Can Birds Eat Grapes? (Which Species + How To Feed)

Trees and shrubs can provide a rich, natural and seasonal food source for many fruit-loving birds. Grapes are grown in a variety of different climates around the world, both in commercial vineyards and on vines in gardens and backyards.

But are grapes safe for birds? Read on for our investigation into which birds especially like grapes, and whether any special preparation is required before feeding grapes to birds.

Grapes are eaten by many birds, both in the wild and in captivity. Grapes provide a source of moisture and nutrients, as well as vitamins and antioxidants that are essential for good health. Grapes don’t need to be peeled or chopped, and for some birds even ripeness — or lack thereof — isn’t an issue.

While vines can attract certain birds in summer when the grapes start to ripen, other birds prefer to forage when the fruit is overripe and falls to the ground.

Birds will also eat grapes left on feeders and on backyard bird tables. Supermarket grapes are also good for birds, but it is recommended to wash them thoroughly to ensure there is no pesticide contamination.

Read on to learn which birds are particularly fond of grapes and what nutritional benefits grapes bring to a bird’s diet.

In the U.S., the Baltimore Orioles are regulars at eating grapes

Which Common Birds Eat Grapes?

Many birds will eat grapes if found in the wild, and will eat both red and white grapes, as well as seedless and seedless varieties. Wild birds pick grapes straight from the vine as they begin to ripen, as well as windfall fruit and household leftovers.

While many bird species seem to be indifferent to grapes and pick them whenever they are available, there are certain species in the US and UK that find grapes irresistible.

American Backyard Birds Eating Grapes

Grapes are a popular food source for many common backyard species, including American robins, bluejays, tanagers, woodpeckers, felines, and waxbills. Baltimore orioles are especially fond of feeders filled with grape jelly.

American Robin eating old grapes on the vine in spring

English garden bird eating grapes

In the UK, blackbirds and starlings in particular are known as super grape lovers, eating grapes both naturally growing on the vine and left on garden bird tables. When the grapes on the vine begin to ripen, the mynah will quickly strip the entire ripe fruit before the grower has a chance to harvest it. Thrushes are also attracted to fresh grapes found in the ground.

Coal tits and blue tits will also show interest in grapes left at bird feeders or garden feeding stations.

European starling eating grapes on the vine

How do birds eat grapes?

Captive birds often feed on grapes chopped up by their owners to aid in digestion and swallowing.

In the wild, birds will peck at the fruit and eat it whole. Both methods are safe for birds, and even young birds can safely digest whole grapes for the first 6 weeks or so of life.

Do birds eat grapes off the vine?

Birds do eat grapes straight off the vine, and some species seem to prefer grapes that aren’t fully ripe — before we think they’re perfectly ready to pick. Starlings and blackbirds quickly pick ripe and overripe fruit straight from the vine.

Birds pluck grapes from the vine to eat

How many grapes can a bird eat?

While it is impossible to limit the number of grapes eaten by wild birds with free access to grapevines, captive birds such as parrots or cockatiels should not exceed one to two grapes per day, several times a week.

Avian veterinarians advise against feeding grapes to pet birds for days on end, as the high sugar and juice content in grapes may cause stomach upset or obesity.

How to Feed Grapes to Birds

For wild birds, grapes can be left on bird tables, feeding stations, bird feeders or even on the ground. There is no single, correct way to feed grapes to birds. If grapes are chopped or halved, they may rot faster, so they need to be inspected and discarded if any signs of rot are found to avoid the risk of bacterial infection.

Uncut grapes can be offered to parrots, lovebirds, and other captive birds that may especially appreciate the challenge of handling whole fruit like wild birds.

Mixing chopped grapes with grains, seeds, or other specialized bird food as an occasional treat will keep your pet bird from overindulging in the unusually sweet taste of grapes.

Colorful caprot (Lorius lory) eating grapes on a feeder

Do you need to cut grapes for birds?

It is not necessary to cut grapes for birds, but they will be easier to digest if you choose to do so. The smell of cut grape juice left on bird tables can attract visiting birds to your yard, however, cut grapes are more perishable than whole grapes, so they should be monitored and removed at any sign of rot.

Wild birds do not require grapes to be prepared in a particular way, but rinsing them with clean water is always recommended. They pick grapes from backyard feeders, bird tables, and even from the ground.

Nutritional Benefits of Feeding Grapes to Birds

Grapes provide birds with a wealth of nutritional benefits, including high concentrations of vitamins C, K and B6, which are essential for healthy skin, feathers and a strong immune system. Grapes also contain a certain amount of calcium, which is necessary for egg laying and bone formation.

Grapes contain zero fat or cholesterol, but their high fructose content makes them a great source of energy. The potassium content in grapes helps regulate the metabolism of birds. The fiber content in grapes strengthens the digestive system of birds.

Blue and yellow macaw eating grapes

Can birds eat grapes with seeds?

Grape seeds are non-toxic to birds and do not pose any major health issues to them, although smaller birds may find them indigestible. Birds can also eat grape skins without any risk to their health.

Grapes and Birds FAQ

Do Birds Eat Grapes in Winter?

As long as there are grapes, the birds will eat them. If store-bought grapes are offered on bird tables during the winter months, they will provide a welcome change from grapes that are seasonally available in the field. Any grapes left on the vine after harvest are a prized find and provide a welcome source of energy in the fall and winter.

Can budgerigars eat grapes?

It is good to include grapes as part of a budgie’s varied diet. Grapes provide a good source of vitamins and antioxidants for captive birds. However, the high sugar content of grapes means they should only be enjoyed as a treat, not a daily offering, as excess fructose can cause digestive issues.

A cloaked black bird eats green grapes in a vineyard

Can Lovebirds Eat Grapes?

Lovebirds love grapes, and it’s safe to offer them as a treat once in a while. Eating grape seeds won’t cause any health problems for your lovebird, and grapes don’t need to be peeled, although it’s wise to wash them before offering them to your bird.

Can parrots eat grapes?

Cockatiels can eat grapes in moderation — with or without seeds. It is recommended to wash the grapes before feeding them to cockatiels and to cut them into small pieces to aid in digestion. Grapes are a good source of energy, along with vitamin K, vitamin B6, and calcium. The high sugar content of grapes means they should be served as an occasional treat rather than a mainstay of a cockatiel’s diet.