Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
  • Discount Codes
Bhg
  • Shop
  • News
  • Food
  • DIY
  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Decorating
  • Health
  • TV
  • Hard to Find
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Better Life

Is it illegal to feed wild birds in Australia?

Step away from the bird feed!
  • 12 Sep 2019
Is it illegal to feed wild birds in Australia?

MOST of us have thrown a hot chip to a bird or have been tempted to give some meat to that beautiful kookaburra who sits on the back fence each afternoon however is it actually illegal to feed wild birds in Australia?

While it is not technically illegal to feed native birds in Australia and you are unlikely to be issued with a hefty fine, wildlife experts strongly discourage bird feeding.

Given birds eat a balanced diet which is 90 per cent insects and nectar, seed or fruit, WIRES [New South Wales Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service Inc.] says the wrong food changes the balance of native birds' diet and can negatively impact their health.

bird feeding

“Feeding birds can increase aggression and stress as many try to feed together, this wouldn’t happen naturally,” says the organisation. "Feeding can increase the quantity of non-native birds, non-native rats and cockroaches, as the more food they get the more they breed.” 

In addition, to making them ill and overweight, hand-fed birds can become pests and you may soon find your backyard overrun with large flocks.

Seeds and fruit attract unwanted mice and rats, while their droppings can cause the spread of germs.

WIRE says artificial feeding can also change the balance of species in the wild as it can increase some species, which in turn, decreases others.

“The Rainbow lorikeet for example has taken great advantage of the artificial feeding and has all but eliminated the shy Scaly Breasted lorikeet from our urban areas,” says the organisation. 

“Feeding birds can increase aggression and stress as many try to feed together, this wouldn’t happen naturally,” says the organisation. "Feeding can increase the quantity of non-native birds, non-native rats and cockroaches, as the more food they get the more they breed.” 

In addition, to making them ill and overweight, hand-fed birds can become pests and you may soon find your backyard overrun with large flocks.

Seeds and fruit attrract unwanted mice and rats, while their droppings can cause the spread of germs.

WIRE says artificial feeding can change the balance of species in the wild as it can increase some species, which in turn, decreases others.

“The Rainbow lorikeet for example has taken great advantage of the artificial feeding and has all but eliminated the shy Scaly Breasted lorikeet from our urban areas,” says the organisation. 

bird feeding

Feeding may be frowned upon by authorities in Australia however  attitudes are vastly different in other nations.

In the UK, the feeding of wild birds is enjoyed by millions of people who provide bird food in their private gardens and relish the opportunity to interact with wild animals.

Bird feeding is promoted by organisations including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Humane Society in the United States but in Australia it’s a completely different landscape.

While there is no anti-feeding legislation in Australia, you could land a fine from some councils if you’re caught feeding birds on private property like shopping centres.

While native birds are beautiful and it can be tempting to feed them, particularly if you have little ones, wildlife authorities in Australia say birds don't benefit from the extra food.

“Native birds do not need extra food as they are well adapted to their environment and will be much healthier and happier overall if left to eat only their normal diet,” says WIRE.

 

  • Travel
  • Better Life

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Plus, your chance to win

Subscribe Now
Treat yourself to a subscription

Recommended to you

Cranberry chocolate crunch bundt recipe
Watch 3:53

Cranberry chocolate crunch bundt recipe

{headline}

{headline}

Is it really okay to feed wild birds?

Is it really okay to feed wild birds?

What do magpies eat?

What do magpies eat?

Where to buy affordable furniture and homewares online in Australia

Where to buy affordable furniture and homewares online in Australia

The gardener’s way to get rid of old clothes

The gardener’s way to get rid of old clothes

{headline}

{headline}

Boxing Day sales: Everything you need to know to score a bargain in 2023

Boxing Day sales: Everything you need to know to score a bargain in 2023

The sneaky spot gnats are hiding in your kitchen

The sneaky spot gnats are hiding in your kitchen

Christmas at home with Dami Im

Christmas at home with Dami Im

{headline}

{headline}

Dr Harry meets Christmas reindeers

Dr Harry meets Christmas reindeers

13 sustainable gifts for the eco-conscious person in your life

13 sustainable gifts for the eco-conscious person in your life

12 unique Christmas table settings that will impress your guests

12 unique Christmas table settings that will impress your guests

Here's every gift guide we've done (so far)!

Here's every gift guide we've done (so far)!

10 food advent calendars for foodies to savour this Christmas

10 food advent calendars for foodies to savour this Christmas

Our 7 top picks of the best dryers from $299 to take for a (gentle) spin

Our 7 top picks of the best dryers from $299 to take for a (gentle) spin

Travelling light is no sweat with these 7 lightweight carry-on luggage options

Travelling light is no sweat with these 7 lightweight carry-on luggage options

Bhg
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Bhg Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • BHG Shop
  • Girlfriend
  • Home Beautiful
  • New Idea
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Who
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • That’s Life
  • Hard to Find
  • Australian Women's Weekly
© 2023 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Are Media and its brands may have generated text partially using generative AI. Upon generating draft language, our editors review, edit, and revise it to their own liking. We take ultimate responsibility for the content of our publications.
Get more from Better Homes and Gardens

Magazine Subscription Offer

Treat yourself to a subscription-Save up to 25%

Shop This Offer
Treat yourself to a subscription