During the winter months, food becomes more scarce for lots of wild animals, including birds. By January, most berries and seeds have been stripped from plants and the ground might be frozen, so worms are hard to find. In cold weather, birds need foods that are high in fat and calories, to keep them active and warm.
Some birds, like blackbirds, collared doves and house sparrows, like to feed on the ground but lots prefer food sources high up, safely away from predators like cats. If you have access to outside space, you can hang bird feeders from trees, washing lines, balcony railings or fence posts.
Most birds in the UK eat a variety of foods but different species have favourites, such as mealworms or sunflower seeds. Shops and garden…
