Wild Birds- General Information

Proper Identification is Key.

Identifying bird species correctly is essential as each species has unique dietary requirements.

Navigating through this page should assist in the identification and proper feeding guidelines to follow if you should come across a bird in distress. If you are unsure of proper identification or need a mentor when starting to feed, join our extensive network full of knowledgeable rehabbers and volunteers!

Most birds require feeding from Sunrise to 2 hours after Sundown. This ensures they are receiving optimal nutrition. Sick or injured birds may need more tender love and care and need to be fed later into the evening. However, birds do need to rest so that their stomachs and crops can completely empty.
Remember, there are a variety of methods when feeding baby birds. It’s always best to find the one you are most comfortable and efficient with. We can assist with this.

For more information about bird diets and to receive answers to specific questions, please create a post about your bird on the Hawai`i Bird Rescue (Hawaiian Islands) Facebook page. Our moderators will help to guide you to a mentor!

This page is regularly updated as are the diets.



Seed Eaters

  • A bird perched on a tree branch, with blurred green leaves and branches in the background.

    Common House Sparrow

    Diet
  • A bird with a grey head and a beige, round body, sitting on a tree branch, with a background of blurred green foliage.

    Zebra Doves, Spotted Doves, Pigeons

    Diet
  • Three birds bathing in a shallow water area, splashing water droplets around them. The birds have orange beaks and facial markings, with brown and beige feathers.

    Wax Bill

    Diet
  • A small bird with a tan head and neck, dark eyes, and a dark beak perched on a thin branch.

    Chestnut Munia African Silverbill, Spice Finch

    Diet
  • Two finch-like birds with black and white heads, orange beaks, and gray bodies perched on tree branches among green leaves.

    Java Finch

    Diet
  • A small yellow bird perched on a rusted white metal wire fence, with a green blurred background.

    Saffron Finch

    Diet
  • Two yellow and green birds perched on grass, with one bird facing the camera and the other bird with its head turned away.

    Yellow Fronted Canary

    Click Here

Fruit and Insect Eaters

Fruit and Seed Eaters

  • A lush green bird with a pink beak perched on a tree branch among pine needles.

    Indian Ring Neck Parakeet

    Diet
  • Close-up of a bird with a bright red crest, brown eye, white and black face, and gray feathers.

    Northern Cardinals, Brazilian Cardinals

    Diet
  • Close-up of a brown bird with speckled feathers, perched on a curved metal bar.

    Linnets, House Finches

    Diet

Insect Eaters

  • A white egret standing in a pond with green water plants and reflections of plants and the bird on the water surface.

    Egrets

    Fed every 20 minutes

    Diet
  • A group of fluffy yellow, black, white, and brown baby chicks standing on grass, with a hen in the background.

    Chickens

    Chickens eat throughout the day

    Diet
  • Close-up of a small brown bird peeking out from a tree hole with a blurred green background.

    Shama Thrush

    Nestlings are fed every 15-20 minutes

    Diet
  • A mallard duck with a green head, yellow bill, and brown chest swimming in water.

    Ducks

    Ducks eat throughout the day

    Diet