Birds in the Backyard
- Jizzy Green
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
How can you can turn your backyard into a haven for native birds here in New Zealand? The answer is easy; whether you live in the city or the countryside, with a few simple changes, you can attract more birdlife and help support our unique native species.
1. Why Attract Birds?
Birds play a big role in our environment. They help control insect populations, spread native seeds, and of course, bring life and music to our gardens. With habitat loss and introduced predators, many native birds struggle to survive. Backyard bird feeding and planting can really make a difference.
2. What to Feed Birds in New Zealand
It’s important to be careful about what you feed birds—some things can actually harm them.
Good food options include:
Nectar: For birds like tūī and bellbirds, you can make sugar water—just mix 1 part organic brown sugar to 4 parts water. Never use honey—it can apparently grow harmful bacteria. This still remains a controversial issue as some people don't like feeding tui with "processed calories" but PhD researcher, Josie Galbraith from the University of Auckland reckons it is still the best option.
Fruit: Apples, pears, and bananas can attract silvereyes and wax-eyes. Chop them up and leave them on a platform feeder or create a fruit-spike bird feeder and hang on the fence. It is easy to cut out bits of spoiled fruit which you wouldn’t eat, and spike the pieces of good fruit on your feeder for your feathered friends to enjoy.
Seeds: Finches and sparrows enjoy wild birdseed mix and sunflower seeds, but don’t overdo it—seed can attract pests if left out too long. Plant sunflowers, the birds love them (tip: cover one in an old pillowcase to preserve seeds to grow next season to ensure free, continuous seed supply).
Fat balls: Great in winter, especially for energy. You can even make your own by mixing melted coconut oil with seeds and oats. Some folk use lard but I prefer not to use animal fats. Take an old pinecone, cover it with peanut butter or coconut oil and then roll in wild bird seed mix and hang up in the tree.
Avoid:
Bread (it fills birds up but has little nutrition)
Salted, processed food
Milk products
Anything moldy or spoiled
Wax eye feeding frenzy.....next time I will add a stick on the side so they can sit on and don't have to use up too much energy staying in one mid-flight spot to feed!
3. Tips for Creating a Bird-Friendly Backyard
Plant native trees and shrubs: Harakeke (flax), kōwhai, kakabeak and mānuka are excellent—they provide nectar, shelter, and nesting sites.
Offer water: A shallow birdbath or even a dish of clean water can attract birds for drinking and bathing. Birds love it all through the 4 seasons.
Feed safely: Use clean feeders and place them high off the ground, away from cats to avoid them being caught while feeding. Clean feeders often to prevent disease.
Keep it peaceful: Avoid loud noises.
Don’t forget habitat: Dense shrubs, hedges, and trees give birds places to rest and hide from predators. Provide some Space for Nature.
Bird Supermarket: Create a wooden box with compartments to house different nesting materials and hang it on a fence. The idea is for birds to be able to visit and help themselves to nesting materials. Some ideas are old bits of wool, human hair (haircutting proceeds), sheep’s wool, long grass bits (Caryxes are great), tufty dried fern fronds etc.
4. Final Thoughts
Attracting birds to your backyard is not just rewarding—it also helps protect New Zealand’s unique biodiversity. With the right food, native plants, and a safe environment, you can help our birds thrive right from your own garden. It is a great family-friendly activity, so get your children involved.
I hope you feel inspired to welcome more feathered visitors into your backyard!
