Winter is a lean time for birds. Many of us opt to help the winter birds by feeding them with birdseed, and this is quite the effective invitation for them to come to your yard if you’re craving their company. But there’s another fantastic way to attract winter birds that we sometimes overlook: plant trees, shrubs, and grasses that will provide them with a winter meal. Not only do these plants feed birds in the winter, but they provide food and shelter for bees and other important critters while beautifying your yard. Some of them require more effort than others, but in the long run, they’re well worth it. Here’s what you can plant to attract birds in winter:
With their long-lasting fruit, Crabapple trees are an excellent source of food for birds in the winter. Cardinals, cedar waxwings, and robins are especially drawn to crabapples.
Providing a winter food source for birds is just one of their benefits. In the spring, they’re covered with flowers that attract bees, and in the fall, the leaves of some varieties turn a beautiful, bright shade of red. They’re truly a tree for every season.
There’s a stunning number of varieties—over 900, by some counts—and the fruit of different varieties will ripen and soften at different times. To feed birds with crabapples over the winter, choose any of the following varieties that soften within the season:
It’s also important to note that birds refuse to eat the crabapples from some varieties. Avoid these ones:
Like most apple trees, it’s best to plant at least two crabapples so they can cross-pollinate. After you plant them, it can take anywhere from two to five years before they start bearing fruit. But it’s worth the wait. A mature crabapple is a sprawling, gorgeous centerpiece that also provides shelter for birds and lives for 30 to 70 years.
If you’d like a plant that can start feeding birds faster, a good choice is bluestem grass. You can plant both little bluestem and big bluestem in the spring, and by fall they will be ready to feed the birds.
Bluestem grass is native to North Dakota, along with much of North America, and is known for its blue-green blades; delicate, reddish seed heads; and solid, flat stems, all of which make it an attractive ornamental grass. It’s a perennial that grows in clumps, and it’s recognized as a good food source not just for birds but also deer, voles, and even livestock. The little bluestem is also a larval host for skipper butterflies.
Unlike the other animals, what the birds will focus on is the seeds, of course. So in the fall, resist the urge to collect or clear away the seed heads. Let the winter birds do that for you!
Like the crabapple, the hawthorn tree will dazzle you with flowers. Depending on the variety, you can get white, pink, or red flowers in the spring along with leaves that turn orange, red, or even purplish in the fall. But most importantly, hawthorn trees produce glossy red berries that stay on the tree well into winter and are a favorite of many birds.
As with crabapple, the hawthorn will require several years to mature and get to the point where it bears fruit. Just how long depends on the variety and growing conditions. But unlike the crabapple, it doesn’t require cross-pollination with another of its kind, so you can plant a single stand-alone hawthorn if that’s what you prefer. Lastly, beware of its sizable thorns—it’s from the rose family.
Hey there nature lovers! If you’ve ever wondered “Do birds eat crab apples?”—well, spoiler alert they absolutely do, and they’re pretty darn crazy about ‘em! At our little backyard haven, we’ve seen flocks of feathered friends swoop in every fall to feast on these tiny, tart treasures. Crab apples ain’t just a pretty sight on the tree; they’re a full-on buffet for birds, especially when the weather turns chilly and food gets scarce. So, let’s dive into why these fruits are a bird’s best pal, which species can’t resist ‘em, and how you can turn your yard into a birdie hotspot with crab apple magic.
Why Birds Go Nuts for Crab Apples
First off let’s get why crab apples are such a hit with the winged crowd. These small fruits usually less than a couple inches wide, are like nature’s energy bars. They’re packed with sugars that give birds a quick boost, plus vitamins and antioxidants to keep ‘em healthy. And get this—they’re super plentiful! A single mature tree can churn out hundreds, even thousands, of these little gems, making it a food jackpot for any bird passing by.
Another big reason? Crab apples stick around Unlike some fruits that drop or rot quick, these bad boys often cling to branches well into winter When other grub is hard to come by, birds rely on ‘em for a steady meal. Plus, their small size is perfect—easy to peck at or swallow whole for most species. Oh, and they attract insects too, which means birds get a double treat fruit and buggy snacks. It’s like a two-for-one deal at the bird diner!
Which Birds Are Munchin’ on Crab Apples?
Now, you might be curious which birds are showin’ up to the crab apple party. Lemme tell ya, it’s a diverse crew! Here’s a rundown of some common visitors you might spot in your yard:
- American Robins: These guys are all over crab apples, especially in fall and winter. They’ll gobble ‘em up whole or peck at the flesh.
- Cedar Waxwings: Known for their love of fruit, waxwings swarm crab apple trees in flocks, strippin’ branches clean.
- Northern Cardinals: With their bright red feathers, cardinals add a splash of color while snackin’ on these fruits.
- Blue Jays: Loud and bold, jays ain’t shy about diggin’ into crab apples or even stashin’ some for later.
- Eastern Bluebirds: These sweeties enjoy the softer fruits, often in late fall.
- Gray Catbirds: They’ll peck away at crab apples, especially during migration stops.
- Northern Mockingbirds: Another fruit fan, mockin’birds can’t resist a ripe crab apple.
- Woodpeckers (like Downy): Yeah, even woodpeckers get in on the action, peckin’ at the fruit for a change of pace.
- Finches (Purple and Pine Grosbeaks): Even seed-lovin’ finches will switch it up for crab apples, gettin’ some needed fiber.
- Evening Grosbeaks: These chunky birds love the energy kick from crab apple sugars.
And that’s just the start! Bigger birds of prey, like hawks or owls, might even hang around crab apple trees, not for the fruit, but to hunt the smaller critters drawn to it. Ground feeders, think juncos or sparrows, will scavenge any fallen fruit. So, if you got a crab apple tree, you’re basically runnin’ a bird sanctuary!
When Do Birds Chow Down on Crab Apples?
Timing’s everything, right? Crab apples ripen from late summer into early fall, which is perfect for birds bulkin’ up for migration or feedin’ their hungry nestlings. You’ll see a lotta action during this time as robins and waxwings load up on carbs for their long journeys. But here’s the cool part—birds keep comin’ back well into winter. Those fruits that hang on through the cold months? They’re a lifeline when insects, seeds, and other foods are nowhere to be found.
Come spring and summer, birds might not pay as much mind to crab apples. There’s plenty of other stuff to eat—like bugs, berries, and nectar—so they’re less focused on the fruit. But don’t worry, they remember where the good stuff is and swing by again when fall rolls around. If you wanna keep birds visitin’ year-round, mix up your yard with plants that offer food at different times. Crab apples are your ace for the late season!
Not All Crab Apples Are Bird-Friendly—Pick the Right Ones!
Here’s a lil’ heads up: not every crab apple tree is gonna have birds flockin’ to it. Some varieties got fruits that birds just don’t vibe with—they stay hard or drop before gettin’ eaten. But others? Total bird magnets! The trick is pickin’ cultivars with smaller, softer fruits that ripen or soften at the right time. I’ve put together a handy table of some top crab apple varieties for birds, based on when their fruits are ready to eat. Check it out:
| Variety | Season for Birds | Why Birds Love It |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Siberian Crabapple | Early (October-November) | Small fruits soften quick after fall frosts. |
| Cinderella® Crabapple | Early (October-November) | Tiny fruits, perfect bite-size for early feeders. |
| Golden Raindrops® Crabapple | Early (October-November) | Abundant golden fruits, a fall favorite. |
| Louisa Crabapple | Early (October-November) | Softens early, great for autumn birds. |
| Sargent Crabapple | Early (October-November) | Small, tasty fruits for early season munchin’. |
| Tina Crabapple | Early (October-November) | Petite fruits, easy for birds to eat in fall. |
| Anne E. Crabapple | Mid (December-January) | Delayed softening, feeds birds in deep winter. |
| Prairifire Crabapple | Mid (December-January) | Fruits hang on, a solid mid-winter snack. |
| Profusion Crabapple | Mid (December-January) | Masses of little purple fruits, lasts through winter. |
| Bob White Crabapple | Late (February-March) | Late softenin’, gives birds a boost before spring. |
| Sentinel Crabapple | Late (February-March) | Fruits with a lil’ alcohol kick, fun to watch! |
| Sugar Tyme® Crabapple | Late (February-March) | Small red/yellow fruits, late winter treat. |
| Birdland Crabapple | Full (October-March) | Uneven softening, feeds birds all season long. |
| Ormiston Roy Crabapple | Full (October-March) | Ultimate bird food, fruits available for months. |
Pro tip: If you’re plantin’ for birds, go for a mix of early, mid, and late-season varieties. That way, your feathered pals got somethin’ to eat from fall clear through to spring. Avoid types like Donald Wyman or Red Jewel—their fruits tend to stay on the tree uneaten and just drop in spring, makin’ a mess without helpin’ the birds.
How to Serve Up Crab Apples for Your Bird Buddies
Got crab apples already? Or thinkin’ of gettin’ a tree? Here’s how we make sure the birds get the most outta ‘em at our place. You don’t gotta just leave it to chance—there’s ways to offer these fruits that’ll have birds flockin’ to your yard like it’s the hottest spot in town.
- Leave Fallen Fruit on the Ground: Don’t be too quick to clean up under your tree. Birds like juncos and sparrows love scavengin’ fallen crab apples. It’s easy pickins for ‘em!
- Skewer Some Halves or Slices: Grab a few crab apples, cut ‘em in half, and stick ‘em on branches or stakes. You can even get fancy with a fruit feeder. Birds’ll perch and peck away.
- Chop and Mix with Suet: Got a food processor? Chop up some crab apples and mix ‘em into suet. Stuff that mix into a mesh feeder—birds go wild for the combo of fat and fruit.
- Dice for Platform Feeders: Cut the fruits into tiny bits and toss ‘em into a platform or bowl feeder. Smaller birds can nibble without a hassle.
- String ‘Em Up for Fun: Wanna get crafty? String whole crab apples onto sturdy thread and drape ‘em around trees or shrubs. It’s like a birdie garland, and they’ll love it.
- Impale on a Spike: Stick a crab apple on a fence spike or somethin’ similar. Birds can land nearby and peck at their leisure.
These tricks make sure no fruit goes to waste and keeps your yard buzzin’ with activity. We’ve tried a few of these ourselves, and lemme tell ya, nothin’ beats seein’ a flock of waxwings tear into a strung-up batch of crab apples!
Plantin’ Crab Apple Trees for Birds: Tips from Our Yard
If you’re thinkin’ long-term, plantin’ a crab apple tree is the way to go. It’s not just about food—these trees offer shelter, nestin’ spots, and even nectar from their flowers for hummingbirds. Here’s what we’ve learned about settin’ up the perfect bird-friendly crab apple tree:
- Pick the Right Variety: Go for ones known for good fruit production, like Profusion or Sugar Tyme. Check the table above for ideas on timin’.
- Give ‘Em Space: Crab apples can grow 15-30 feet tall and wide. Make sure you got room for ‘em to spread out without crowdin’ other plants.
- Sun’s the Key: Plant in full sun for the best flowers and fruit. They do okay in most soils as long as it drains well.
- Water Early On: For the first couple years, water regular to help the tree settle in. Once it’s established, it’s pretty tough against drought.
- Feed ‘Em Right: Toss on some balanced organic fertilizer in early spring. It helps with bloomin’ and fruitin’ without overdoin’ it.
- Prune Smart: Trim in winter while the tree’s dormant. Shape it up, but don’t cut too much or you’ll lose fruit. Less is more here.
- Skip the Chemicals: Go organic if ya can. Pesticides might harm birds if they eat treated fruits. Keep it natural!
One more thing—crab apple trees ain’t just food machines. Their dense branches give birds a safe spot to hide or nest, and the bark’s got nooks for winter roosts. Even the flowers pull in bugs and nectar-lovin’ birds like orioles. It’s a whole ecosystem in one tree!
More Than Just Fruit: Crab Apples as Bird Habitat
Speakin’ of ecosystems, let’s chat about how crab apples do more than just feed birds. We’ve noticed at our place that these trees are like a full-service hotel for wildlife. The branches are thick enough to offer cover from predators or bad weather. Birds build nests in ‘em, takin’ advantage of the sturdy structure. In winter, the bark’s crevices become cozy spots for roostin’ when it’s freezin’ out.
Plus, when the trees bloom in spring, the flowers ain’t just pretty—they’re a draw for pollinators and nectar feeders. Hummingbirds and orioles swing by for a sip, and the bugs drawn to the blooms are a feast for insect-eatin’ birds. So, even if the fruit ain’t ripe yet, your crab apple tree is still pullin’ its weight in the bird world.
Mixin’ Crab Apples with Other Bird Foods
Now, don’t get me wrong—crab apples are awesome, but they shouldn’t be the only thing on the menu. Birds need a balanced diet, just like us. We make sure to mix things up in our yard to keep ‘em happy and healthy. Here’s some ideas to pair with your crab apple offerings:
- Suet Cakes: High-energy fat and protein, perfect for cold months. Birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches dig these.
- Seed Mixes: A good blend of seeds covers the basics for finches, sparrows, and more. Toss in some black oil sunflower for variety.
- Nectar Feeders: Got hummingbirds? Set up a sugar-water feeder for quick fuel.
- Mealworms: Live prey is a hit, especially for parents feedin’ chicks. Bluebirds can’t get enough.
- Other Fruits: Slice up oranges or grapes to complement crab apples. It keeps things fresh for fruit-lovin’ species.
Switchin’ up foods with the seasons keeps birds comin’ back. Crab apples shine in fall and winter, but havin’ other options ensures your yard’s a year-round pitstop.
A Few Drawbacks to Watch Out For
I ain’t gonna sugarcoat it—crab apple trees got a couple downsides ya gotta keep in mind. Some varieties produce messy fruit that drops and rots fast, especially in spring if birds don’t eat ‘em all. It can get sloppy underfoot if the tree’s near a walkway. Also, some trees sucker at the roots, sendin’ up annoying shoots you gotta trim. Pick your spot and variety wisely to dodge these headaches.
Another thing? Not all crab apples are disease-resistant. Some get hit with scab or other issues that knock leaves off by late summer. Do a lil’ research or chat with a local nursery to find hardy types for your area. Trust me, it saves a lotta hassle down the road.
Why You Should Care About Birds and Crab Apples
So, why bother with all this? ‘Cause helpin’ birds ain’t just good for them—it’s good for us too. Watchin’ a cardinal or waxwing dart through your yard brings a kinda joy that’s hard to beat. It connects ya to nature, right outside your window. Plus, birds help out by eatin’ pests and pollinatin’ plants. Plantin’ a crab apple tree or offerin’ the fruit is a small way to give back to the environment, supportin’ local wildlife when they need it most.
I remember the first winter we had a crab apple tree in full fruit. Seein’ those robins peck away while snow dusted the branches? Man, it felt like we were doin’ somethin’ real. You can have that too—just takes a little effort to set up the right spot.
Final Thoughts: Turn Your Yard into a Bird Haven
To wrap it up, birds totally eat crab apples, and they rely on ‘em as a key food source, especially in the colder months. From robins to finches, a whole bunch of species can’t get enough of these tiny fruits. Whether you’re leavin’ fallen ones on the ground, stringin’ ‘em up, or plantin’ a tree of your own, you’ve got plenty of ways to invite birds into your space. Pick the right varieties, mix in other foods, and watch your yard come alive with chirps and flutters.
So, whatcha waitin’ for? Grab some crab apples or plan out a spot for a tree, and get ready to host the best bird bash in the neighborhood. We’ve loved every minute of it at our place, and I bet you will too. Got questions or wanna share your own bird stories? Drop a comment—I’m all ears! Let’s keep the nature vibes rollin’!
Other Plants That Will Attract Birds to Your Yard in Winter
- Mountain Ash: Mountain ash will add some winter color to your yard with its orange-red berries beloved by cedar waxwings and many other birds. The berries will survive until late winter unless the birds take care of them before that.
- Winterberry: Winterberry offers red or orange berries that could last all the way to spring if the birds don’t eat them first.
- Juniper: Juniper berries are known for flavoring gin, but they’re also a food source for winter birds. The juniper itself is a hardy evergreen that will imbue your winter yard with much-needed greenery.
- Barberry: A low-maintenance, deciduous shrub, the barberry puts on a fall show of red, orange, yellow, and purple leaves. Once the leaves drop, its red berries remain for birds to feast on throughout the winter.
Cedar Waxwings foraging on crabapples
FAQ
What animals will eat crab apples?
Many animals consume crab apples, including birds (such as thrushes, blackbirds, and robins), mammals (like deer, squirrels, mice, voles, foxes, and badgers), and even farm animals such as chickens. The crab apple serves as a valuable and reliable food source for wildlife, especially during the fall and winter months when the fruit softens and drops.
Do birds like crabapples?
Yes, many birds do like crabapples, finding them a valuable food source, especially in the fall and winter. The fruit, particularly small, hard varieties, attracts various species like robins, cardinals, and cedar waxwings, providing them with much-needed sustenance. Crabapples also benefit birds by attracting insects to the flowers, offering a “smorgasbord” of food and shelter, and even providing nesting sites.
Will squirrels eat crab apples?
Yes, squirrels eat crab apples and may even store them for the winter, but consuming too many fermented crab apples can cause them to become intoxicated and exhibit unsteady behavior.
Do cardinals eat crabapples?
Cardinals, cedar waxwings, and robins are especially drawn to crabapples.Dec 21, 2020
Do crab apple trees produce fruits?
Not all crab apple trees produce fruits. Some, such as ‘Spring Snow’ and ‘Prairie Rose’, never produce fruits. It’s not only the fruits (and flowers) that are important.
Can crab apples be eaten from a tree?
Crab apples, like their larger counterparts, are edible. Malus trees with fruits smaller than two inches in diameter are classified as crab apples. They tend to be less sweet and even astringent, but can still be eaten.
Do birds eat apples?
Feeding Apples to Birds: Apples can be left out in yards, either on the ground or in bird feeders, to attract various bird species. They are especially useful in winter when food is scarce. It’s important to remove rotten apples and avoid leaving apple cores, as birds typically don’t eat them, and they might attract unwanted wildlife.
Can chickens eat crab apples?
Crab apples are safe for chickens in almost any form and amount, but it’s important to remove the seeds. If a chicken overeats on apples and starts having loose droppings, limit or eliminate the apples from their diet for a while to see if this helps.
Is it beneficial for poultry to eat crab apples?
Crab apples contain a lot of nutrients and minerals that are beneficial for poultry. As the chart shows, they have good amounts of vitamin C and water. While they are not high in protein, which is critical for eggs, they still provide essential nutrients.
Are crabapples good for birds?
If a person wants, he or she can plant a mixture of various cultivars to feed the birds all through our leafless seasons. Crabapples for birds are often determined by the size and the hardness of the fruit. The various cultivars typically become soft after a series of frosts in the fall and winter. Some become soft rather quickly.