When should you feed birds?

Feeding birds can make a difference all year round. By offering suitable bird food in every season, you help support biodiversity and the wellbeing of familiar garden birds whose numbers have declined over time, such as the house sparrow. Feeding birds isn’t just for winter, it plays an important role throughout the year.

There are still common misconceptions about feeding birds in spring and summer. Birds do not become dependent on extra food, nor does feeding stop them from finding natural sources. In reality, birds face some of their greatest challenges during the warmer months.

Breeding, nesting and raising young require large amounts of energy, while natural food availability can vary due to weather and changes to the landscape. Providing appropriate food year-round helps adult birds stay strong and supports successful breeding, while also offering vital energy during colder months.

Birds are able to regulate their own intake and will continue to forage naturally. Feeding simply provides a reliable additional source of nutrition when it is most needed.

Birds have different energy needs as the seasons change, from building reserves in autumn and coping with winter cold, to supporting breeding and feather growth in spring and summer. Offering the right food at the right time helps garden birds stay healthy throughout the year.

Below, you’ll find guidance on which bird foods are best suited to each season.

Spring is one of the busiest times of year for garden birds. Finding a partner, building nests and raising young all require large amounts of energy, while natural food sources can still be limited early in the season. Changes to the landscape mean fewer insects and less natural shelter in many gardens.

Providing protein-rich bird food in spring helps adult birds stay strong and supports the healthy development of eggs and chicks. Foods containing insects, such as mealworms, are especially valuable during the breeding season and chick-rearing.

Feeding birds remains important throughout summer. Many species are moulting, replacing worn feathers, while others are caring for late broods. Both processes place high demands on birds’ energy and nutrient needs.

Offering bird food that reflects birds’ natural summer diet, including insect-rich mixes, helps support feather growth and overall condition. Alongside food, access to fresh water is essential in warm weather, giving birds a place to drink and bathe.

Autumn is a vital time for birds to build up energy reserves ahead of winter. Shorter days and falling temperatures increase the need for reliable, high-energy bird food.

While some natural food is still available, supplies quickly decline as the season progresses. Feeding birds in autumn helps them maintain body weight and prepare for the colder months, supporting birds that remain active in gardens throughout winter.

Winter presents the greatest challenge for birds. Cold weather, frost and short days mean birds must use more energy simply to stay warm, while natural food sources are often scarce or inaccessible.

Providing high-energy bird food throughout winter helps birds maintain strength and body condition. Keeping feeders clean, topped up and well stocked ensures birds can rely on a safe, consistent food source until spring returns.

The type of food birds need can vary from season to season, but different species also have their own natural preferences. Some birds favour seeds, others rely more heavily on insects or fat-rich food, depending on their size, behaviour and feeding habits.

If you’d like to learn more about which foods are best suited to different garden birds, take a look at our “Who eats what?” guide, where you’ll find clear advice for supporting a wide range of familiar species.

To explore year-round feeding in more detail, you can also read our interview with one of our in-house product specialists, who shares practical insights into how thoughtful feeding can support birds throughout the seasons.

By feeding birds year-round, you’re not only supporting local wildlife, you also get to enjoy the everyday pleasure of watching birds thrive in your garden.