WBFI Research Foundation – 10 Years of Scientific Research on Wild Bird Feeding Dr. David Horn, Professor of Biology, Millikin University

10 Years of Scientific Research on Wild Bird Feeding Bird feeding is a popular pastime. In 2011, 53 million Americans over 16 fed birds and other wildlife and spent $5 billion on the hobby (USFWS 2012). The practice of bird feeding remains one of the least studied wildlife-management issues in the United States (Horn and Johansen 2013). Since 2005, the WBFI Research Foundation has been funding studies to answer some of the hobby’s most important questions.

10 Years of Scientific Research on Wild Bird Feeding

The Impact of Wild Bird Feeding on Bird Populations and the Health of Individual Birds

WBFI Research Foundation International Research & Development Center

Wild Bird Food and Feeder Test Site Food and feeder test site provides independent, confidential, scientific testing of food and feeders for wild birds. – Test single seeds, seed blends, suet, seed blocks, etc. – Test bird feeders Food and feeder test site can conduct other research. – Does bird feeding positively impact survival?

Wild Bird Food and Feeder Test Site Compare company’s bird food/feeder products with others – Each test would consist of up to 4 products simultaneously. – Each test would be a blind test. Each test would include: – Monitoring the number of birds of each species that visit each product during 30, 45-minute sessions. – Total food consumption of each product measured weekly. – Monitoring will take place in at least three locations in and around Decatur, IL.

Wild Bird Food and Feeder Test Site Testing is expected to be complete in 6 weeks. A written report summarizing the results will be provided. – Report will include statistical analysis and other comments.

Introduction – Sunflower vs. Seed Blend First test of WBFI Research Foundation International Research & Development Center Compared black-oil sunflower to seed blend – Seed blend consisted of 50% black-oil sunflower, 18% white proso millet, 10% safflower, 9% whole peanuts, 7% medium sunflower chips, and 6% red proso millet.

Study Sites – Sunflower vs. Seed Blend Study took place September 19 to October 7, Four locations in Decatur, Illinois used: – Suburban home – Dennis School (Decatur Public Schools) – Rock Springs Conservation Area (Macon County Conservation District) – Sand Creek Conservation Area (Macon County Conservation District) Locations used different feeder types. Within location four feeders of same type and model were used.

Results – Seed Consumption Daily food consumption significantly differed between black-oil sunflower and seed blend. – Sunflower consumption was 0.92 kg per day. – Seed blend consumption was 1.75 kg per day.

Results – Bird Abundance Bird visits at feeders significantly differed between black-oil sunflower and seed blend. Two species were more abundant at sunflower. – Black-capped Chickadee – 7.4 visits at sunflower vs. 3.7 visits at seed blend – Tufted Titmouse – 20.2 visits at sunflower vs. 5.4 visits at seed blend

Results – Bird Abundance One species was more abundant at seed blend. – House Sparrow – 1.7 visits at sunflower vs. 5 visits at seed blend

Results – Bird Abundance Three species had equivalent abundance at black-oil sunflower and seed blend. – House Finch – 2.4 visits at sunflower vs. 2.1 visits at seed blend – Northern Cardinal – 1.7 visits at sunflower vs. 1.3 visits at seed blend – White-breasted Nuthatch – 13.3 visits at sunflower vs. 8.9 visits at seed blend

Discussion – Sunflower vs. Seed Blend Seed blend consumption 90% greater than black-oil sunflower. Seed selection varies by species. Opportunity to develop seed blends that attract species people want, reduce nuisance species, and increase seed consumption. – Black-capped Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse are two species individuals want to attract to feeders. – House Sparrow considered undesirable by many individuals.

Wild Bird Food and Feeder Test Site Next step in wild bird feeding research Seed studies can examine: – Blends that attract specific species – Blends that increase seed consumption Feeder studies can examine: – Effectiveness of new feeder types – Effectiveness of modifications to pre-existing feeders Provides companies with valuable information prior to product launch

Acknowledgments Support for the International Research & Development Center was provided by Wild Bird Feeding Industry Research Foundation, Millikin University, Hiatt Manufacturing, Prince Corporation, and Woodstream Corporation. Sierra Birdsell, Sydney Brangenberg, and David Braun are assisting with the research. Decatur Public Schools and Macon County Conservation District are hosting feeder locations.

Questions Dr. David J. Horn Millikin University ,