Ruffling feathers: should you be feeding the birds in your backyard?

The Advertiser

a day ago

Getting to know the native birds in your backyard is a beloved pastime for most Aussies, but should we be feeding our feathered friends?
Bird feeding is a common practice worldwide, but in Australia, it remains a contentious issue, with government agencies and wildlife organisations strongly discouraging and in some cases prohibiting the practice.
Urban ecologist Professor Darryl Jones changed his mind about bird feeding when he found that, despite being publicly shunned, most Australians feed birds.
"Between a third and a half of Australians anywhere in Australia are at any one time feeding birds," Professor Jones said.
"I realised that people were not going to stop feeding birds, that in some cases, they were inadvertently, without even knowing, feeding them the wrong things,
"There's no information because if you asked the local authorities or went to the council or the rangers or anybody and said 'What do you think I should feed the magpies?', you would get the absolute without a doubt, they would say 'You shouldn't be feeding them at all!'''
This inspired Professor Jones to write a bird feeding guide for Australians, 'Feeding the birds at your table'.
"I really do think you can feed birds in Australia as long as you're careful and feed the right things," he said.
Click the map below to see the law in your state or territory.
In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it is illegal to feed native birds. The maximum penalty in WA for feeding fauna is a $20,000 fine.
In most other states and territories, it is illegal to feed native birds and wildlife in national parks and reserves (ACT, VIC, QLD, and TAS).
Some local councils prohibit bird feeding, usually when it has become a nuisance, and they can issue fines.
Australia's largest rescue organisation, WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), strongly implores people to never feed wildlife.
WIRES is licensed in NSW to rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned protected animals by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.
As a WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson witnesses the consequences of bird feeding on a daily basis.
"Although it can be tempting to feed wildlife, particularly birds, it's usually best to avoid this practice," she said.
"Some foods, such as bread and mince, can cause health impacts for birds and nutritional deficiencies. It also brings birds closer together and can potentially spread infectious diseases.
One such disease is bird and feather disease, also known as psittacine circovirus (PCV), which has high death rates and currently has no effective treatment.
"It's quite prevalent in rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos, and it's highly contagious and can be spread on surfaces," Ms McPherson said.
Professor Jones agrees that infectious diseases are a risk, which is why he emphasises the importance of cleaning bird feeders daily.
Feeding native birds can change the balance of their diet, increase aggression, encourage dependency and cause sicknesses and deformities, according to WIRES.
"I know we all want to help our birds and wildlife, [but bird feeding] generally does more harm than good," Ms McPherson said.
"If we do want to help, we can look into planting some native shrubs in our garden."
Queensland authorities continue to warn people not to feed cassowaries due to both the risk to humans and the impact on the endangered species.
A man in his seventies was kicked in the leg by a cassowary in his Cardwell backyard in April 2025 and treated for a cut to his leg.
In Queensland, feeding dangerous wildlife, such as cassowaries is illegal.
Cassowaries have sharp, three-toed claws, including a middle dagger-like claw that can grow up to 10cm long and is used in self-defence.
"When cassowaries associate humans with food, they can become impatient and aggressive, particularly when accompanied by chicks," wildlife ranger Jeff Lewis said in a statement.
One of the most common birds being fed is magpies, according to Professor Jones' research.
Unfortunately, most people feed magpies minced meat, which can be seriously harmful to them.
"We really have to stop feeding any bird's mince. It just doesn't have enough calcium," Professor Jones said.
"No bird just eats meat...they eat all the parts of the animal's body."
Until Australians can easily purchase an artificial worm or invertebrate, Professor Jones recommends dry cat or dog food for magpies.
He recommends purchasing bird seeds manufactured by a reputable pet food company instead of the cheaper supermarket versions.
When feeding birds, Professor Jones said it should be considered a snack, equivalent to approximately a cup of food.
"It's not a whole meal. It's just a snack. So just a little bit, and when it's all gone, that's fine. You don't need to put any more out," he said.
Bird feeding is not necessary for birds except during extreme weather events like the Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires, Professor Jones explained.
"We're putting out food for us to enjoy the birds. The birds don't need it."
While bird feeding may be contentious, most government and wildlife organisations agree that leaving water out for wildlife is a good idea.
The South Australian Department for Environment and Water discourages people from feeding or providing water to wildlife.
"Water can be a great lifeline, specifically on hot days," WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson, said.
"I would suggest using a very shallow dish and cleaning it regularly, and also placing something like a stick or a rock into the water, so any small animal that may fall into the water can climb back out again."
Getting to know the native birds in your backyard is a beloved pastime for most Aussies, but should we be feeding our feathered friends?
Bird feeding is a common practice worldwide, but in Australia, it remains a contentious issue, with government agencies and wildlife organisations strongly discouraging and in some cases prohibiting the practice.
Urban ecologist Professor Darryl Jones changed his mind about bird feeding when he found that, despite being publicly shunned, most Australians feed birds.
"Between a third and a half of Australians anywhere in Australia are at any one time feeding birds," Professor Jones said.
"I realised that people were not going to stop feeding birds, that in some cases, they were inadvertently, without even knowing, feeding them the wrong things,
"There's no information because if you asked the local authorities or went to the council or the rangers or anybody and said 'What do you think I should feed the magpies?', you would get the absolute without a doubt, they would say 'You shouldn't be feeding them at all!'''
This inspired Professor Jones to write a bird feeding guide for Australians, 'Feeding the birds at your table'.
"I really do think you can feed birds in Australia as long as you're careful and feed the right things," he said.
Click the map below to see the law in your state or territory.
In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it is illegal to feed native birds. The maximum penalty in WA for feeding fauna is a $20,000 fine.
In most other states and territories, it is illegal to feed native birds and wildlife in national parks and reserves (ACT, VIC, QLD, and TAS).
Some local councils prohibit bird feeding, usually when it has become a nuisance, and they can issue fines.
Australia's largest rescue organisation, WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), strongly implores people to never feed wildlife.
WIRES is licensed in NSW to rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned protected animals by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.
As a WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson witnesses the consequences of bird feeding on a daily basis.
"Although it can be tempting to feed wildlife, particularly birds, it's usually best to avoid this practice," she said.
"Some foods, such as bread and mince, can cause health impacts for birds and nutritional deficiencies. It also brings birds closer together and can potentially spread infectious diseases.
One such disease is bird and feather disease, also known as psittacine circovirus (PCV), which has high death rates and currently has no effective treatment.
"It's quite prevalent in rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos, and it's highly contagious and can be spread on surfaces," Ms McPherson said.
Professor Jones agrees that infectious diseases are a risk, which is why he emphasises the importance of cleaning bird feeders daily.
Feeding native birds can change the balance of their diet, increase aggression, encourage dependency and cause sicknesses and deformities, according to WIRES.
"I know we all want to help our birds and wildlife, [but bird feeding] generally does more harm than good," Ms McPherson said.
"If we do want to help, we can look into planting some native shrubs in our garden."
Queensland authorities continue to warn people not to feed cassowaries due to both the risk to humans and the impact on the endangered species.
A man in his seventies was kicked in the leg by a cassowary in his Cardwell backyard in April 2025 and treated for a cut to his leg.
In Queensland, feeding dangerous wildlife, such as cassowaries is illegal.
Cassowaries have sharp, three-toed claws, including a middle dagger-like claw that can grow up to 10cm long and is used in self-defence.
"When cassowaries associate humans with food, they can become impatient and aggressive, particularly when accompanied by chicks," wildlife ranger Jeff Lewis said in a statement.
One of the most common birds being fed is magpies, according to Professor Jones' research.
Unfortunately, most people feed magpies minced meat, which can be seriously harmful to them.
"We really have to stop feeding any bird's mince. It just doesn't have enough calcium," Professor Jones said.
"No bird just eats meat...they eat all the parts of the animal's body."
Until Australians can easily purchase an artificial worm or invertebrate, Professor Jones recommends dry cat or dog food for magpies.
He recommends purchasing bird seeds manufactured by a reputable pet food company instead of the cheaper supermarket versions.
When feeding birds, Professor Jones said it should be considered a snack, equivalent to approximately a cup of food.
"It's not a whole meal. It's just a snack. So just a little bit, and when it's all gone, that's fine. You don't need to put any more out," he said.
Bird feeding is not necessary for birds except during extreme weather events like the Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires, Professor Jones explained.
"We're putting out food for us to enjoy the birds. The birds don't need it."
While bird feeding may be contentious, most government and wildlife organisations agree that leaving water out for wildlife is a good idea.
The South Australian Department for Environment and Water discourages people from feeding or providing water to wildlife.
"Water can be a great lifeline, specifically on hot days," WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson, said.
"I would suggest using a very shallow dish and cleaning it regularly, and also placing something like a stick or a rock into the water, so any small animal that may fall into the water can climb back out again."
Getting to know the native birds in your backyard is a beloved pastime for most Aussies, but should we be feeding our feathered friends?
Bird feeding is a common practice worldwide, but in Australia, it remains a contentious issue, with government agencies and wildlife organisations strongly discouraging and in some cases prohibiting the practice.
Urban ecologist Professor Darryl Jones changed his mind about bird feeding when he found that, despite being publicly shunned, most Australians feed birds.
"Between a third and a half of Australians anywhere in Australia are at any one time feeding birds," Professor Jones said.
"I realised that people were not going to stop feeding birds, that in some cases, they were inadvertently, without even knowing, feeding them the wrong things,
"There's no information because if you asked the local authorities or went to the council or the rangers or anybody and said 'What do you think I should feed the magpies?', you would get the absolute without a doubt, they would say 'You shouldn't be feeding them at all!'''
This inspired Professor Jones to write a bird feeding guide for Australians, 'Feeding the birds at your table'.
"I really do think you can feed birds in Australia as long as you're careful and feed the right things," he said.
Click the map below to see the law in your state or territory.
In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it is illegal to feed native birds. The maximum penalty in WA for feeding fauna is a $20,000 fine.
In most other states and territories, it is illegal to feed native birds and wildlife in national parks and reserves (ACT, VIC, QLD, and TAS).
Some local councils prohibit bird feeding, usually when it has become a nuisance, and they can issue fines.
Australia's largest rescue organisation, WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), strongly implores people to never feed wildlife.
WIRES is licensed in NSW to rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned protected animals by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.
As a WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson witnesses the consequences of bird feeding on a daily basis.
"Although it can be tempting to feed wildlife, particularly birds, it's usually best to avoid this practice," she said.
"Some foods, such as bread and mince, can cause health impacts for birds and nutritional deficiencies. It also brings birds closer together and can potentially spread infectious diseases.
One such disease is bird and feather disease, also known as psittacine circovirus (PCV), which has high death rates and currently has no effective treatment.
"It's quite prevalent in rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos, and it's highly contagious and can be spread on surfaces," Ms McPherson said.
Professor Jones agrees that infectious diseases are a risk, which is why he emphasises the importance of cleaning bird feeders daily.
Feeding native birds can change the balance of their diet, increase aggression, encourage dependency and cause sicknesses and deformities, according to WIRES.
"I know we all want to help our birds and wildlife, [but bird feeding] generally does more harm than good," Ms McPherson said.
"If we do want to help, we can look into planting some native shrubs in our garden."
Queensland authorities continue to warn people not to feed cassowaries due to both the risk to humans and the impact on the endangered species.
A man in his seventies was kicked in the leg by a cassowary in his Cardwell backyard in April 2025 and treated for a cut to his leg.
In Queensland, feeding dangerous wildlife, such as cassowaries is illegal.
Cassowaries have sharp, three-toed claws, including a middle dagger-like claw that can grow up to 10cm long and is used in self-defence.
"When cassowaries associate humans with food, they can become impatient and aggressive, particularly when accompanied by chicks," wildlife ranger Jeff Lewis said in a statement.
One of the most common birds being fed is magpies, according to Professor Jones' research.
Unfortunately, most people feed magpies minced meat, which can be seriously harmful to them.
"We really have to stop feeding any bird's mince. It just doesn't have enough calcium," Professor Jones said.
"No bird just eats meat...they eat all the parts of the animal's body."
Until Australians can easily purchase an artificial worm or invertebrate, Professor Jones recommends dry cat or dog food for magpies.
He recommends purchasing bird seeds manufactured by a reputable pet food company instead of the cheaper supermarket versions.
When feeding birds, Professor Jones said it should be considered a snack, equivalent to approximately a cup of food.
"It's not a whole meal. It's just a snack. So just a little bit, and when it's all gone, that's fine. You don't need to put any more out," he said.
Bird feeding is not necessary for birds except during extreme weather events like the Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires, Professor Jones explained.
"We're putting out food for us to enjoy the birds. The birds don't need it."
While bird feeding may be contentious, most government and wildlife organisations agree that leaving water out for wildlife is a good idea.
The South Australian Department for Environment and Water discourages people from feeding or providing water to wildlife.
"Water can be a great lifeline, specifically on hot days," WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson, said.
"I would suggest using a very shallow dish and cleaning it regularly, and also placing something like a stick or a rock into the water, so any small animal that may fall into the water can climb back out again."
Getting to know the native birds in your backyard is a beloved pastime for most Aussies, but should we be feeding our feathered friends?
Bird feeding is a common practice worldwide, but in Australia, it remains a contentious issue, with government agencies and wildlife organisations strongly discouraging and in some cases prohibiting the practice.
Urban ecologist Professor Darryl Jones changed his mind about bird feeding when he found that, despite being publicly shunned, most Australians feed birds.
"Between a third and a half of Australians anywhere in Australia are at any one time feeding birds," Professor Jones said.
"I realised that people were not going to stop feeding birds, that in some cases, they were inadvertently, without even knowing, feeding them the wrong things,
"There's no information because if you asked the local authorities or went to the council or the rangers or anybody and said 'What do you think I should feed the magpies?', you would get the absolute without a doubt, they would say 'You shouldn't be feeding them at all!'''
This inspired Professor Jones to write a bird feeding guide for Australians, 'Feeding the birds at your table'.
"I really do think you can feed birds in Australia as long as you're careful and feed the right things," he said.
Click the map below to see the law in your state or territory.
In Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it is illegal to feed native birds. The maximum penalty in WA for feeding fauna is a $20,000 fine.
In most other states and territories, it is illegal to feed native birds and wildlife in national parks and reserves (ACT, VIC, QLD, and TAS).
Some local councils prohibit bird feeding, usually when it has become a nuisance, and they can issue fines.
Australia's largest rescue organisation, WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), strongly implores people to never feed wildlife.
WIRES is licensed in NSW to rehabilitate injured, sick and orphaned protected animals by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.
As a WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson witnesses the consequences of bird feeding on a daily basis.
"Although it can be tempting to feed wildlife, particularly birds, it's usually best to avoid this practice," she said.
"Some foods, such as bread and mince, can cause health impacts for birds and nutritional deficiencies. It also brings birds closer together and can potentially spread infectious diseases.
One such disease is bird and feather disease, also known as psittacine circovirus (PCV), which has high death rates and currently has no effective treatment.
"It's quite prevalent in rainbow lorikeets and cockatoos, and it's highly contagious and can be spread on surfaces," Ms McPherson said.
Professor Jones agrees that infectious diseases are a risk, which is why he emphasises the importance of cleaning bird feeders daily.
Feeding native birds can change the balance of their diet, increase aggression, encourage dependency and cause sicknesses and deformities, according to WIRES.
"I know we all want to help our birds and wildlife, [but bird feeding] generally does more harm than good," Ms McPherson said.
"If we do want to help, we can look into planting some native shrubs in our garden."
Queensland authorities continue to warn people not to feed cassowaries due to both the risk to humans and the impact on the endangered species.
A man in his seventies was kicked in the leg by a cassowary in his Cardwell backyard in April 2025 and treated for a cut to his leg.
In Queensland, feeding dangerous wildlife, such as cassowaries is illegal.
Cassowaries have sharp, three-toed claws, including a middle dagger-like claw that can grow up to 10cm long and is used in self-defence.
"When cassowaries associate humans with food, they can become impatient and aggressive, particularly when accompanied by chicks," wildlife ranger Jeff Lewis said in a statement.
One of the most common birds being fed is magpies, according to Professor Jones' research.
Unfortunately, most people feed magpies minced meat, which can be seriously harmful to them.
"We really have to stop feeding any bird's mince. It just doesn't have enough calcium," Professor Jones said.
"No bird just eats meat...they eat all the parts of the animal's body."
Until Australians can easily purchase an artificial worm or invertebrate, Professor Jones recommends dry cat or dog food for magpies.
He recommends purchasing bird seeds manufactured by a reputable pet food company instead of the cheaper supermarket versions.
When feeding birds, Professor Jones said it should be considered a snack, equivalent to approximately a cup of food.
"It's not a whole meal. It's just a snack. So just a little bit, and when it's all gone, that's fine. You don't need to put any more out," he said.
Bird feeding is not necessary for birds except during extreme weather events like the Black Summer 2019-20 bushfires, Professor Jones explained.
"We're putting out food for us to enjoy the birds. The birds don't need it."
While bird feeding may be contentious, most government and wildlife organisations agree that leaving water out for wildlife is a good idea.
The South Australian Department for Environment and Water discourages people from feeding or providing water to wildlife.
"Water can be a great lifeline, specifically on hot days," WIRES wildlife emergency responder, Kyana McPherson, said.
"I would suggest using a very shallow dish and cleaning it regularly, and also placing something like a stick or a rock into the water, so any small animal that may fall into the water can climb back out again."