Grapes are a late-summer treat that many of us enjoy as snacks. Frozen, blended, plain, or mixed in a yummy fruit salad, grapes are always a healthy, sweet option for people of all ages.
While there are also many animals that enjoy eating grapes, it’s important to consider the health benefits and risks before sharing this sweet treat with a feathered friend.
With so many birds enjoying fresh fruit, you might wonder: can birds eat grapes? Do they like them?
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break down whether birds can eat grapes and explain the effect that these organic snacks have on their overall well-being.
Do Birds Eat Grapes?
Yes, grapes are perfectly safe for birds to eat. Many birds consider grapes to be a special treat and will flock to your feeders for them!
Birds encounter grapes as a natural food in the wild, typically plucking them directly from the deciduous, woody vines that they’ve sprouted on.
In fact, wild birds can frequently be found snacking on grapes at vineyards and farms in several different regions.
Do Birds Enjoy Eating Grapes?
While most types of birds cannot taste sweetness, songbirds and hummingbirds have evolved the ability to taste and enjoy foods with a high fructose content, such as grapes.
This special ability allows birds who can taste sweetness to seek out sugar, a carbohydrate that gives them a lot of energy. Grapes also offer an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
Some wild birds are especially known for their sweet tooth–or maybe more like a sweet beak! Orioles in particular have a deep love for grape jelly, and it’s a sure-fire way to bring them to your feeders.
Are Green Grapes Safe for Birds?
Yes, green grapes are safe for birds to eat, but you may discover that these grapes are not their favorite.
Birds will often ignore green grapes because of their preference for darker-colored fruits. Overall, they are more likely to choose red grapes and black grapes over the green variety.
Even though they prefer dark-colored grapes, all grapes can provide a wide variety of health benefits for birds. The high sugar content in grapes is a source of quick energy, while the skins are rich in fiber.
Why Do Birds Like Red Grapes More Than Green Grapes?
Birds prefer red grapes and other darker fruits because they are higher in anthocyanin, a healthy antioxidant. The darker color signals to the birds that this vital nutrient is present.
A bird species that is well-known for its preference for dark fruits is the oriole. Orioles will happily eat red and black grapes, ripe cherries, and even darkly colored fruit jelly, making these careful selections in order to get a quick health boost.
In general, birds prefer to snack on these types of grapes for the numerous health benefits that they provide. However, all things in moderation; grapes should only be offered as healthy treats, rather than the main course.
Can Birds Eat Seedless Grapes?
Yes, birds are just as quick to go after seedless grapes as those with seeds. In fact, these types of grapes are actually easier for birds to eat and digest.
Seedless grapes must be grown and harvested from a special variety of grape plants. They can only be found on the plants with a type of genetic mutation that makes them seedless.
Since these grapes come from a naturally occurring variation, there’s nothing about them to harm birds, which adds seedless grapes to the safe list.
Can Birds Eat Seeded Grapes?
Birds are more than equipped to enjoy seeded grapes. Both pet birds and larger birds can eat any grapes they come across, whether found in nature or those meant for human consumption.
Seeds are already a typical part of most birds’ diet, so grape seeds generally do not cause any digestive issues or other health concerns.
Can Birds Eat Whole Grapes?
When it comes to eating whole grapes, birds have no problem at all. Wild birds can eat these tasty treats straight from the vine, so it’s typically no trouble to obtain them from a common feeder.
It’s actually best to offer grapes to birds whole, which will reduce the mess at your feeders and make the grapes easier for the birds to handle.
In addition to enjoying whole, fresh grapes, birds also love to snack on raisins.
Do You Need to Cut Grapes for Birds?
There is no special prep necessary to share grapes with your feathered friends. Both wild and domesticated birds handle whole grapes quite well.
If you wish, you can slice the grapes in half, which helps to attract birds by letting the sweet juices out. This also invites hummingbirds to stop by for a drink from the sliced fruit.
Can Birds Eat the Seeds & Skin of Grapes?
Yes, birds will happily eat the seeds and skins of grapes. This way, they are not missing out on any of the essential nutrients that grapes offer.
As an added bonus for you, no leftovers means that there is no clean-up necessary and no unwanted pests attracted by the scent of sweet, fresh fruit.
Cheers to Birds
Birds can’t raise a glass at your next dinner party, but they can enjoy the sweetness of grapes at the birdfeeder!
Birds can eat any grapes of any color, but are especially fond of darker-colored varieties, like red grapes or black grapes.
Wash the grapes thoroughly and serve them whole or sliced in half.
The birds will be delighted! Cheers!