Is bird seed just grass seed?

Many people assume that bird seed is just a mixture of various grass seeds, but this is not actually the case. While some types of bird seed do contain grass seeds, there are many other common ingredients as well. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what’s really inside bird seed.

What types of seeds are commonly found in bird seed mixes?

Here are some of the most common types of seeds used in bird seed mixes:

• Millet – This tiny, round white seed is a staple in most bird seed blends. It has a mild, nutty flavor that appeals to a wide variety of birds.
• Cracked corn – Dried corn kernels that have been cracked into smaller pieces. Provides birds with carbohydrates.
• Nyjer seed – Also known as thistle seed, nyjer is a small, black oilseed that finches love. It has a high fat content to provide birds with energy.
• Oats – Whole or hulled oats provide fiber and protein. Oats start to go rancid quickly so aren’t found in all bird seed mixes.
• Peanuts – Shelled, unsalted peanuts appeal to larger birds like jays and woodpeckers. Some mixes contain peanut pieces or chips.
• Safflower seed – These white cone-shaped seeds have a tough shell that smaller birds can’t break open. Larger birds like cardinals enjoy them.
• Sunflower seeds – The black oilseed type provides the highest fat content. Sunflower chips and hulled seeds are also common.
• Flax seed – Small brown seeds that provide omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Usually found in premium bird seed mixes.
• Hemp seed – Another good source of protein and fatty acids. Hemp seeds have a soft shell that most birds can break open.
• Fruit – Raisins, currants, berries, and dried fruit add flavor and natural sweetness.

In addition to these main ingredients, many bird seed mixes contain small amounts of other seeds, nuts, and dried fruits to add variety.

Do any bird seed mixes contain grass seeds?

Most standard bird seed blends do not contain any actual grass seeds like rye, fescue, or bluegrass. However, some specialty products designed to attract ground-feeding birds like quail and doves do include a small percentage of grass seeds.

These seeds usually make up less than 5% of the total mix. Some examples include proso millet, wheat, and grain sorghum. They provide the carbohydrates and fiber that ground-feeding birds seek out when foraging.

Backyard bird seed mixes avoid grass seeds because they can have lower nutritional value for songbirds. They also have the potential to sprout and become weedy if spilled under feeders.

What are the pros and cons of seed mixes with grass seeds?

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of bird seed mixes containing grass seeds:

Potential benefits

• Attract quail, doves, and other ground-feeding species
• Provideneeded fiber and carbs
• Inexpensive filler to reduce cost of mix

Potential drawbacks

• Lower nutritional value than oilseeds
• Can sprout and become weedy under feeders
• Most songbirds don’t prefer grass seeds
• Shorter shelf life due to oils in grass seeds

Overall, the inclusion of some grass seeds can benefit select species, but a heavy content will reduce the appeal and quality for most backyard birds. That’s why most bird food brands limit grass seeds to a small fraction of the mix.

What types of birds eat grass seeds?

Here are some of the bird species that actively feed on grass seeds:

As shown, millet is the most universally enjoyed grass seed among backyard birds. Sorghum, wheat, and oats are other good options for attracting ground-feeding species.

What are some sample mixes using grass seeds?

If you do want to offer some grass seeds in your bird feeder, here are two simple seed mixes you can make:

Dove & Quail Mix

• 60% white proso millet
• 20% cracked corn
• 10% wheat
• 5% nyjer seed
• 5% oats

Songbird Mix with Millet

• 40% black oil sunflower
• 30% nyjer seed
• 20% cracked corn
• 5% millet
• 5% safflower

These mixes contain between 5-10% grass seeds, which is plenty to attract ground-feeding birds while still providing good nutrition from the oilseeds and corn.

Can you plant uneaten grass seeds from bird feed?

It is possible to plant leftover grass seeds from bird feed, but the results can be unpredictable. Some potential issues include:

• Not knowing the variety – Seed mix contents often aren’t disclosed.
• Low germination rates – Seeds meant for feeding won’t always sprout well.
• Few seeds of each type – Small amounts of many different seeds.
• Needing to separate seeds – Grass seeds mixed with other bird food.
• Poorer growing performance – Varieties bred for feed conversion, not vigor.

That being said, you can try sprouting the milo, millet, wheat and other grass seeds from bird feeders to see what happens. Use a seed starting tray and plant the seeds close together. Keep them warm and moist until sprouted. Transplant any seedlings that thrive into your garden.

Conclusion

While true grass seeds are not completely absent from bird food mixes, the majority of ingredients consist of nutritionally rich oilseeds, corn, fruit, and other plant matter. The inclusion of small amounts of cereal grains like millet, wheat, and sorghum can help attract dove and quail, but too much will dilute the appeal and energy content for most songbirds. Improvised planting of leftover feed rarely produces worthwhile results. So while not exactly the same as spreading lawn grass seed, inexpensive bird seed can supplement your garden vegetation or compost when creativity strikes.