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.
“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.
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.
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