Can Birds Eat Bananas?

Do you have a banana that’s a little past its prime and you’re wondering if it’s safe to serve it at the bird feeder? Bananas are a wonderful, natural food source that can be offered to birds, both in your backyard and as part of a more controlled environment like aviaries. Let’s look at which birds you might attract with bananas and the best way to serve them at your bird feeder.

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Nutritional Value of Bananas

Bananas are primarily known for their high potassium content, which is crucial for muscle function and overall health in birds. They also provide essential vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin A, which support the immune system, contribute to healthy skin and feathers, and aid in digestion. The natural sugars in bananas offer a quick energy boost, while the fiber supports digestive health.

Which Birds Might Eat Bananas

As you might guess, birds that live where bananas grow naturally are prone to eating bananas! Birds like parrots, toucans, and other fruit-eating birds (frugivores) are most likely to eat bananas–but there are many backyard birds that might like to eat banana, too!

Several backyard bird species might show interest in bananas placed out for them. These birds, often attracted by the sweet scent and nutritional content of the fruit, can include:

American Robins: Known for their varied diet, robins may peck at bananas, especially those cut into smaller pieces or mashed.

Orioles: Both Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles are attracted to orange slices and similarly might enjoy bananas. They are particularly drawn to brightly colored and sweet foods.

Northern Mockingbirds: These birds have diverse diets that include fruits. Pieces of banana can attract them to your feeding station.

Brown Thrashers: Similar to mockingbirds in their dietary preferences, Brown Thrashers may also be tempted by bananas.

Cedar Waxwings: Famed for their love of berries, Cedar Waxwings might also enjoy the occasional banana treat. They’re known to feed on various fruits.

Tanagers: Although their primary diet consists of insects, Scarlet Tanagers will eat fruit during migration. Bananas could provide a much-needed energy boost. Here we have Summer Tanagers and I can attest to the fact that they’ll show interest in bananas.

Blue Jays: While more commonly associated with seeds and nuts, Blue Jays are opportunistic feeders and may try bananas, especially if other food sources are scarce.

Starlings: European Starlings are not picky eaters and will likely eat bananas offered to them. However, be mindful as they can quickly dominate feeders and deter other birds.

How to Serve Bananas to Attract These Birds

Choose bananas that are ripe and soft enough to be easily eaten, but not so overripe that they’re mushy or attracting insects.

Cut the bananas into slices or halves and place them on a platform feeder or a dish. You can also hang banana halves from trees or feeder hooks.

Removing the peel entirely makes it easier for smaller birds to eat the fruit, but leaving the peel on can help contain the banana as birds peck at it.

To attract a wider variety of birds, you can offer bananas alongside other bird favorites like apples, grapes, or oranges.

Change the banana pieces regularly to avoid attracting insects or pests and to keep the feeding area clean and sanitary.

Will Birds Eat Banana Peels?

While birds are primarily interested in the flesh of the banana, some may peck at the peels, especially if they’re seeking additional dietary fiber or moisture. (And you might see some pecking at the bugs that have been attracted to the peels!)

Bananas can be a nutritious and delicious treat for various bird species, offering them a beneficial boost of energy and essential nutrients. By following simple preparation and serving guidelines, you can safely incorporate bananas into your backyard birds’ diet, attracting a colorful and lively array of feathered friends to your garden.