Wild birds have a diverse diet consisting of seeds, berries, nuts, insects, and even small animals. However, seeds make up a substantial part of many wild birds’ diets. Choosing bird feed with seeds that appeal to the widest variety of birds will attract more winged visitors to your backyard.
What are the most popular types of bird seed?
Here are some of the top seeds that attract wild birds:
- Sunflower seeds – These are rich in fat and protein and have thin shells that make them easy for birds to crack open. Sunflower seeds attract chickadees, nuthatches, finches, titmice, jays, and cardinals.
- Safflower – Safflower is a white seed that cardinals, chickadees, titmice, finches, and grosbeaks like. Squirrels generally do not care for safflower.
- Nyjer seed – Nyjer is a tiny black seed that appeals to finches such as pine siskins, goldfinches, and redpolls. It has a high fat and protein content to fuel their high metabolisms and energy levels.
- Millet – This tiny, round white seed is cheap and attracts ground-feeding birds like juncos, towhees, sparrows, and quail. However, it is also a favorite of squirrels.
- Peanuts – Shelled and unshelled peanuts will bring in woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and jays.
What types of seeds do different bird species prefer?
Here is a more detailed breakdown of some of the seeds and nuts that specific wild bird species like:
Finches
Finches relish very small seeds due to their tiny beaks. Try offering:
- Nyjer seed
- Millet
- Cracked corn
- Hulled sunflower seeds
- Safflower
- Thistle seed
Sparrows
Sparrows will greedily devour:
- Millet
- Cracked corn
- Milo
- Wheat
- Black oil sunflower seeds
Cardinals
Cardinals love these seeds:
- Safflower
- Sunflower seeds
- Cracked corn
- Millet
Chickadees
Chickadees will readily eat:
- Black oil sunflower seeds
- Safflower
- Nyjer seed
- Peanuts
- Hulled sunflower seeds
Blue Jays
Blue jays will gorge on:
- Peanuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Corn
- Acorns
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers love:
- Suet
- Sunflower seeds
- Peanuts
- Safflower
Nuthatches
Try feeding nuthatches:
- Sunflower seeds
- Suet
- Peanuts
What are the best bird seeds for tube feeders?
Tube feeders are cylinder-shaped bird feeders with small perches and openings that allow birds to access the seeds inside. Here are some top seed options for tube feeders:
- Nyjer seed
- Sunflower seeds
- Safflower
- Cracked corn
- Thistle seed
- Millet
- Peanuts
The small openings on tube feeders allow smaller birds like finches, chickadees, and sparrows to access the seeds while keeping out larger birds. Make sure to get seed that is sized accordingly for your tube feeder openings.
Should you mix different types of bird seed?
Mixing two or more types of bird seeds together is common practice among bird enthusiasts. Bird seed mixes attract a greater variety of bird species to your yard. You get the benefits of different seeds that appeal to different birds. Aim for a mix that contains various seeds of differing size, texture, nutrition, and appeal to attract the widest diversity of birds.
Some things to consider when buying a pre-made mix or mixing your own:
- Include a variety of seeds like millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, milo, safflower, thistle, and nyjer seed.
- Add nuts like peanuts and chopped walnuts and dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
- Get a mix of seeds of different textures and sizes to appeal to different beak types.
- Avoid mixes with a lot of filler seeds like wheat, oats, and flax that birds do not prefer.
- Do not add too much peanut meal, which turns feeders into a sticky mess.
- Mix no more than your birds will eat within a couple weeks to keep the seed fresh.
What are the best bird seeds for ground feeding?
You can simply scatter bird seed on the ground to attract ground-feeding birds like sparrows, juncos, mourning doves, quail, and even blue jays. Some top seeds for ground feeding include:
- Millet
- Cracked corn
- Sunflower seeds
- Safflower
- Nyjer seed
- Thistle seed
- Milo
- Wheat
- Peanuts
Avoid seeds and nuts more prone to rotting and molding when left on the ground, like bread crumbs or peanut meal.
What bird seeds do squirrels hate?
One downside of feeding wild birds is that squirrels often hog the food. Here are some seeds squirrels tend to avoid so you can feather your feeders instead of fattening furry rodents:
- Safflower – Squirrels tend to dislike the bitter taste of safflower.
- Nyjer seed – The tiny size makes nyjer difficult for squirrels to handle.
- Hot pepper bird seed – Some brands like Hot Meats contain capsicum that squirrels dislike.
- Thistle seed – Squirrels have trouble breaking open thistle’s prickly shell.
Avoid millet, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and corn, which squirrels relish. Use feeders with weight mechanisms that close access when a heavy squirrel climbs on.
Do different bird feeder types call for different seeds?
Yes, match the type of bird seed to the feeder for the best results. Here are some tips:
Feeder Type | Best Seeds |
---|---|
Tube feeders | Nyjer, sunflower seeds, safflower, peanuts |
Platform feeders | All seeds work including mixes |
Ground feeding | Millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, safflower |
Suet feeders | Suet cakes, peanuts, sunflower seeds |
Hopper feeders | All seeds work including mixes |
Match the feeder opening size to the seed size, especially for tube feeders. Use feeds with shells or hulls on platform, hopper, and ground feeders to minimize mess.
Should you use shelled or unshelled seeds?
Offering both shelled and unshelled seeds attracts the greatest variety of birds. Here are some benefits of each:
- Shelled seeds – Easier for small birds to eat. Allows you to offer specific seeds birds prefer. Less messy.
- Unshelled seeds – Enjoyed by larger birds like jays and cardinals that crack open shells. Provides activity. Biodegradable shells blend into the landscape.
Use more shelled seeds in winter when birds need higher calories. Go for more unshelled seeds in summer when birds can meet calorie needs more easily.
Should you roast bird seeds?
Lightly roasting sunflower seeds, peanuts, and other oily seeds brings out more flavor and makes them more appealing to birds like chickadees, nuthatches, and jays. However, avoid roasted seeds coated with flavors, salts, or spices.
The best way to roast bird seed is in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Stir regularly so they roast evenly. Roasted seeds will be darker and give off a nutty aroma. Let roasted seeds cool fully before handling or feeding to birds.
Conclusion
Providing a variety of favored seeds will satisfy the appetites of the greatest diversity of wild birds visiting your yard or feeders. Make sure to offer seeds matched to different beaks and feeding styles. Mix and match seeds while avoiding inexpensive fillers for the best results. Rotate seed types with the seasons to provide birds with optimal nutrition. With attention to seed selection, you can look forward to many bright and beautiful feathered friends feasting happily in your yard.