Birds That Like to Eat Cracked Corn” provides an overview of cracked corn as a popular bird food and the avian species that particularly enjoy it. Cracked corn, which is made from crushed and broken dried corn kernels, serves as a cheap filler in bird seed mixtures. While most birds will only consume cracked corn if there are no better food options available, certain birds like quails, pheasants, doves, house sparrows, cowbirds, and red-winged blackbirds display a strong preference for it. Additionally, the article highlights that European starlings, house sparrows, and red-winged blackbirds are among the common birds that truly relish cracked corn, while others such as mourning doves, dark-eyed juncos, white-breasted nuthatches, and various types of sparrows also consume it. Whether to include cracked corn in a mixed bird seed is ultimately a matter of personal preference and desire to attract or discourage specific bird species.
Birds That Like to Eat Cracked Corn
Quails
Quails are small ground-dwelling birds that are known to enjoy cracked corn as part of their diet. These birds can often be found in grassy areas, farmlands, and meadows, where they search for insects, seeds, and grains. Cracked corn provides quails with a good source of energy and nutrients, making it a popular food choice for these birds.
Pheasants
Pheasants are large, colorful birds that are native to Asia but have been introduced to various parts of the world for hunting and conservation purposes. These birds have a diverse diet that consists of grains, seeds, insects, and vegetation. Cracked corn is a common food that pheasants enjoy, as it provides them with the necessary energy to support their active lifestyle.
Doves
Doves are widely recognized for their gentle cooing and graceful flight. These birds are primarily seed-eaters and cracked corn is a favorite food choice for them. Doves can often be seen foraging on the ground or perched on feeders, consuming cracked corn along with other seeds and grains. The high carbohydrate content in cracked corn helps doves meet their energy requirements.
House Sparrows
House sparrows are small, social birds that are commonly found in urban and suburban areas. These adaptable birds have a diverse diet that includes seeds, grains, insects, and scraps of human food. Cracked corn is an appealing food source for house sparrows, as it is easily accessible and provides them with the necessary nutrition to thrive in their urban habitats.
Cowbirds
Cowbirds are brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species and rely on those birds to raise their offspring. These birds have a varied diet that includes seeds, grains, insects, and even small vertebrates. Cowbirds readily consume cracked corn when it is available, as it offers them a convenient and nutritious food source.
Red-winged Blackbirds
Red-winged blackbirds are striking birds that are commonly found near wetlands, marshes, and fields. They have a diverse diet consisting of insects, seeds, grains, and fruits. While red-winged blackbirds primarily feed on insects during the breeding season, they often switch to a diet of seeds and grains, including cracked corn, during the colder months when insect availability is limited.
Other Birds that Like Cracked Corn
In addition to the birds mentioned above, there are several other bird species that enjoy consuming cracked corn. This includes mourning doves, dark-eyed juncos, white-breasted nuthatches, and various types of sparrows. These birds are attracted to the high energy content of cracked corn and will readily feed on it when offered.
Birds that Only Eat Cracked Corn When There’s no Better Food Available
While quails, pheasants, doves, house sparrows, cowbirds, and red-winged blackbirds have a strong preference for cracked corn, most other birds will only resort to eating it if there is no better food available. Cracked corn serves as a backup food source for these birds when their primary food choices are scarce.
Cracked Corn as a Cheap Filler in Bird Seed Mixtures
Cracked corn is often used as a filler in bird seed mixtures due to its affordability and availability. It adds bulk to the mixture while providing birds with a source of carbohydrates and nutrients. However, it is important to note that cracked corn should not be the sole component of a bird’s diet as it lacks the necessary protein and vitamins found in other seeds and grains.
Common Birds that Love Cracked Corn
European starlings, house sparrows, and red-winged blackbirds are particularly fond of cracked corn. These birds will readily consume it when provided, often visiting feeders and foraging areas where cracked corn is available. For bird enthusiasts looking to attract these species, offering cracked corn can be an effective strategy.
Other Birds that Eat Cracked Corn
Aside from the common birds mentioned above, several other bird species will also consume cracked corn if offered. This includes mourning doves, dark-eyed juncos, white-breasted nuthatches, and various types of sparrows. These birds appreciate cracked corn as a supplemental food source, especially in the colder months when alternative food options are limited.
Cracked Corn as Less Preferred Bird Food
It is important to note that cracked corn is not the favorite food for most birds. While some species readily consume it, others may eat it at a slower pace or even discard it onto the ground. This is because the texture and taste of cracked corn may not be as appealing to all bird species. Providing a variety of food options, including different seeds, grains, and suet, can help cater to the preferences of a wider range of birds.
Feeding Cracked Corn in Mixed Bird Seed
Whether to include cracked corn in a mixed bird seed offering largely depends on personal preference and the desire to attract or discourage certain bird species. If the goal is to attract ground-dwelling birds like quails and doves, cracked corn can be a valuable addition to the mix. However, if the aim is to attract a wider variety of birds, offering a diverse selection of seeds, grains, and suet may be more effective.
In conclusion, cracked corn is a favored food choice for birds such as quails, pheasants, doves, house sparrows, cowbirds, and red-winged blackbirds. It serves as a convenient and nutritious food source, providing these birds with the energy they need to thrive. While cracked corn may not be the preferred food for all bird species, it can be a valuable addition to bird seed mixtures for attracting specific birds or as a backup food option when other food sources are scarce.