Types of Bird Food and the Wild Birds They Attract
Before you pick up a bag of bird seed, go on a bird watching walk around your neighborhood. This will help you learn more about the species of birds that you can welcome to your backyard bird feeder. Once you know the birds you want to attract, pick the right feed to offer. Below are the most common types of bird feed and the bird species that love them.
Sunflower Seeds – Woodpeckers, Finches, Chickadees, Cardinals and More
Sunflower seeds are the best bird seeds as they attract a large variety of birds, like woodpeckers, nuthatches, grosbeaks, buntings and many more. Black oil sunflower seeds are preferred by most birds and are widely available. These seeds are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, fat and protein that are vital for birds.
Suet Feed for Birds - Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees, Jays and More
Suet is a high-fat bird food that helps birds with extra calories during winter. It’s usually made of beef fat but can be made with vegetable fat too. Suet is best for cooler months as the cakes can melt during summer. You can also make your own DIY suet cakes and hang them up in suet feeders. Don’t forget to hang the feeders away from direct sunlight as the heat can melt them. Find ways to create better access for birds by adding twigs and sticks for perching. Check out different types of suets for different species of birds.
Millet – Doves, Quails, Sparrows and Other Ground Feeding Birds
Millet is the most easily available bird seed and loved by most ground-feeding birds like doves. It’s economical too, so add a blend of millet and other seeds to the bird feeding platform. Spread the seeds in an open space or add it to a low feeding tray to attracts doves, quails and juncos.
Safflower Seeds – Cardinals, Chickadees, Grosbeaks and Doves
Most birds, except cardinals, cannot open the hard shell of the safflower seeds. But safflower seeds are disliked by common pests like house sparrows, European starlings and squirrels which in turn helps keep them away. Tray and hopper feeders are perfect for safflower seeds.
Nyjer or Thistle Seeds – Finches, Juncos and Chickadees
Nyjer are commonly referred to as thistle seeds, but do not produce the notorious thistle plant. These seeds are heated to limit their chance of germination in case they fall on the ground. Nyjer seeds can be used in place of sunflower seeds and are a good source of fat and protein. Squirrels and House sparrows don’t like this type of seed, so you can add them to your bird feeder worry free.
Peanuts – Jays, Magpies and Crows
Birds love peanuts. Bird feed peanuts are unsalted, so make sure you get those. Blue jays, stellar jays and magpies enjoy peanuts. As they are a little pricy, add peanuts to the bird feeder as treats to delight your feathered visitors.
Nectar – Hummingbirds, Orioles and Warblers
Hummingbirds feed on bugs and nectar. You can either make your own DIY nectar or get ready-to-use nectar from the store. Read more about hummingbirds and how to attract them here.
Fruits and Berries – Robins, Waxwings, Bluebirds and Mockingbirds
Some birds feed on berries and fruits and not on bird seed. Bird seed blends with fruits can serve as a welcoming treat to such birds. For starters, you can also soak raisins and currants in water overnight and add them to the bird feeders.
Tips for Feeding Birds
- The bird feeder and bird food are based on the type of bird you want to attract. Learn more about how to buy the right bird feeder in this article.
- Store your bird seed in pest-proof containers in a cool and dry location outside your home.
- Do not mix old seed with a pack of new seeds.
- When it’s warm, store bird seed that can be consumed over 10-15 days.
- During winter, store bird seed that you may use within a month.
- Only fill your bird feeders with seeds that can be consumed in 1-2 days.
- Regularly clean your bird feeders as it can be a health hazard to birds. Check out our article on how to clean bird feeders.
- Find more bird feeding tips here.
Bird Seed and Bird Food FAQs
Which Bird Seed Should We Avoid Feeding Wild Birds?
Wheat, sorghum and canary seeds are some bird seeds that wild birds don’t eat. However, canary can be offered to some pet birds, while sorghum works for ground-feeding birds like turkeys, quails etc.
What Type of Bird Feeder Attracts the Most Birds?
It’s always better to have a variety of bird feed in separate feeders, as a mix of bird seeds will attract a variety of birds. This also helps to avoid waste.
Is Suet or Bird Seed Better for Birds?
Suet cakes are great for cooler months as they provide extra calories birds need to keep warm in winter. A combination of bird seed and suet is needed during cooler weather to fulfill the overall dietary requirements of birds.
Do Birds Prefer Shelled or Unshelled Sunflower Seeds?
Unshelled sunflower seeds are easier to eat for both small and big birds and are a no-mess alternative to shelled seeds. Black oil sunflower seed is the most favored choice of seed for birds.