Moscow residents should feed wild birds unroasted sunflower seeds and whole grains during winter, according to Gorky Park biologist Anna Gerasimova.
Speaking in an interview with state news agency RIA Novosti, Gerasimova explained that unroasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds, whole millet, wheat, and barley offer the most suitable nourishment for urban birds during the capital's cold season.
The biologist noted that feeding requirements vary depending on the species. For thrushes and waxwings, dried berries such as rowan, hawthorn, and rosehip are recommended. Tits and members of the crow family benefit from unsalted fat or lard, while ready-made commercial grain mixtures available at pet shops also provide suitable nutrition.
Conversely, Gerasimova strictly warned against offering bread, as well as salted, smoked, fried, or perishable foods, which can be harmful to bird health. She emphasized that feeding must be restricted to the winter months. Providing food during warmer seasons can cause birds to stop foraging independently, leading to reduced physical activity and excessive weight gain.
Winter species in the capital
Sparrows, tits, crows, and pigeons remain in Moscow throughout the winter months and are well adapted to urban life, according to Gerasimova. During the colder period, residents may also observe treecreepers, woodpeckers, and nuthatches foraging across the city's parks and forested zones.
Small songbirds like tits and nuthatches experience rapid heat loss during freezing Russian winters, making high-calorie fats and dense seeds essential for maintaining body temperature. Berry-eating species like waxwings rely heavily on winter-fruiting trees and shrubs when ground forage is buried under snow. Meanwhile, bread and processed human foods lack the essential vitamins and proteins birds require and can cause severe digestive issues.
Park ecology and wildlife care
Gorky Park, situated along the Moskva River in central Moscow, is one of the city's primary green spaces, encompassing historic gardens, wooded areas, and water bodies that host numerous native wildlife species. Moscow winters typically bring freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, which significantly reduces natural food availability for overwintering urban wildlife.
RIA Novosti is a major Russian news agency based in Moscow that regularly reports on municipal environmental guidance, public health advisories, and city park initiatives.
The new recommendations for bird care follow previous warnings issued to Moscow residents regarding autumn wildlife feeding. Municipal authorities previously urged the public to stop feeding squirrels in autumn to ensure the animals do not lose their instinct to hunt for food and store natural caches ahead of winter.
