South African Garden Birds: What to Feed and What Not to Feed

South Africa is home to a rich variety of garden birds, from colourful Sunbirds and cheerful Sparrows to gentle Doves and lively Bulbuls. Feeding birds responsibly helps support local biodiversity, enhances your garden ecosystem, and brings natural beauty into your outdoor space.

This guide suggests what to feed South African garden birds, what to avoid, and how to create a bird-friendly garden.

Common South African Garden Birds

Some of the most frequent visitors to South African gardens include:

• Cape Sparrow
• Dark-capped Bulbul
• Red-eyed Dove
• Laughing Dove
• Village Weaver
• Southern Red Bishop
• Cape Robin-Chat
• Fiscal Shrike
• Amethyst Sunbird
• Mousebird

Each species has different dietary needs — some eat seeds, others fruit, nectar, or insects.

What to Feed Garden Birds in South Africa

1. Seeds for Seed-Eating Birds

Ideal for Sparrows, Weavers, Doves, and Bishops
 

Best options:

• Wild bird seed mix
• Sunflower seeds (especially black sunflower)
• Millet
• Crushed maize (in moderation)

Use bird feeders or scatter lightly on clean surfaces.

2. Fruit for Fruit-Eating Birds

Ideal for Bulbuls, Mousebirds, Barbets, and Louries

Safe fruit options:

• Apples (chopped)
• Pears
• Papaya
• Bananas
• Grapes (halved)

Remove uneaten fruit daily to prevent spoilage.

3. Insects and Protein

Ideal for Robins, Thrushes, and Shrikes

Best options:

• Mealworms (fresh or dried)
• Insect-based bird food
• Protein is essential during the breeding season

4. Nectar for Sunbirds

Sunbirds are nectar feeders and frequent garden visitors.

Best options:
 

• Plant indigenous nectar-rich plants (Aloe, Leonotis, Cape Honeysuckle, Salvia)
• Provide homemade nectar:
  1 part white sugar to 4 parts boiled water (cooled)

Never use honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners& colourants. 

Clean feeders every 1–2 days.

5. Fresh Water

Birds need clean water daily for drinking and bathing

Provide:

• A shallow birdbath (mimic shallow puddles in nature)
• Fresh water daily
• A shaded, safe location

What NOT to Feed South African Garden Birds

Avoid the following foods:

❌ Bread – low nutrition, can cause malnutrition
❌ Salty foods – harmful to birds’ kidneys
❌ Cooked leftovers – spices and oils can be toxic
❌ Avocado – toxic to birds
❌ Chocolate – highly toxic
❌ Milk and dairy – birds cannot digest lactose
❌ Honey in nectar feeders – promotes fungal growth

Best Indigenous Plants for Bird-Friendly Gardens

Planting indigenous plants is the most sustainable way to feed birds naturally.

Top bird-friendly plants include:

• Aloes
• Wild Dagga (Leonotis)
• Spekboom
• Cape Honeysuckle
• Wild Olive
• Kei Apple

These plants provide nectar, fruit, seeds, and insects — supporting birds year-round.

Responsible Bird Feeding Tips

• Clean feeders regularly
• Remove spoiled food
• Feed in moderation
• Place feeders away from dense hiding spots