Winters in Kansas can be harsh, and for our feathered friends, the challenges of surviving cold, dark nights are immense. While your feeders often provide supplemental food for birds during milder weather, in the depths of winter, they can become a crucial lifeline, helping birds make it from one day to the next.

Why Feeders Matter More in Winter

Under normal conditions, birds gather only about 20% of their daily calories from feeders, relying on natural food sources for the rest. However, during periods of extreme cold, this balance shifts dramatically. Research in Wisconsin revealed that chickadees without access to feeders had twice the mortality rate compared to those with reliable feeder access when temperatures dropped below 10º F.

Cold isn't the only threat birds face. Winter storms, high winds, and wet conditions can rob birds of their ability to maintain body heat, even at moderate temperatures. Feeding stations stocked with high-energy foods can make all the difference during these critical times.

The Long, Dark Winter Nights

One of the most underestimated challenges birds face is the prolonged darkness of winter nights. In Wichita, small songbirds may need to endure 13 to 15 hours of darkness, surviving solely on their fat reserves. This is no small feat: birds can burn through up to 80% of their fat reserves in a single winter night, equivalent to around 10% of their body weight.

For perspective, imagine a 200-pound person losing—and regaining—20 pounds of fat every single day. That’s the level of effort birds expend just to make it through the long, cold nights.

The Role of Fat in Survival

Fat is the most concentrated energy source birds can consume, and stored body fat is their primary fuel during the hours between meals and through frigid winter nights. Birds must not only find enough food to sustain their daily activities but also rebuild their fat reserves for the coming night—all within the limited hours of daylight.

This makes high-fat foods a critical necessity for birds in winter. By providing them with reliable, energy-rich options, you can play a vital role in helping them survive.

The Power of Winter SuperBlend

At Wild Birds Unlimited of Wichita, we recommend our specially formulated Winter SuperBlend as the ultimate high-fat, high-energy food for birds. Designed to meet the unique challenges of winter survival, this blend offers the essential fat and nutrients birds need to fuel their long nights and harsh days.

Whether you’re feeding chickadees, woodpeckers, or finches, Winter SuperBlend provides the nutrition they require to replenish their reserves and keep going strong. Pair it with suet, seed cylinders, or No-Mess Plus Blend for a comprehensive feeding station that supports a wide variety of birds.

Help Birds Thrive This Winter

When Kansas winters test the limits of endurance, your backyard can become a safe haven for birds. By keeping your feeders full of high-fat foods like Winter SuperBlend, you can make a meaningful difference in their survival.

Visit Wild Birds Unlimited of Wichita to stock up on Winter SuperBlend and other premium bird foods. Let’s help our feathered friends conquer the challenges of winter, one meal at a time.