Robins and sparrows are beloved British birds, but how do you attract more of them to your home? Bird experts reveal the exact foods to leave out
As we enter March and the weather warms, you will notice a greater volume of birds flitting about your garden. Popular British birds like robins and sparrows will be poking their beaks into feeders, tree branches and bird tables in increasingly greater numbers, filling the air with their vibrant chatter.
But while the weather is certainly improving, it’s still important to look out for birds. There has been a staggering 16% drop across all bird species in the UK since 1970, according to government data . This is due to several factors, but most notably is the loss in natural habitat due to farming practices. In order to take care of the birds and encourage them to stay in your garden, gardeners are being urged to leave out four important foods for robins and sparrows. These are two of the most common and most popular garden birds in the UK, and therefore will be likely to be around your home.
Robins are well-loved, distinctive for their red breast and chirrupy song. Traditionally, they also embody renewal, hope and optimism. If you want robins to make an appearance in your garden this spring, you should leave out worms, seeds, fruit and insects.
Meanwhile, for sparrows, you can also add kitchen scraps into the mix. They like to nibble on peanuts, seeds, suet and even leftover carbs like cooked pasta and rice. As reported by The Express , bird experts at GardenBird said: “One interesting fact about the Robin is its keenness to rise early and be one of the first to tune up to Dawn Chorus with its fluting, warbling sound. Interestingly, Robins vocalise differently through the year, with a much more melancholy sound over winter, which become progressively chirpier towards the breeding period in spring.
“If you’re lucky enough to have Robins visit your garden frequently, be aware they love to eat worms, seeds, fruit and insects. A favourite bird food is suet balls or one of our specially formulated premium mixes such as the Robin & Blackbird No Mess Mix.” While sparrows are sometimes overlooked, they are also birds that bring many wonderful connotations. In many cultures, sparrows are seen as symbols of good luck and protection. Some even believe they have the ability to ward off evil spirits.
GardenBird.com described the sparrow as “an endearing, friendly little garden bird whose almost consistent year-round presence is always welcome.” But they also noted that despite the sparrow being known as a social and friendly bird, it has had a hard time historically. According to RSPB research , since 1970, sparrow numbers have declined by a dismal 30 million. They are currently on the UK Red List of Birds of Conservation Concern.
