Great Spotted Woodpecker

Feeding Birds Peanuts

Peanuts Growing
Peanuts growing © Preston Keres

Peanuts are probably the most familiar food to feed wild birds, except maybe for bread! And feeding birds peanuts is a great way to enjoy the antics and acrobatics of birds on your feeders.

Did you know however, that a peanut is not actually a nut at all?! Peanuts are legumes, so related to peas and beans rather than nuts. Unlike ‘other’ nuts, they do not grow on trees but are actually tubers and grow much like potatoes.

Why feed peanuts to birds?

Peanuts are highly nutritious, being rich in protein, essential fat and natural oils. They are therefore a great source of energy, especially in winter when natural food is harder to find.

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