Do Birds Eat Pears?

Are you considering sharing some pear slices with your feathered friends? Pears are a hit among many bird species thanks to their sweet taste and juicy texture. The good news is that pears can be a delicious and healthy snack for many birds–but there’s one part of the pear you should never give birds. Let’s look at the best way to safely serve pears to birds and the backyard birds you just might attract with this popular fruit.

photo of pears with cartoon pink bird in center of image with "can birds eat pears" at top of image

How to Serve Pears at the Bird Feeder

Always choose ripe but firm pears, as overly ripe pears can be too mushy and potentially ferment, leading to alcohol production, which is harmful to birds.

Wash and slice the pear–and this is crucial: do not give birds the seeds. Pear seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, which is toxic to birds.

You can hang slices of pears from a tree, put them in a platform feeder or toss them on the ground for ground feeders.

Which Birds Eat Pears?

I can say firsthand that quite a few birds enjoy nibbling at whole pears on the tree. We have a small orchard of about five pear trees, and the birds definitely peck at the pears (and often knock some to the ground where the coyotes come along and clean up!)

game camera photo of coyote standing beneath pear tree

Sliced pears will be easier for smaller birds to eat but you can probably count on interest from these birds:

Cedar Waxwings – Flocking waxwings have a special fondness for fruit like pears, berries and apples.
Robins – These familiar spring songbirds will happily eat pear halves or slices left out on the ground or in feeders.
Blue Jays – Their wide beaks allow jays to easily consume whole pear wedges or slices. They love fruiting trees and shrubs.
Thrashers – Brown thrashers forage on the ground and eat a variety of fruits including pears when available.
Mockingbirds – These territorial singers enjoy pears and other fruits as part of their omnivorous diets.
Finches – American goldfinches, house finches and other seed-eating finches may peck at soft pear flesh.
Woodpeckers – Some woodpeckers like flickers and downies will eat pear pieces left out on trunks or platforms.
Doves – Mourning doves appreciate pear slices or halves left in open areas where they feed.

FAQ

Can birds eat canned pears?

Many birds can and will eat canned pears. Canned pears provide the same nutritional benefits as fresh pears – carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins/minerals.

To serve canned pears, drain and rinse the fruit under running water to remove excess syrup/juices that are high in sugars.

Cut pears into small, bite-sized pieces that birds like chickadees, titmice, finches can easily pick up and swallow.

Place pieces in mesh feeders, on platform feeders or scattered on the ground for birds to find.

Can birds eat dried pears?

Many birds will eat dried pears which retain much of the nutrition of fresh pears, including carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. They last longer than fresh or canned pears, so don’t spoil as quickly at feeders.

If, like us, you have pear trees on your property (or you just buy a big batch of pears), you can slice them into thin pieces and pop them in a food dehydrator to then supply dried pears at your feeder during winter months!

Cut dried pears into small, raisin-sized pieces that small songbirds can easily eat. Larger birds can handle bigger chunks. Place pieces in mesh feeders, on platform feeders or scatter on the ground for ground-feeding birds.

Pears can be a wonderful addition to a bird’s diet when prepared safely. They provide a natural source of sugar and essential nutrients, making them a delightful treat. Remember to remove the seeds, serve in moderation, and watch as your feathered visitors enjoy this juicy fruit!