Most types of dried fruit are NOT okay for birds, with the exceptions being sultanas, raisins and currents - but in all cases the fruit should be soaked in cold water before putting out for birds in order to rehydrate it.
Natural Fruits
Generally speaking, dried fruit is not a suitable food type for garden birds. However, there is one very notable exception and that is sultanas, though even with these they should be soaked in fresh cold water before putting out for birds, as this will rehydrate the fruit and therefore also contain the moisture that birds need.
The main species of bird which will be attracted by and eat sultanas are Blackbird and Starling. Robins and Song thrushes may also eat sultanas.
After being soaked in cold water until they’re soft and moist, sultanas should be placed on a bird table, ground tray or directly on the ground.
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FAQS
Is dried fruit OK for birds?
What dried fruit can wild birds eat?
Sultanas, raisins and currants can be put out for garden birds to eat, but it’s important to soak the dried fruit in cold water before doing so.
Can birds eat dried apricots?
No - dried apricots are not a suitable food at all for birds.
Do blackbirds eat raisins?
Blackbirds do eat raisins, with the safe way to provide this food being to soak the raisins in cold water first.
What fruit do birds like the most?
During the late summer and into autumn when fruit is often abundant in gardens, orchards and in hedgerows etc. birds such as Blackbird will eat apples and pears. Our two species of migrant thrush, Fieldfare and Redwing, which come to the British Isles in winter, will feast on windfall apples or those put out of them, and especially in cold weather when the ground is frozen. Strawberries grown in gardens will be eaten by Blackbirds as soon as they start to ripen, as will gooseberries - and hence why many gardeners protect such crops in fruit cages.