Is Cornbread Safe to Feed Wild Birds?

Is Cornbread Safe to Feed Wild Birds?
Written By
Erin Maurer
Erin Maurer
Published: Dec 14, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Bird Types

Downy woodpeckers and other members of the woodpecker family are the ideal birds to feed cornbread, recommends the Alabama Wildbird Conservation Association. Wrens and mockingbirds also may eat the cornbread.

Feeder Type

Woodpeckers eat from platform or shelf feeders, rather than the more common tube feeders. Crumble cornbread and place it on the platform. Cornbread pieces also may be placed on a sunny window sill to attract birds.

Warnings

Birds often fly into glass when feeding close to windows. Hang window decals or curtains to discourage birds from flying into the glass. Also, avoid feeding birds commercial or store bought cornbread. Many of these recipes contain milk, which birds cannot digest, according to the Nature Skills website. Therefore, replace milk with water when making homemade cornbread.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Erin Maurer

A freelance writer for various online publications, Erin Maurer covers travel destinations, gardening and home decorating projects. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from Widener University in Chester, Pa.

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