Garden Bird Feeders NZ: Which Birds Seed Brings, and How to Help Natives

We sell a seed feeder, so here is the honest version up front: what you put in a feeder decides which birds turn up, and in New Zealand seed mostly feeds introduced species. That is fine if you enjoy watching sparrows at the window. If you are hoping for tūī and bellbirds, you need a different setup.

1. Food decides who visits

Researchers from the University of Auckland, the University of Otago and Auckland Museum have studied backyard bird feeding. In their summary of the findings, they report that bread and seed mainly attract introduced grain-eating birds such as house sparrows, starlings, blackbirds and spotted doves. Those birds can compete with natives for space.

Nectar-feeding natives, such as tūī, korimako (bellbird) and tauhou (silvereye), are drawn to sugar water in a purpose-made nectar feeder instead. The same researchers found feeder design mattered: nectar-specific feeders attracted natives and kept most introduced birds out, while open dishes did not.

2. If you want a seed feeder anyway

A seed feeder is still a pleasant thing to watch from a kitchen window. The Hanging Garden Bird Feeder is a blue teardrop-shaped feeder with a covered plastic body, a lower tray for birds to perch and feed, and a hanging hook. Feed is not included.

• Put out small amounts that get eaten in a day or two, rather than filling it and leaving it.
• Replace wet or spoiled feed straight away. Damp seed goes mouldy.
• Skip bread. It is poor food for birds.

3. If you want to help native birds

Predator Free NZ's feeding advice, based on the same research, sets out the basics:

• Use a nectar feeder, not an open dish. Long-billed nectar feeders can drink while short-billed sparrows cannot. We do not sell one, so look for a feeder made for nectar-feeding birds.
• Mix sugar and water only: about one cup of sugar per litre of water. Do not add honey, fruit juice or pollen.
• Feed in the colder months. Birds use feeders most in winter, and warm weather speeds up bacteria. The researchers suggest stopping in spring and summer so birds return to natural foods.

4. Clean every feeder, often

Feeders bring birds close together, which can spread disease. The University of Auckland researchers recommend scrubbing feeders with hot water at least twice a week. Predator Free NZ advises cleaning open feeders every day and avoiding detergent residue and bleach; if you use dishwashing liquid, rinse thoroughly. Wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards.

5. Place it out of reach of cats and rats

Hang any feeder on a tall, free-standing post away from fences and trees. That makes it harder for cats to ambush birds and harder for rats and possums to reach the food. A sheltered spot also keeps seed drier.

6. The bigger help is planting

Feeding does not increase native bird numbers on its own. The researchers point to native planting, water in dry spells and control of rats, possums and hedgehogs as the changes that matter more. A flowering native shrub gives birds insects, nectar and shelter.

Birds indoors

For caged birds, the Bird Swing & Hanging Toy Set adds eight wooden perching and play pieces, including a ladder and swings. Check each piece against your bird's size, beak strength and cage space, introduce them under supervision, and remove anything frayed. If you use a diffuser at home, read are diffusers safe around birds first.

Your final check: choose the birds you want to see, match the food and feeder to them, plan a cleaning routine and pick a post cats cannot climb. Then browse Bird Supplies.