• Some table scraps are toxic for wild birds.black bird perched on feeder image by tomcat2170 from Fotolia.com
  
  Watching wild birds mingle at a bird feeder is a favorite pastime of many. However, placing all of your table scraps or expired groceries out for the birds isn't a good idea. Many common household foods contain food additives and ingredients that are toxic to birds. When in doubt, choose organic, natural and commercially prepared products for wild bird consumption.
  
  

Honey

• Artificial sweeteners and natural honey are hazardous to wild hummingbirds. The sugary substances readily grow mold and should not be used as a substitute for commercially prepared hummingbird foods, according to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Project Feederwatch.
  
  

Fruits and Vegetables

• Avian Web lists agave fruit, avocado skins, unripe choke cherries, fava beans, mistletoe berries and mushrooms as toxic foods for wild bird consumption. Wild birds eating these items may experience allergic reactions or other health problems. Dried fruits preserved with sulphur dioxide, plain or in leftover holiday breads, should not find their way into a bird feeder. Studies are limited regarding the toxicity of onions and avocado flesh, according to veterinarian Margaret A. Wissman at Exotic Pet Vet, so these foods shouldn't be fed to wild birds as a precaution.
  
  

Dairy Products

• Since birds are lactose intolerant, avoid offering dairy products. Do not give cubes of cheese, yogurt or cottage cheese to wild birds. Small amounts of milk or shredded cheese that have been baked into bread are acceptable because of the low quantities of dairy ingredients.
  
  

Dye

• Bright red hummingbird nectar or artificially dyed dried fruits may look attractive in an outdoor bird feeding station, but the dyes can be toxic for birds, according to Ron O'Kane from Perky-Pet, a manufacturer of hummingbird nectar and wild bird products.
  
  

Meats

• Avoid offering wild birds processed meats such as bologna, sausage or liverwurst. The nitrates, nitrites, sulfites or monosodium glutamate (MSG) used to process the meats are toxic to birds. Meat-eating birds, such as blue jays, may be offered live mealworms. Other carnivorous birds enjoy pecking meat scraps from leftover chicken bones or steak bones, without sauces or seasonings.
  
  

Human Treats

• Caffeine-laden treats, chocolate and alcohol are toxic to wild birds. The metabolite and theobromide in chocolate will make birds ill. Leftover foods with sauces, butter and seasonings are not appropriate for wild birds. Foods high in fat, salt and sugar will make wild birds sick.
  
  

Bird Seed

• Before filling a bird feeder with commercially packaged seed, look over the seed for signs of mold. The visual presence of black or green growth, clumping from moisture or a musty smell means the seeds are contaminated and possibly fermenting. Moldy seeds are toxic to wild birds, according to ProVet Healthcare. Prevent mold growth by storing seeds in a cool, dry area, and use them before the expiration date on the package.