found in North America. The range of towhees includes Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America. Towhees are omnivores and their diet varies by season. They may be opportunistic feeders in the winter when fruits are scarce and so may be attracted to fruiting trees during this time of year as a source of food.
Fruit choices for Towhees:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Blackberries
Related Post: How to Attract Towhees to your backyard
Waxwings
These birds usually feed on berries and other fruit during their breeding season, but they also eat insects in winter. Waxwings can be seen at many parks and gardens in the United States during the summer months because they come to North America for food as well as to breed.
Fruit choices for Waxwings:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Raisins
- Blackberries
- Persimmons
- Serviceberry
- Strawberry
- Mulberry
- Dogwood
- Raspberries
Related Post: How to Attract Cedar Waxwings to your yard
Vireos
Vireos are small birds that are found in the Americas. The most common Vireo is the Red-eyed Vireo, which can be found throughout North America and Central America. They have a wide variety of food sources including fruit, such as cherries and apples. However, they do enjoy eating insects and berries too!
Fruit choices for Vireos:
- Blueberry
- Cherries
- Apples
- Blackberry
- Sumac
- Dogwood
- Pokeweed
- Wax myrtle
- Bursera trees
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are birds that love to eat fruit. Woodpeckers have a strong beak, which is why they can eat so many different types of fruits. Woodpeckers live in North America and the Western Hemisphere. In their habitat, there are lots of trees with delicious fruits on them, so woodpeckers don’t need to fly very far to find food!
Fruit choices for Woodpeckers:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Raisins
- Holly berries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Persimmons
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Titmice
Titmice are small birds that typically eat seeds, insects and fruit. In the winter time, they will often search for sunflower seeds, or insects, but in the summer, it is much easier for them to find plenty of fruit. If you have a lot of fruit trees in your yard, then they will be happy!
Fruit choices for Titmice:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
Related Post: How to Attract Tufted Titmouse to your yard
Starlings
Starlings are a type of bird that is native to the United States. These birds are typically found in open fields, as well as areas with some water nearby. The birds are known for their distinctive calls and beautiful patterns on their feathers. Starlings are fruit-eating birds and make up a significant part of their diet. In fact, there are many types of fruits that starlings enjoy eating!
Fruit choices for Starlings:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Raisins
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Persimmons
Related Posts: How To Attract European Starlings To Your Yard Fast?
