The rose-breasted grosbeak is a beautiful songbird found in forests across much of North America. With its distinctive pink and black plumage, melodious songs, and appetite for insects, it is a delight to observe during the spring and summer months. Many people enjoy attracting grosbeaks to their backyards by setting up bird feeders stocked with their favorite seeds. But with so many types of birdseed on the market, it can be tricky to know which seeds grosbeaks prefer. This article will explore the best seeds to offer rose-breasted grosbeaks based on expert recommendations and research.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are widely considered one of the best seeds to feed rose-breasted grosbeaks. These large, nutritious seeds are packed with fat and protein that provide grosbeaks with the energy they need. The fat content also makes sunflower seeds appealing to grosbeaks during migration and nesting when they require more calories.
Black oil sunflower seeds are an especially good choice compared to other sunflower seed varieties. Their thin shells make it easy for grosbeaks to crack them open and access the nutritious kernels inside. The high oil content of black oil sunflower seeds also makes them extra satisfying.
When setting up feeders, look for sunflower seeds with limited hulls and shells to reduce mess and waste. Hulled and kernel sunflower seeds are ideal. Offering sunflower seeds in mesh feeders or platform feeders can also help minimize shells scattered on the ground.
Benefits of Sunflower Seeds
– High in fat and protein
– Thin shells of black oil variety are easy to crack open
– Hulls and shells can be minimized with hulled/kernel seeds
– Mesh or platform feeders reduce waste
Safflower Seeds
Another excellent seed choice for rose-breasted grosbeaks is safflower. Safflower is a type of thistle seed relished by cardinals, chickadees, finches, and grosbeaks. The seeds are smaller than sunflower seeds but deliver even higher fat content.
A major advantage of safflower is that squirrels and larger birds generally dislike the taste. This makes safflower a good selective seed for attracting grosbeaks while deterring messy and aggressive species.
Since the hard shell of safflower seeds can be difficult for some birds to open, it’s best to offer hulled safflower. The shelled safflower kernels are easier for grosbeaks to access but still unappealing to squirrels.
Benefits of Safflower Seeds
– Very high fat content
– Squirrels and large birds dislike taste
– Deters messy and aggressive species
– Hulled safflower offers easy access to kernels
Nyjer Seeds
Nyjer seed is a tiny, oil-rich seed that appeals to finch species like grosbeaks. Also known as thistle seed, nyjer originates from Africa but is now grown in North America as well. The diminutive size of nyjer seeds means they aren’t ideal as the sole feed offered to grosbeaks. But nyjer makes an excellent supplemental seed.
A wire mesh feeder is best for serving nyjer seeds since it allows drainage of moisture while keeping the tiny seeds contained. The fast-drying oil in nyjer can go rancid if the seeds get wet. A mesh feeder prevents build up of moisture and promotes freshness.
Squirrels struggle to access nyjer through wire mesh, so it’s a feeding option that deters them. But some resourceful squirrels still manage to get at nyjer, so close monitoring is required.
Benefits of Nyjer Seeds
– High in oil content desired by finches
– Tiny size offers variation from larger seeds
– Wire mesh feeders keep seeds fresh and deter squirrels
Cracked Corn
While not their top choice, rose-breasted grosbeaks will eat cracked corn as part of a mixed blend of seeds or from a ground feeding setup. The large chunks of cracked corn provide carbohydrates birds can quickly convert to energy.
Since it lacks the fat content of other seeds, cracked corn should not be the main seed offered to grosbeaks. It’s better as a supplementary food source. It also tends to appeal more to ground feeding birds, so having a ground level tray or spread can allow grosbeaks to take advantage of cracked corn.
A downside is that cracked corn is beloved by squirrels as well, so it can draw in these problematic feeder pests. Take precautions to guard against squirrels when putting out cracked corn.
Role of Cracked Corn
– Provides carbohydrates for energy
– Best as supplement, not sole food
– Appeals to ground feeding birds
– Attracts squirrels easily
Millet
The small, round seeds of millet are consumed by grosbeaks, though not as readily as sunflower or safflower seeds. Still, millet can add diversity to seed mixes offered in feeders. Both white and red millet are taken by grosbeaks.
Since the tiny seeds are prone to spoiling when they get wet, a mesh feeder is the best option for serving millet. Alternatively, millet can be scattered on the ground as part of a seed mix. This allows ground-feeding birds like juncos and doves to pick it up as well.
Millet is palatable to a wide range of birds, so it may attract less desirable species to the feeder. Sparrows are especially fond of white millet. Monitoring feeder activity and removing millet if unwanted guests become a problem is advised.
Pros and Cons of Millet
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
– Adds diversity to seed mix | – Prone to spoiling when wet |
– Attracts various bird species | – Can attract common pest birds like sparrows |
Niger Seeds
Related to nyjer seeds, niger seed comes from the niger plant native to Africa and India. The small, oil-rich seeds appeal to finches like grosbeaks. Red-colored niger seed is especially attractive, possibly because the rich coloration resembles ripe fruit.
As with nyjer seed, a mesh feeder is ideal for serving niger seeds. The small size means they’re not suitable as the sole food source. Offer niger as part of a mix along with sunflower, safflower, and other seeds grosbeaks prefer.
Goldfinches in particular love niger seed, so providing some can help draw in these colorful visitors as well as grosbeaks. Just be aware niger seed shells can create a messy buildup below feeders. Raking or sweeping up debris periodically is recommended.
Benefits of Niger Seeds
– Small, oil-rich seeds appeal to finches
– Red color especially attractive
– Mix with other seeds preferred by grosbeaks
– Draws in appealing goldfinches
Peanuts
Rose-breasted grosbeaks will sometimes eat peanut pieces at feeders, though their interest is limited compared to other seeds. Crushed peanuts can be included in mixes, especially for ground and platform feeders. Whole peanuts still in the shell are not recommended, since grosbeaks cannot access the inside kernel.
The protein and fat in peanuts does provide nutrition to birds. But peanuts lack the calories of oil seeds, and they are prone to harboring aflatoxins produced by fungi. These toxins can be harmful to birds over time.
If offering peanuts, go for small bits and pieces rather than whole nuts. Avoid peanuts that are moldy or spoiled in any way. And use peanuts sparingly as just a small part of an overall mix of seeds preferred by grosbeaks.
Downsides of Peanuts
– Lower in fat and calories than oil seeds
– Can develop toxic aflatoxin fungus
– Grosbeaks unable to open whole peanuts
– Use bits, pieces, and meal only
– Best as small supplement, not main food
Mealworms
While seeds make up the bulk of their diet, rose-breasted grosbeaks will eagerly feed on live insects to obtain protein. Mealworms are a convenient way to provide vital animal protein to attract grosbeaks.
Dried mealworms can be offered in small dishes or mesh feeders designed for live mealworms. Soaking dried mealworms in water restores their plumpness and makes them appear living to birds.
Whether dried or live, mealworms are best served fresh. Leaving them out for extended periods in hot weather can cause spoilage and food safety issues. Clean and refresh mealworm dishes frequently.
During nesting season when their protein requirements peak, a regular supply of mealworms can entice parent grosbeaks to bring their young to feeders. But skip the mealworms in late summer when they need fattening seeds for migration.
Tips for Offering Mealworms
– Dried mealworms soaked in water work well
– Use small dishes designed for live worms
– Serve fresh, do not let mealworms spoil
– Great protein source during spring nesting season
– Avoid late summer when fattening seeds preferred
Fruit
While rose-breasted grosbeaks primarily eat seeds and insects, they will sometimes sample ripe fruit. Berries and soft fruits like grapes, bananas, and melon can be provided in small platform feeders or stuck onto spikes.
Fruit tends to quickly spoil in the heat, so only put out what birds can eat in a day. Clean and disinfect feeders frequently to prevent mold and bacteria. Also be aware fruit can attract bees, wasps, and ants.
A nibble of fruit provides natural sugars and a nutritional boost. But fruit should not be a dietary staple, since grosbeaks require protein and fat over simple sugars. Think of fruit as an occasional treat to complement their main diet.
Fruit Feeding Tips
– Offer bite-sized pieces of soft berries, grapes, banana, melon
– Use platform feeders and fruit spikes
– Only provide what will be eaten same day
– Disinfect feeders often to avoid spoilage
– Fruit sugars should complement, not replace, main diet
Nyjer vs. Niger Seeds
It’s easy to confuse nyjer and niger seeds since they sound so similar. But there are some key differences between these two types of tiny, oil-rich seeds popular with finches.
Origins
– Nyjer is imported from Africa, India, and Asia
– Niger is native to Africa and India
Harvesting
– Nyjer threshed from a daisy-like plant
– Niger extracted from a niger plant
Color
– Nyjer is mostly gray
– Niger tends to be reddish brown
Size
– Nyjer about 1-2mm long
– Niger around 3-4mm long
Taste
– Nyjer has a spicy, peppery flavor
– Niger is milder tasting
Both nyjer and niger seeds provide tiny, oil-rich food source beneficial to finches. Offering a mix of both helps add diversity to feeders and attract grosbeaks.
Feeder Types
To successfully attract rose-breasted grosbeaks, having the right feeder setup is as important as offering their favorite seeds. Here are some recommended feeder styles:
Platform Feeders
Simple tray-like feeders allow easy access to a variety of loose seeds. Grosbeaks can forage for their preferred seeds. Drainage holes prevent sogginess.
Hopper Feeders
These enclosed feeders protect seeds from getting wet. Dispensing perches or slots allow birds to access the seed mix inside while minimizing waste.
Tube Feeders
Cylindrical tube feeders with small ports dispense sunflower or safflower seeds. Perch rings surround the ports for easy feeding access.
Mesh Feeders
Metal mesh bags or tubes allow drainage while keeping small seeds contained. Great choice for nyjer, niger and millet seeds.
Suet Feeders
Offering suet or seed cakes provides fat and protein. Wire cages protect suet from melting in heat.
Location and Protection
Proper placement of feeders allows grosbeaks to feed comfortably while staying safe. Here are some tips:
– Situate feeders near trees or shrubs for quick escape from predators
– Avoid locating too close to bushes where cats may hide and ambush
– Place feeders at least 5-6 feet off the ground to make squirrel access harder
– Set up a feeder area protected from prevailing winds, rains, and snowdrifts
– Ensure good drainage around feeders to prevent puddles and soggy seed
– Supplement feeder set-up with water source like fountain or bird bath
– Clean feeders regularly to prevent buildup of spoiled seed and waste
Following these precautions helps create an optimal sanctuary for grosbeaks to enjoy the seeds they love. Monitoring activity and making adjustments to deter squirrels or large aggressive species can further fine-tune your feeder set-up for grosbeaks.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best birdseed for rose-breasted grosbeaks, offering a variety of their favorite seeds is key. Stock up on sunflower seeds, nyjer seed, niger seed, safflower, and millet to attract these beautiful songbirds. Supplement with fruits, mealworms, and suet for a balanced diet. Serve the seeds in specialized finch feeders placed in a safe spot. With the right seeds and feeders, you’ll be rewarded with regular visits from hungry grosbeaks all season long. Observing their bright plumage and cheery songs will brighten any day.