--- title: "Feeding Birds in Winter: Complete Guide" url: https://thebirdfeederguide.com/feeding-birds-in-winter/ type: post date: 2026-10-16 modified: 2026-10-31 markdown_url: https://thebirdfeederguide.com/feeding-birds-in-winter.md author: "admin" --- # Feeding Birds in Winter: Complete Guide *By The Bird Feeder Guide Editorial Team · Specs verified October 2026* *As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. See our [affiliate disclosure](/affiliate-disclosure/).* Winter is when feeders matter most, and when mistakes matter most too. This guide combines advice from Audubon and the National Wildlife Federation on foods, water, shelter and hygiene, and notes which advice is older. Start with [how to attract birds to your yard](/how-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard/) if you are new. ## How we chose what to include We kept advice that appears in a named, dated source and flagged conflicts. The NWF post is from December 2010 and Audubon's food article from 2011, so we lean on Audubon's 2021 and 2015 pieces for hygiene and water. ## The winter feeding checklist NeedWhat sources say SeedBlack oil sunflower appeals to the greatest number of birds (Audubon); NWF lists black oil sunflower, hulled peanuts, niger and white millet FatSuet is high energy: fat has 9 calories per gram versus 4 for carbohydrates or protein (NWF); use suet in cool weather (Audubon) WaterBirds can dehydrate even among ice and snow (NWF); a plastic bath with a heater is suggested, ceramic can crack (Audubon 2015) ConsistencyKeep feeders full and keep feeding through winter (NWF) CleaningSeed and suet feeders about every other week, more in humid or hot weather (Audubon 2021) ## What to feed Audubon recommends offering sunflower, nyjer and peanuts in separate feeders, and notes blends should contain sunflower, millet and cracked corn. Cheaper blends with milo, wheat and oats are preferred by few species. NWF says suet feeders are favored by woodpeckers and other insect-eaters, and peanut butter is popular but costs more. See [best suet feeders](/best-suet-feeders/), [best bird seed](/best-bird-seed/) and [nyjer feeders for finches](/best-nyjer-thistle-feeders-for-finches/). [Browse black oil sunflower seed on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=black+oil+sunflower+seed+bird+food&tag=tbfg-20). **Who this suits:** anyone able to refill reliably; NWF notes birds grow accustomed to feeders, so arrange cover if you travel. **Who should skip suet:** warm-climate yards in warm spells, since suet can turn rancid and dripping fat can damage feathers (Audubon). ## Water in freezing weather Audubon (2015) says many birds bathe in and drink from open water in frigid weather, suggests a plastic birdbath with a built-in heater, and advises placing water near protective shrubs (see our [best heated bird baths](/best-heated-bird-baths/)). If neighborhood cats are a regular threat, Audubon says it is best not to use birdbaths at all. NWF suggests a pan of water near the feeder on warmer days. [Browse heated bird baths on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=heated+bird+bath&tag=tbfg-20). ## Shelter and snow Audubon suggests a brush pile of large logs topped with branches for extreme weather, and evergreens such as spruce, holly and juniper for cover. NWF recommends stamping down snow below feeders so juncos, doves and sparrows can reach dropped seed, and placing feeders 10 to 12 ft from shrubs. See [where to put a bird feeder](/where-to-put-a-bird-feeder/). ## Keeping birds healthy, and bird flu Audubon (2021) says avian flu has surged among wild birds and has at times led to advisories in many states to take feeders down. If you see sick or dead birds, Audubon says take feeders down and drain baths for a few days and report the sighting to your state wildlife agency. Do not handle a sick bird yourself. Rules vary by place, so check your state wildlife agency. Clean feeders with soap and water, then soak 15 minutes in a 50-50 vinegar and water solution, rinse and dry completely (Audubon 2021); other sources use a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water soak. Full steps: [how to clean a bird feeder](/how-to-clean-a-bird-feeder/). ## Limits of this guide Not stated in our sources: exact start dates for winter feeding by region, and how much to feed. Audubon's 2011 article suggests cleaning only twice a year, which conflicts with its 2021 every-other-week advice; we follow the newer guidance. We did not test anything. ## FAQ ### What is the best food for birds in winter? Black oil sunflower seed appeals to the greatest number of birds, and suet gives high-energy fat (Audubon, NWF). ### Should birds have water in winter? Yes. NWF says birds can dehydrate even when surrounded by ice and snow, and Audubon suggests a heated plastic bath. ### Should I take feeders down for bird flu? Follow your state wildlife agency. Audubon says to take feeders down for a few days if you see sick or dead birds and to report them. **How this guide was made:** Research-based from the cited expert sources below, compiled with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team. We did not hands-on test any product. See [How We Research](/how-we-research/). ## Sources - Audubon, How to Feed Birds Safely This Winter (Winter 2021, modified April 2025) - audubon.org/magazine/how-feed-birds-safely-winter - Audubon, 11 Tips for Feeding Backyard Birds (September 2011, modified February 2025) - audubon.org/magazine/11-tips-feeding-backyard-birds - Audubon, Winterize Your Yard for Birds (January 2015, modified January 2023) - audubon.org/news/winterize-your-yard-birds - National Wildlife Federation, Ten Simple Tips for Successful Winter Bird Feeding (December 2010) - blog.nwf.org [Home](/) · [Types of bird feeders](/types-of-bird-feeders/)