bird feed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-MediumEveryday, Informal, Commercial
Quick answer
What does “bird feed” mean?
Food specifically prepared and given to birds, especially wild birds in gardens or kept pets.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Food specifically prepared and given to birds, especially wild birds in gardens or kept pets.
A product or mixture designed as nourishment for avian species; can refer to commercial seed blends, suet cakes, or other specialized nutrition for birds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English slightly more commonly uses 'bird food'. 'Bird feed' is understood but may be perceived as slightly more technical or commercial. In the US, 'bird feed' is standard for wild bird sustenance sold in stores.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with garden bird care and pet shops. US: Strongly associated with wild bird feeding, backyard feeders, and hardware/garden stores.
Frequency
'Bird feed' is more frequent in US English. 'Bird food' is a more general and frequent term in both varieties, but 'bird feed' has a specific commercial/product nuance.
Grammar
How to Use “bird feed” in a Sentence
[Subject] + put out + bird feed + [for birds][Subject] + buy + bird feed + [from shop]Bird feed + is + scattered + [on the ground/feeder]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bird feed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We must remember to feed the birds.
- She feeds the robins every morning.
American English
- I need to feed the birds before it snows.
- They feed the wild turkeys in their yard.
adjective
British English
- The bird-feed station needs cleaning.
- He works in the bird feed industry.
American English
- The bird feed aisle is at the back of the store.
- Check the bird feed label for ingredients.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Retail of bird feed products, garden centre inventory.
Academic
In ornithology or ecology studies discussing supplementary feeding's impact on populations.
Everyday
Talking about shopping for or putting out food for garden birds.
Technical
In agriculture or aviculture, specifying nutritional content for different bird species.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bird feed”
- Spelling as one word ('birdfeed') – while accepted in some brands, standard is two words.
- Using 'bird feed' for poultry/chicken feed (more specific: 'poultry feed').
- Confusing 'bird feed' (noun) with 'feed the birds' (verb phrase).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard orthography treats it as two separate words ('bird feed'). Hyphenation ('bird-feed') is sometimes seen in attributive use (e.g., 'bird-feed supplier'), but the open form is most common.
'Birdseed' is more specific, usually referring to a mix of seeds (sunflower, millet, etc.). 'Bird feed' is a broader term that can include seeds, suet, peanuts, mealworms, and other forms of bird food.
It's possible, but 'parrot food', 'bird pellets', or 'avian diet' are more precise. 'Bird feed' typically implies food for wild or outdoor birds.
It can provide crucial energy, especially in winter, but it's important to use appropriate feed, maintain hygiene at feeders, and understand it may affect local bird behavior and ecology.
Food specifically prepared and given to birds, especially wild birds in gardens or kept pets.
Bird feed is usually everyday, informal, commercial in register.
Bird feed: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɜːd fiːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɝːd fiːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to be) for the birds (slang: worthless)”
- “(to be) as scarce as hen's teeth”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Birds FEED on bird FEED. The word itself contains the action it describes.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUSTENANCE IS A PRODUCT (e.g., 'topped up the feeder with bird feed').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common American English term for commercially sold food for wild birds?