Finch Nestlings Eat Seed

House Finch by Steve Berliner

When we think of nestlings, we commonly think of mealworms and suet — two excellent bird baby food choices at this time of the year.  But don’t forget sunflower seed!

While most baby birds cannot digest seed, the finch family is an exception.  Males regurgitate seed to feed females.  Females regurgitate seed to feed their nestlings.

Keep your seed feeders stocked with sunflower or sunflower hearts to encourage finches to nest nearby and bring their feathered family to your feeder after their young leave the nest and begin to fend for themselves.

Photo of House Finch by Steve Berliner