Top 5 Bird Species That Love Monkey Nuts and How to Attract Them

Feeding birds in your backyard is a delightful hobby essential to local wildlife conservation. Among the various types of bird food available, monkey nuts or peanuts in their shells are particularly popular. Many bird species enjoy the challenge of cracking open the shells to get to the nutritious nuts inside. In this blog, we will explore the top five bird species that love monkey nuts and offer tips on attracting them to your garden.

Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers have solid and chisel-like beaks that make cracking open monkey nuts easy. The peanuts’ high protein content helps them maintain their energy levels, particularly during the breeding season when they are more active.

How to Attract Them:

• Feeder Type: Use a wire mesh or specialised woodpecker feeder to hold whole peanuts. These feeders are designed to cater to their feeding habits.
• Location: Mount the feeder on a tree trunk or a pole near a wooded area. Woodpeckers feel more secure when feeding near trees, providing them with natural shelter and additional food sources like insects.

Nuthatches

Nuthatches are small birds with solid bills, allowing them to peck and pry monkey nuts. They are known for wedging nuts into tree bark and hammering them open. The rich nutrients in monkey nuts support their active lifestyle.

How to Attract Them:

• Feeder Type: A mesh peanut or tube feeder with large holes works well for nuthatches. Ensure the feeder is easy for them to cling to while peaking at the nuts.
• Location: Hang the feeder from a tree branch or near a wooded area. Nuthatches are often found in forests, so placing the feeder in a natural setting will make them feel at home.

Blue Jays

Blue Jays are known for their intelligence and strong beaks, which make them adept at breaking open monkey nuts. These nuts provide essential fats and proteins crucial for energy needs, especially during the colder months.

How to Attract Them:

• Feeder Type: To accommodate Blue Jays, use a platform or ample, sturdy feeder. They prefer open spaces where they can easily access the nuts.
• Location: Place the feeder in a quiet part of your garden, away from heavy foot traffic. Blue Jays are cautious birds and prefer to feed in peaceful areas.
• Additional Food: You can also feed them a variety of bird seeds, which will increase your chances of attracting them to your yard.

Chickadees

Chickadees are small but resourceful birds that enjoy the challenge of extracting peanuts from their shells. These nuts provide essential fats that are particularly important during winter when food is scarce.

How to Attract Them:

• Feeder Type: Opt for a mesh peanut or platform feeder that allows these tiny birds easy access. Chickadees are agile and can manoeuvre around various feeder types.
• Location: Place the feeder in a sheltered spot near shrubs or trees where chickadees can quickly retreat if they sense danger.

Titmice

Titmice are similar to chickadees in their feeding habits and dietary needs. Their substantial bills can crack open the shells of monkey nuts, providing them with a rich energy source.

How to Attract Them:

• Feeder Type: Use a platform or mesh feeder to hold whole peanuts. Titmice is small but persistent and will work hard to access the nuts.
• Location: Hang the feeder in a quiet part of the garden, preferably near trees or dense shrubs. Titmice prefer feeding in areas where they feel secure.

Conclusion

Monkey nuts are a fantastic food choice for attracting various bird species to your backyard. Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees, and Titmice are all known to enjoy these nutritious treats. By understanding these birds’ feeding habits and preferences, you can create an inviting environment that supports their dietary needs and encourages regular visits.