Spring is in the air, and with it comes the beautiful sound of chirping birds. But sometimes that peace is interrupted by the sight of a bird attacking your tomatoes.
So do birds eat tomatoes? Yes, they do!
Tomatoes are juicy fruits, so if a bird is thirsty it might be more likely to attack your tomato plants to quench its thirst. You can help mitigate this by keeping a birdbath or other water source nearby. They won’t eat tomato leaves, but they will snack on the tomatoes.
What Kind of Birds Like To Eat Tomatoes?
Gardeners often face a unique issue: garden pests that come in the form of birds. Certain birds have been found to sneak into gardens and eat tomatoes, leaving gardeners with little option but to protect their plants from these hungry intruders.
These are some of the birds that love to eat tomatoes:
- Quail
- Crows
- Robins
- Blue Jay
- Pigeons
- Starlings
- Grackles
- Cardinals
- Sparrows
- Cowbirds
- Thrashers
- Blackbirds
- Mockingbird
- Cedar waxwings
A proactive approach includes providing other forms of sustenance for these feathered friends through bird feeders, which attract the birds already familiar with existing food sources located in the garden area.
In this article I’ll guide you through proactive techniques can help gardeners keep their tomato crops protected from being eaten away.
Do Birds Eat Unripe Green Tomatoes?
Gardeners often find themselves feeling vexed by the birds in their garden, as they seem to unceremoniously peck off unripe tomatoes or even flowers before they get the chance to form.
While many gardeners would like to think that the birds are raiding their garden for a ripe and juicy meal, many times this is not the case. Instead, the birds are after the insects that can be found around unripened fruits and blooming flowers.
As such, gardeners need to understand that birds do love to eat both ripe and unripe tomatoes. and while it may be bothersome for them, the birds are simply using their natural instincts to search for food in your garden – though this doesn’t make up for it destroying an otherwise perfectly good tomato!
Do Birds Eat Tomato Leaves?
Gardeners may already be aware that the leaves of tomato plants can be toxic to humans and potentially toxic for birds if eaten in sufficient quantity.
However, some birds, including garden songbirds, have been known to peck at the tomato leaves while they are still small and tender for a variety of reasons.
While some birds may do so in pursuit of insects or as a means to reach ripe fruits, others may take a bite of the leaf itself.
Pigeons aren’t only content with eating on your fresh tomatoes – they’ll even take the raw materials to construct an abode! These feathered friends will break down tomato stems and vines for their housing, leaving you one step closer to potential bird-filled balconies.
Do Birds Eat Tomato Seeds?
For gardeners who direct sow tomatoes in the garden, it is possible for birds to eat the seeds before they can take root. Many birds are opportunistic feeders and will enjoy a variety of plant-based foods that include fruit seeds.
However, not all birds will eat tomato seeds as different species have different dietary preferences, and their size and shape also play a role in whether or not the seed can be eaten by a bird.
A smaller bird may struggle to eat a larger tomato seed, whereas larger birds may be able to consume them with ease.
Do Birds Eat Tomato Seedlings?
Many gardeners are familiar with the scenario of carefully awaiting their tomato plants to take off only for their seedlings to be gobbled up by birds. It is possible for birds, especially opportunistic feeders, to enjoy snacking on tomato seedlings.
However, not all species of birds will necessarily eat tomato seedlings as they have different dietary preferences and the size and age of the seedlings can play a role in whether or not a bird is capable of eating them.
For example, tiny garden birds may find it difficult to eat larger and more mature seedlings in comparison to larger birds that have a better chance at reaching them.
You may even notice birds turning their attention towards other garden plants such as brassicas (which is a type of cabbage).
While this issue can happen with tomatoes too, gardeners should keep in mind that not all types of birds are interested in tomato seedlings.
How To Stop Birds from Eating Tomatoes in Your Garden
For gardeners looking to stop birds from eating tomatoes in their garden, providing plenty of other food sources and a water source like a wildlife pond or water feature can often help in reducing the problem.
I great idea to stop birds from eating a tomato plant in your garden is to make sure to either offer something else for them to turn their attention to, such as a bird bath, or berry bushes, or to hang shiny objects in the garden.
Another great way to prevent birds in tomato gardens is to install fake predators such as fake owls or have flashing Christmas lights there.
You have to do what you have to do in order to keep your precious tomatoes safe.
Give the birds alternate food sources
By having an alternate food source available, you will lessen the likelihood of garden birds being attracted to your crops.
Additionally, providing birds with an accessible water source can also discourage them from coming into the garden specifically for moisture.
Dan from PlantAbundance has a great video showcasing some of his tips too!
Utilizing a combination of both approaches should make it easier for you to maintain healthy summer crops and enjoy garden fresh tomatoes!
Birds can also be lured away from your garden with bird feeders or bird tables filled with their preferred treats. By taking these steps, you can make sure your tomatoes ripen before being devoured!
Should You Feed Tomatoes to Wild Birds or Pet Birds?
Tomato plants are a tasty treat for wild and pet birds alike, but they should be fed sparingly. Tomatoes give birds the essential nutrients they need, so by providing tomato plants, you’re helping to keep them happy and healthy.
It isn’t just tomato plants that can benefit birds; other crops like cherries, figs, and zucchini can also provide healthy nutrition.
In turn, your feathered friends will help fertilize your garden while keeping pest numbers down in an environmentally friendly way due to their natural insect-eating habits.
To protect tomato plants doesn’t have to mean scaring away the birds; instead, try giving them a little something from time to time as a reward for their good behavior!
Are Tomatoes Good for Birds?
Providing birds with tomatoes can be an excellent way to ensure that birds are getting the nutrition they need. Many birds, particularly those living in urban environments, benefit from having extra dietary options available to them.
Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as other important nutrients for birds. While not all birds will eat tomatoes, offering them as an occasional snack is a great way to provide essential vitamins and minerals to hungry birds.
But it’s important to remember that tomatoes should always be offered in moderation and as part of a well-balanced diet to ensure birds get all the nutrition they need.
Tomato plants can be a great addition to a bird-friendly garden. As said before, they provide essential vitamins and other essential nutrients that are highly beneficial for birds’ health.
However, tomato plants contain high levels of acidity, and as such must only ever be offered in moderation or as part of a balanced diet. That is because if tomato plants are over-consumed, it can cause digestive issues for the birds consuming them.
Furthermore, leaving too many tomato plants in your garden may also encourage unwanted animals like rats.
Identifying Bird Tomato Plant Damage
Before you attempt to deter birds from your tomato plants, make sure you have correctly identified the culprit. Bird damage is recognizable because it leaves a large hole that looks like it was created by multiple stabs–an accurate representation of what actually happened!
The juicy tomato pulp is unmistakably attractive to birds and they tend to aim for this because of its high hydration content. Keep an eye out for tomato wounds left by beaks before taking any preventative measures.
Strategies To Protect Your Tomatoes From Birds
Birds are a joy to see in the garden, but when they start eating your tomatoes, that joy can quickly turn to anger. Here are some tips to help protect your tomatoes from birds.
1. The Scarecrow
One of the most popular and effective ways to keep birds away from your tomato plants is to use a scarecrow. You can either purchase a scarecrow or make your own using some old clothes and stuffing. Simply place the scarecrow in your garden near the tomatoes and the birds will be scared away.
2. Use a Bird Netting
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep birds from eating your tomatoes is to use a net. You can purchase a bird netting for tomatoes at most garden stores, or you can make your own out of chicken wire or other type of wire mesh. Be sure to secure the edges of the netting to keep birds from getting under it.
3. Aluminum Foil
You can also deter birds from eating your tomatoes by hanging strips of aluminum foil around the plants. The shiny surface of the foil will reflect light and scare the birds away.
4. Ultrasonic Devices
There are also ultrasonic devices available that emit high-pitched sounds that only animals can hear. These devices can be placed in your garden and will help to keep birds away from your tomatoes.
5. Play recordings of bird distress calls.
You can also try playing recordings of bird distress calls to keep birds away from your tomatoes. These recordings can be purchased at most garden stores or online. Be sure to play the recordings at a volume that will not disturb your neighbors.
Harvest your tomatoes early
Home gardeners have come up with a sure-fire way to protect delicious tomatoes from feathered raiders: pick them early. After the tomato starts to change color from its bright green state, it can be plucked from the vine and allowed to ripen off the vine. This is a popular practice for many gardeners, and some even say that it produces tastier tomatoes! Erring on the side of caution may be worth it when trying to keep young tomatoes safely nestled in your pantry – until they’re ready to be enjoyed.
Conclusion
Birds do eat tomatoes, but it is important to remember that too many can cause digestive issues. There are a number of ways to protect your tomato plants from birds, including scarecrows, bird nets, aluminum foil, and ultrasonic devices. You can also try playing recordings of bird distress calls. If all else fails, you can simply harvest your tomatoes early.