Can birds eat corn?
Yes. Cracked corn and whole kernels feed doves, jays, quail, turkeys and blackbirds. Keep it dry; wet corn molds and can carry aflatoxin.
The details
Cracked corn is inexpensive and a staple for ground birds. Whole dried kernels and corn on the cob attract jays, woodpeckers and squirrels. Corn draws blackbirds and House Sparrows in numbers, so offer it on the ground away from your main feeders if you want to spread birds out.
Moldy corn can contain aflatoxin, which is toxic to birds. Buy from a source that tests for it and keep it in a dry container.
How to offer it
- Cracked corn on the ground or a low tray.
- Whole cobs on a spike for jays and woodpeckers.
Avoid
- Wet, clumped or moldy corn
- Sweetened corn or buttered kernels
Birds that take it
Frequently asked
Can birds eat corn?
Yes. Cracked corn and whole kernels feed doves, jays, quail, turkeys and blackbirds. Keep it dry; wet corn molds and can carry aflatoxin.
Can birds eat canned corn?
Rinse it to remove salt and offer a little; dried corn is better.
Related questions
Sources
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.