Struggling to attract a variety of birds to your backyard? Cracked corn is a universal favorite among many bird species. In this article, we will learn about 24 birds that love eating cracked corn. We’ll also discuss how to feed cracked corn by setting up a bird feeder in your backyard. So, let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Many types of birds, including Northern Cardinals, Doves, and Woodpeckers, are attracted to cracked corn. This makes it a versatile food choice for bird watchers who want to see a variety of species in their yards.
- Providing cracked corn in feeders can also support the nutritional needs of birds throughout the year. For example, turkeys and pheasants particularly benefit from this during winter when other food sources may be scarce.
- Setting up the right type of feeder and placing it in an ideal location are crucial steps to attract ground-feeding birds like quails and sparrows with cracked corn. A low platform feeder or scattering it on the ground works well.
- Offering a mix of foods alongside cracked corn ensures that visiting birds receive balanced nutrition. It’s advisable to supplement their diet with seeds, suet, and fruits for optimal health.
- Watching different bird species enjoy cracked corn can provide endless entertainment and observation opportunities for both seasoned birdwatchers and those new to the hobby.
Birds that Eat Cracked Corn
1) Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinals love cracked corn. This vibrant red bird, often spotted at feeders in backyards across the East Coast, finds cracked corn irresistible. With their strong beaks, they easily crack open the kernels to enjoy the tasty morsels inside.
Cardinals prefer feeding early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Placing a seed feeder filled with cracked corn in your garden will likely attract these stunning birds and offer you a spectacular view.
Cardinals also bring their mates to dine, creating a charming scene right outside your window. They’re not shy about bringing friends along either; where there’s one Northern Cardinal, more are sure to follow.
For birdwatchers aiming to create a lively outdoor space that encourages bird conservation, adding tray feeders with plenty of cracked corn is a solid move. It supports not just cardinals but other ground-feeding birds too, enriching your backyard ecosystem significantly.
2) Doves
Doves adore cracked corn and they’re not fussy about it. These birds are known for their gentle nature and can often be seen pecking away at the ground, making them perfect guests for your backyard buffet.
Their preference for cracked corn, along with quail and sparrows, makes stocking your feeder with this grain a surefire way to invite them over.
Setting up a bird feeder that caters to doves requires little more than spreading some cracked corn on a platform or scattering it on the ground. They appreciate simplicity in feeding, allowing you to enjoy their peaceful presence without much hassle.
3) Blackbirds
Blackbirds adore cracked corn and often visit feeders filled with this tasty treat. They’re commonly seen pecking at the ground, picking up bits of corn with enthusiasm. Unlike their more picky avian counterparts, blackbirds aren’t shy about sharing space at a bird feeder.
This makes them excellent visitors for your backyard oasis if you’re aiming to create a bustling birdwatching spot.
Adding cracked corn to your feeding strategy not only brings in flocks of blackbirds but also encourages a lively atmosphere as they interact with other species.
4) Sparrows
Sparrows are among the many birds that are attracted to cracked corn. These small, energetic birds enjoy foraging on the ground and will eagerly consume cracked corn scattered in your yard or placed in a low platform feeder.
House sparrows and native sparrows alike will be drawn to the easy access of cracked corn, making it a convenient option for attracting these delightful little creatures to your outdoor space.
5) Juncos
Juncos are ground-feeding birds that enjoy cracked corn. They are often found foraging for food on the ground beneath bird feeders. Their grey and white plumage makes them easy to spot, especially in winter when their stark colors stand out against the snow.
These small birds prefer feeding on cracked corn from low platform feeders or scattered directly on the ground. Providing a suitable feeding area will attract juncos and other ground-feeding birds to your yard, allowing you to observe their behavior up close.
6) Northern Bobwhites
Northern Bobwhites are fond of cracked corn, making it a popular choice for attracting them to your yard. Their varied diet also includes fruits, seeds, and insects. These ground-feeding birds favor open woodlands and fields with low-growing vegetation and shrubby cover.
Attracting Northern Bobwhites can be as simple as scattering cracked corn on the ground in an open area where they can easily spot it.
Their distinctive call is often heard at dawn or dusk, announcing their presence in the area.
7) Blue Jays
Blue Jays are known for their striking blue feathers and bold personalities. These intelligent birds are attracted to cracked corn, making it an excellent food choice for your backyard bird feeder.
Blue Jays enjoy cracking open the kernels to eat the nutritious contents inside. Offering cracked corn can entice Blue Jays to visit your yard regularly, providing you with a delightful opportunity to observe these beautiful birds up close.
You will also find that Blue Jays may cache excess food in hidden spots around your property, which is fun to watch and adds an extra element of entertainment to your birdwatching experience.
8) Common Grackles
Grackles are among the bird species that have a fondness for cracked corn. Their glossy black plumage and iridescent sheen make them easily distinguishable, and their preference for feeding on the ground means they are likely to be attracted by scattered cracked corn.
These birds can often be found in flocks, so offering cracked corn may draw several grackles at once, providing an entertaining sight for birdwatchers.
It’s fascinating to note that while grackles enjoy cracked corn, they also have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and seeds. This adaptability makes them frequent visitors to backyard feeders.
9) Crows
Crows are omnivorous birds that enjoy a varied diet, and cracked corn is definitely on their menu. They are intelligent and adaptable creatures, known to frequent bird feeders in search of food.
Offering cracked corn can attract crows to your yard or garden, providing a unique opportunity for birdwatchers to observe these clever birds up close.
These resourceful creatures will readily consume cracked corn offered in proper feeders.
10) Mourning Doves
Mourning Doves are ground-feeding birds that are attracted to cracked corn. They are known for their gentle cooing and distinctive wing-whistling sound in flight. These elegant birds can be found throughout North America and easily adapt to human environments, making them a common sight in suburban areas.
Mourning Doves have a preference for seeds including cracked corn, millet, sunflower seeds, and safflower seeds. Their diet also includes various grains and berries, making the provision of cracked corn an excellent way to attract these peaceful birds to your feeders.
Keep in mind that providing clean water along with cracked corn will help ensure that Mourning Doves visit your yard regularly.
11) Red-winged Blackbirds
Red-winged Blackbirds are known for their distinct calls and striking plumage, with males sporting glossy black feathers and bright red shoulder patches. These birds are commonly found near marshes, wetlands, and open fields where they forage for insects, seeds, and grains.
Red-winged Blackbirds have a varied diet that includes cracked corn along with other foods like sunflower hearts and suet. Their preference for cracked corn makes them frequent visitors to backyard feeders where this food is provided.
Female Red-winged Blackbirds often choose mates based on the quality of the male’s territory rather than his appearance alone. During breeding season, these birds can become quite territorial as they defend their nesting sites from intruders.
12) Brown-headed Cowbirds
Brown-headed Cowbirds are attracted to cracked corn, making it a good food choice to entice these birds to your yard. These birds typically eat seeds on the ground and have been observed feeding off cracked corn in bird feeding areas.
They can help clean up fallen seeds as they scavenge alongside other ground-feeding species such as doves, sparrows, and quails. Brown-headed Cowbirds are known for their unique behavior of laying eggs in the nests of other bird species, so attracting them with cracked corn can add an interesting dynamic to your birdwatching experience.
13) Pheasants
Pheasants are attracted to cracked corn, making it a great choice for enticing these colorful birds to your yard. Their natural diet consists of grains and seeds, so cracked corn is an appealing and nutritious option for them.
Setting up a bird feeder with cracked corn can help you attract pheasants and enjoy watching their vibrant plumage in your outdoor space. Additionally, sunflower seeds and fruit are also known to draw pheasants, providing you with alternative options to diversify the offerings at your feeder.
Moreover, offering cracked corn can be particularly beneficial during the winter months when food sources may be scarce. Providing a consistent supply of cracked corn not only supports pheasants but also adds variety and enriches the birdwatching experience.
14) Turkeys
Turkeys are particularly fond of cracked corn, making it a perfect choice for attracting these majestic birds to your yard or garden. Their love for this food extends beyond turkeys and can also entice other ground-feeding birds like doves, quail, and sparrows.
When offering cracked corn in the right feeder, you can create an inviting environment for a diverse range of bird species while enjoying the delightful sight of wild turkeys gracing your outdoor space with their presence.
15) Quails
Quails are known to be ground-feeding birds and are particularly fond of cracked corn. These small, plump game birds with a distinctive teardrop shape often forage on the ground near shrubs or brushy covers.
Quails tend to thrive in grasslands, farmlands, and wood edges, making them a common sight in rural areas across North America. Attract these charming birds by offering cracked corn in a low-level platform feeder or scatter it directly on the ground for them to peck at.
Remember not to place cracked corn too close to a wooded area as this could attract predators that may threaten the quail population. By providing this favorite food source, you can have the pleasure of observing these elusive but delightful creatures right in your own backyard.
16) Ducks
Cracked corn is a very popular and nutritious food for ducks, both domestic and wild ducks. The cracked kernels are easy for ducks to eat and digest.
Corn provides carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients that are important in a duck’s diet. It gives them energy and helps them stay warm in cold weather.
For wild ducks, cracked corn can provide a nutritious supplemental food source when natural foods are scarce during winter months.
17) Geese
Geese are known to be big fans of cracked corn, just like many other bird species. They can often be found foraging in open fields and grassy areas where they will eagerly consume the cracked corn you provide.
Place the cracked corn in a low, flat feeding area to make it easily accessible for the geese. Keeping your yard or garden stocked with cracked corn is sure to attract these majestic birds and enhance your birdwatching experience.
Remember that offering cracked corn as a food source presents an excellent opportunity to observe the grace and beauty of geese up close in their natural environment.
18) Starlings
Starlings are attracted to cracked corn and can be frequently seen feeding on it. These birds have adapted well to living in close association with humans, which means they will readily visit bird feeders in residential areas.
Their iridescent plumage and chatty nature make them an interesting addition to any backyard birdwatching experience.
With their bold personalities and distinctive appearance, starlings can bring a lively energy to your outdoor space.
19) House Finches
House Finches are attracted to cracked corn, making it a great choice for bird feeders. They prefer platforms or hopper-style feeders that offer them easy access to the food. Incorporating some sunflower seeds with the cracked corn can also attract House Finches, as they enjoy feeding on these seeds too.
These colorful birds add beauty and activity to any yard, so providing cracked corn in your feeder is a fantastic way to invite House Finches into your outdoor space.
Another attractive factor of using cracked corn is its versatility in attracting various bird species. Along with House Finches, you may also notice other ground-feeding birds such as doves and sparrows drawn to this type of bird feed.
20) American Goldfinches
American Goldfinches are one of the most popular backyard birds, known for their bright yellow plumage and charming song. They have a special fondness for cracked corn, making it an excellent food choice to attract these beautiful birds to your garden or yard.
In addition to cracked corn, American Goldfinches also enjoy thistle seeds and sunflower hearts, so offering a variety of foods will ensure that they visit your bird feeder regularly.
These delightful little birds are often seen in flocks during the winter months and can bring vibrant color and lively activity to any outdoor space. Providing cracked corn in a suitable feeder is an effective way to invite American Goldfinches to your backyard, allowing you to enjoy their presence throughout the year.
21) Chickadees
Chickadees are among the birds that enjoy cracked corn. Offering cracked corn in your feeder can attract chickadees, along with many other bird species such as doves, quails, and sparrows.
Chickadees are small and perky birds that bring liveliness to any outdoor space. Their attraction to cracked corn makes it an excellent food choice when setting up your bird feeder.
22) Titmice
Titmice are small, lively birds that enjoy feeding on cracked corn. Their gray plumage and rust-colored flanks make them easy to spot in your backyard. Titmice are attracted to bird feeders filled with cracked corn, where they will eagerly peck away at the kernels.
These friendly little birds can often be seen hopping around in search of food, making them a delightful addition to any yard. As ground-feeding birds, they appreciate having access to cracked corn, which provides them with the essential nutrients they need for their daily diet.
23) Nuthatches
Nuthatches are delightful little birds that enjoy cracked corn. They are known for their unique ability to climb down tree trunks headfirst. Additionally, nuthatches have a distinct call that birdwatchers can recognize in an instant.
These agile birds will bring life and activity to your outdoor space as they flit about, looking for their favorite snack of cracked corn.
24) Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are known for their unique ability to peck into trees in search of food, particularly insects. These striking birds are attracted to cracked corn and will eagerly visit feeders offering this nutritious food.
Providing cracked corn can be a great way to attract woodpeckers to your yard or garden, allowing you to enjoy the sight of these fascinating birds up close.
Woodpeckers are not only drawn to cracked corn but also whole corn as it provides essential nutrients for their diet.
How often should I feed birds with cracked corn?
Here are some tips for feeding birds cracked corn:
- Cracked corn is a good food to offer birds year-round, as it provides them with carbohydrates and some protein.
- In the winter months, you can feed cracked corn every day or every other day. This dense food helps birds maintain their energy reserves when other natural food sources are scarce.
- In spring and summer when natural foods are more available, you can cut back to feeding cracked corn 1-2 times per week as a supplementary food source.
- Always discard any cracked corn that gets moldy or wet, as this can make birds sick. Clean and refill feeders regularly.
- Spread cracked corn on the ground or on platform/tray feeders where ground-feeding birds like doves, juncos, and sparrows can easily access it.
- Vary the foods you provide to give birds a more nutritious diet overall. Good options to mix in are black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer seed, peanuts, suet cakes, etc.
The key is to not overfeed, but to provide just enough supplementary cracked corn to help birds get through periods when finding food is challenging. Moderation prevents waste and overreliance on handouts.
What are some tips for setting up a bird feeder with cracked corn
Setting up a bird feeder with cracked corn can be an effective way to attract a variety of bird species to your outdoor space. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Choose the Right Feeder: When setting up a bird feeder with cracked corn, it’s important to select a feeder that is designed for ground-feeding birds such as doves, quail, sparrows, and wild turkeys.
- Location Matters: Place the feeder in an open area where birds can easily access it, and ensure it is situated away from potential predators like cats.
- Keep It Clean: Regularly clean and refill the feeder to prevent the spread of diseases among visiting birds.
- Variety Is Key: Consider offering a mix of different bird foods along with cracked corn to attract a diverse range of bird species.
- Protect from Weather: Use a weather-resistant feeder that can withstand various outdoor conditions and protect the food from getting spoiled.
- Use Quality Cracked Corn: Opt for high-quality cracked corn that is free from any contaminants or pesticides, ensuring the health and safety of visiting birds.
- Monitor Bird Activity: Keep an eye on the types of birds visiting the feeder and adjust the feeding schedule or food offerings accordingly.
- Provide Water Source: Birds need water just as much as food, so make sure there is a nearby water source available for them to hydrate themselves after feasting on cracked corn.
By following these tips, you can create an inviting environment for a multitude of bird species while providing them with essential nutrition in your backyard or garden.