A Passion for Peanuts

Which birds eat them, why they love them, and why peanuts are so good for our flying

A Blue Jay with a whole peanut

Have you noticed that some wild birds have an affinity for peanuts? No, it’s not just you who loves these savory, crunchy legumes. Peanuts are actually a vital component of many wild birds’ diets. High-energy and delicious, peanuts are a go-to for many wild bird species. Read on to learn which birds go nuts for peanuts, why they love them so much, and the different types of peanuts birds may eat.

 

Why Do Birds Love Peanuts?

What’s not to love about peanuts? Nutritious and high in fat, peanuts are delicious and compact. Protein encompasses up to 30% of the calories in peanuts, making them an excellent source of energy. They also contain vital vitamins, minerals, fiber, and oil, all of which are crucial for keeping the birds nourished in flight and warm during chilly winter nights.  Peanut kernels' rich fat and protein keep them zipping around, chirping cheerfully, and looking fabulous. Best of all, peanuts are the perfect food for birds to store as snacks for another day.

A Grackle grappling a large peanut

Which Birds Eat Peanuts?

Did you know that different bird species have their own favorites when it comes to food? Peanut kernels tend to be a crowd-pleaser! Once you start offering them at your feeder, you’ll likely attract a delightful variety of birds. Some of the most enthusiastic fans of peanut kernels will have you smiling as they visit!

Blue Jays: Known for their bold and intelligent nature, Blue Jays will eagerly snatch up peanuts. These birds are also great at keeping an eye out for predators, such as hawks, and their presence around your feeder could offer some added protection for smaller birds.

Woodpeckers: From the Downy to the Red-bellied, woodpeckers adore peanuts, especially when offered in a mesh feeder. Their natural acrobatics allow them to cling to the feeder while easily chipping away at peanut kernels with their strong beaks, making them a top choice for these birds.

Chickadees: Small but mighty, chickadees are energetic birds that love the challenge of cracking open peanut. Despite their small size, they can make quick work of these nutritious treats.

Titmice: Though not named after mice, the tufted titmouse is small, lighting fast, and awfully mouse-like. These lively birds are frequent visitors to feeders offering peanut kernels and are known for their fly-by feeding habits.

Nuthatches: With a loud cackling call, nuthatches are agile birds that love peanuts and often grab one to stash away for later. Watch them scuttle down trees upside down to snag a snack. For a special treat, consider offering nuthatches peanut blend suet. 

Juncos: Associated with the snow, Juncos are a gray member of the sparrow family that migrate to the United States during the winter months. Though known for foraging on the ground, juncos will readily consume peanut kernels, adding them to their varied diet.

Offering peanut kernels can turn your yard into a hotspot for bird activity, giving you a front-row seat to some of nature’s most delightful creatures.

While many types of birds will flock to your bird feeder filled with Peanuts, there are some birds that tend to steer clear of them. Hummingbirds, small Finches, and other very small songbirds may avoid peanuts because of their size. 

A Black-capped chickadee eating peanuts from a Brome Squirrel Buster Peanut Feeder

 

What Bird Feeders are Best for Peanuts?

Selecting the appropriate feeder for peanuts for birds is essential for success. Peanuts are easily one of the largest seeds that we feed to birds and can often lead to clogged tube feeders. Additionally, different bird species prefer some feeder designs over others.

Mesh Peanut Feeders: Great for woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches, these feeders are specially designed to hold whole or shelled peanuts. The mesh allows birds to cling while they enjoy their meal and has holes large enough for birds to wiggle the peanuts out whole or peck them into smaller pieces. Position the feeder near trees or shrubs to give birds a natural space to land.

Tray Feeders: Ideal for ground feeding birds like cardinals and doves, tray feeders give birds lots of space to balance comfortably. Tray feeders used with shelled peanut kernels need a cover to prevent water damage and mold. 

Hopper Feeders: Perfect for larger birds like Blue Jays, these feeders hold a large amount of peanuts and keep them protected from the elements. You can mix whole and shelled peanuts in a hopper feeder to cater to different species. Additionally, some hopper feeders are even squirrel-proof!

Peanut Wreath Feeder: This round flexible feeder is perfect for large in-shell peanuts. Birds can cling on the wire and remove full peanuts without pecking them to pieces. Keeping peanuts undamaged allows birds and critters to tuck them away for winter storage. There is no better feeder for in-shell peanuts for birds.

Types of Peanuts Birds Eat

There is no one-size-fits all approach for feeding peanuts to backyard birds. Blue Jays and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, for example, tend to love peanuts in the shell. Other woodpeckers, however, as well as Nuthatches, Chickadees, and Titmice, prefer peanut kernels.

Depending on farming availabilities, we procure blanched peanuts kernels (boiled to remove the skins) and roasted peanut kernels. Sometimes we will mix these together, especially when they are ingredients found in many of our blends like Hearty Delight and Woodpecker Mix.

The types of peanuts that Valley Farms selects are Virginia and Spanish peanuts, which have a higher oil content. Virginia peanuts are grown in the South, all across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and even in Oklahoma.  Spanish peanuts for birds are typically found in Texas and New Mexico. Think about the types of birds that typically come to your area and which ones you’re looking to attract when deciding which type of peanut is best for your feeder.

How to Store Peanuts

As with all bird food, peanuts should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Always follow instructions on product packaging for additional information. Storing peanuts is quite simple; the main thing to keep in mind is that you want to eliminate and reduce moisture as much as possible.  This is to prevent the possibility of aflatoxins, which are a family of toxins produced by fungi that are occasionally found in peanuts. The risk of exposure to aflatoxins in American peanuts is quite low, but just to be on the safe side, always check that the peanuts in your feeder are neither moldy nor discolored, and always store them properly. 

Benefits of Feeding Peanut Kernels to Wild Birds

By feeding wild birds peanut kernels, you’re not only providing them with a healthy snack but also creating an environment that encourages natural behaviors. Watching birds forage, store, and eat these kernels is a great way to observe their habits and interactions.

High Energy: Peanut kernels are packed with the fats and calories that wild birds need for energy, especially during colder months or when they’re preparing for long migrations.

Attracts a Variety of Birds: From Blue Jays to Woodpeckers, peanut kernels appeal to a wide array of bird species, ensuring that your feeder stays busy throughout the day.

Supports Bird Health: The essential nutrients found in peanut kernels support healthy feathers, strong muscles, and overall vitality, helping birds thrive in the wild.

Encourages Return Visits: Once birds discover the reliable food source in your yard, they’ll keep coming back. This means more opportunities for birdwatchers to enjoy the sights and sounds of wild birds up close.

A house finch eating peanut kernels.