When winter arrives in Canada, the world outside changes fast. Snow covers the ground, lakes freeze over, and food sources that were easy to find in the summer suddenly disappear. 

While you may be cozy inside, birds are out in the cold trying to survive. That brings us to the big question: what do birds eat when the temperatures drop?

The answer depends on the species, but many rely on seeds, nuts, berries, and insects that can still be found under snow or bark. Others depend on food from humans to make it through the season. 

Learning about these winter habits helps you understand how animals adapt—and why they sometimes end up in places they shouldn’t, like your attic or vents. That’s where professional help matters. 

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Durham, we offer humane bird control in Durham, including one-way doors that let birds leave but prevent them from getting back inside.

You might wonder why this matters for homeowners. It’s simple: when food is scarce, animals look for both shelter and safety. Your home can look like a good option, even though it’s not safe for them or you. By learning more about food sources and following winter bird feeding tips, you can keep your property safe and also support animals in the right way. 

In this blog, you’ll learn what birds eat during cold weather, how they survive, and what role we play in keeping our homes protected.

Seeds Are a Winter Staple

Seeds are one of the main foods birds turn to when snow covers the ground. They’re packed with energy and easy to eat, even for small beaks. Many birds cling to dried flower heads or weeds sticking out of the snow to get the food they need.

Black oil sunflower seeds are especially popular in winter. They’re high in fat, which helps birds store energy. If you’ve ever watched sparrows or cardinals in the winter, you’ve likely seen them flock to seed sources again and again.

Nuts Provide High-Energy Fuel

Nuts are another favourite because they’re dense in calories and full of fat. Birds that can crack shells, like woodpeckers and nuthatches, often hide nuts in the fall and return to them in the winter.

Peanuts, almonds, and walnuts are all common choices. The high fat content keeps birds warm when the temperatures fall below freezing. For smaller birds, breaking into nuts might be harder, but they often eat what’s left behind by larger species.

Berries Add Variety

While summer and fall bring a huge supply of berries, many types last into the winter. Shrubs like sumac, holly, and mountain ash hold berries well into the colder months. These foods give birds natural sugar for quick energy, along with vitamins to stay healthy.

Robins, waxwings, and blue jays are just a few of the species that turn to berries when other foods run low. Even if the snow is deep, these bright berries often stand out and make for an easy meal.

Insects Hiding in Bark

It might surprise you, but some insects remain available even in winter. They hide under bark or in crevices, and clever birds know how to find them. Woodpeckers drill into trees to pull out larvae, while chickadees and nuthatches pick at bark to uncover tiny bugs.

This protein-rich food is important for survival. Insects may not be as easy to find as in summer, but for some species, they’re a critical part of the winter diet.

Suet: A Fat-Packed Option

Suet is the hard fat from animals, and it’s extremely rich in calories. Birds love it because it provides long-lasting energy during freezing conditions. In the wild, they may find suet left behind by predators, but in urban areas, they often rely on what people provide.

Suet attracts woodpeckers, chickadees, and even starlings. It may not look appealing to us, but to birds, it’s a valuable food source when the ground is frozen solid.

Grains and Leftovers

Some species adapt to human environments by eating grains or even scraps left behind. Pigeons and doves, for example, are known for eating wheat, corn, and oats. These foods may not be as nutrient-rich as nuts or insects, but they provide quick energy in cold weather.

This adaptation is one reason why bird removal in winter is often necessary. When animals depend too much on homes, buildings, or leftover food, they can move indoors for shelter. That’s when our team at Skedaddle steps in with humane, effective solutions.

Water: The Hidden Challenge

Food is only one part of survival. Water is just as important, and in freezing conditions, it’s harder to find than seeds or berries. Birds eat snow, sip from unfrozen streams, or look for dripping water sources.

This constant search shows how demanding winter really is. Without enough water, even the best food won’t keep them alive.

Winter Bird Feeding Tips

You may be curious about how people support animals during the coldest months. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Energy-Rich Foods are Best: High-fat and high-protein options give birds the fuel they need.
• Clean Feeding Areas Matter: Dirty areas spread illness among animals.
• Variety Helps: Seeds, nuts, suet, and fruit all support different species.
• Safety is Key: Keep food away from predators and sheltered from storms.

These winter bird feeding tips help you understand how food sources make a difference in survival.

Why Birds Enter Homes in Winter

When food and shelter are both scarce, homes start to look like safe havens. Warm attics, vents, and chimneys give protection from storms and predators. But once inside, animals create mess, noise, and potential health risks.

That’s why humane bird control in Durham is so important. At Skedaddle, we use one-way doors that let animals exit safely while making sure they can’t return. This protects your home while keeping animals from being harmed.

Professional Bird Removal in Winter

You may think animals will just leave on their own once spring arrives, but that’s not always the case. Without proper removal, they may stay longer, cause more damage, or return year after year. When birds nest in attics, vents, or chimneys, they don’t just create noise—they can also block airflow, leave droppings, and damage insulation.

Bird removal in winter requires skill and the right tools. Our team has the training and equipment to do this work safely. We don’t rely on trapping or relocation, which can harm animals. Instead, we use proven humane methods designed to protect both your home and the environment. That means you can feel confident that the problem is solved without risk to the animals.

Here’s what sets our professional removal apart:

• One-way doors allow animals to exit safely but block re-entry.
• Proper sealing ensures the same problem doesn’t happen again.
• Thorough inspections reveal other hidden entry points you may not notice.
• Safe cleanup protects your home from the mess and health concerns that come with droppings.

When you choose a trusted team, you’re not just solving today’s problem—you’re making sure your home stays safe in the future.

Protecting Your Property Year-Round

Food habits change with the seasons, but the search for safety never ends. Winter brings extra pressure, and that’s when many homeowners notice activity in their homes. Birds are persistent once they’ve found shelter, and without action, they may return year after year.

That’s why humane bird control in Durham is about more than just removal. It’s also about prevention. By sealing openings, adding protective covers to vents, and keeping an eye on high-risk spots, you can make sure your home isn’t seen as an easy shelter.

Key steps professionals take to protect homes include:

• Blocking entry points in attics, vents, and chimneys.
• Installing protective screening where it’s needed most.
• Using one-way doors to safely guide animals out.
• Regular inspections to catch problems before they grow.

By learning what birds eat when the temperatures drop and paying attention to signs of nesting indoors, you can stay ahead of problems and avoid stress down the road. Year-round protection means fewer surprises, fewer repairs, and a safer home for your family.

Keep Your Home Safe with Humane Help

Now you know the answer to the big question: what do birds eat when the temperatures drop? 

From seeds and nuts to insects and suet, birds find creative ways to survive Canada’s harsh winters. These winter bird feeding tips show the variety of foods that help them stay strong. But when they move too close to your home, it can cause problems.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, we specialize in humane bird control in Durham. Our proven methods, including one-way doors, make sure animals can leave safely without getting back in. If you notice signs of nesting or want to prevent problems before they start, call us today. F

Request an estimate to learn more about our professional bird removal in winter and how we keep homes protected year-round.