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Attracting a variety of birds to your backyard can be both fun and rewarding, especially if you love nature or enjoy birdwatching. But to get a diverse range of birds, picking the right birdseed is crucial. Different birds have different preferences, so knowing what each species likes to eat will help you turn your yard into a bird-watching paradise. Let’s explore some of the best birdseed options to bring more birds to your feeders.
Understanding What Birds Like to Eat
Just like us, birds have their own food preferences. Some birds love seeds packed with oils, while others go for protein-rich food or even insects. To attract a wide range of species, it’s important to offer a variety of seeds that suit different birds. For example, finches are big fans of tiny seeds like nyjer, while woodpeckers prefer suet or peanuts, which are high in fat.
Offering a mix of seeds doesn’t just attract more species—it also helps ensure that birds of all types can find something they like and thrive in your yard.
Why Choosing the Right Birdseed Matters
Choosing the right birdseed does more than just fill your feeders. Good quality, nutritious seeds will encourage birds to come back more often and help them stay healthy. Cheap birdseed often contains fillers that birds won’t eat, which leads to waste and fewer birds visiting. By choosing high-quality seeds, you’ll create an irresistible feeding station for both local birds and those just passing through.
Wild Delight Sizzle N’ Heat Bird Food
Wild Delight Sizzle N’ Heat Bird Food attracts a variety of wild birds with its hot pepper blend, deterring squirrels while providing high-energy nutrition.
Types of Birdseed and Their Benefits
Different seeds attract different birds, and each type has its own benefits. Some are rich in fats and proteins, which are especially important during the colder months, while others cater to ground-feeding or small bird species. Here are some of the best birdseed options and the birds they attract:
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: The All-Purpose Choice
Black oil sunflower seeds are a top choice for attracting many bird species. They’re packed with oil, giving birds the energy they need, especially in the winter. Their thin shells are easy for small birds to crack, and larger birds love them too. Birds like cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, and titmice flock to these seeds.
Safflower Seeds: Great for Cardinals and Chickadees
Safflower seeds are perfect if you want to attract cardinals, chickadees, and grosbeaks. Plus, squirrels don’t like them as much, which is a bonus. They’re a bit harder to crack, so less desirable birds like starlings usually avoid them.
Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds: Best for Finches and Small Birds
If you want to bring in small birds like finches, nyjer (thistle) seeds are the way to go. These tiny seeds are full of oil and protein, which give small birds the energy they need. Goldfinches, pine siskins, and redpolls especially love nyjer seeds, which are best served in specialized feeders with tiny holes to keep larger birds out.
Millet: A Hit with Ground-Feeding Birds
White proso millet is a favorite for ground-feeding birds like sparrows, juncos, and doves. It’s inexpensive and provides carbs that these birds need. You can scatter millet on the ground or use a low platform feeder to attract these species.
Kaytee Wild Bird Waste Free Nut and Fruit Food Seed Blend for Woodpeckers
Kaytee Wild Bird Waste-Free Nut and Fruit Seed Blend provides a mess-free feeding experience, attracting woodpeckers with premium nuts and fruits for optimal nutrition.
Cracked Corn: A Budget-Friendly Choice for Bigger Birds
Cracked corn is an affordable way to attract larger birds like mourning doves, jays, and wild turkeys. While it’s not as nutritious as other seeds, it’s a great supplement to their diet, especially in rural areas. Just be aware that squirrels love cracked corn too, so you might need squirrel-proof feeders.
Peanuts: High-Energy Treat for Jays and Woodpeckers
Peanuts, whether shelled or unshelled, are a high-protein snack loved by jays, woodpeckers, and nuthatches. These birds often grab and store peanuts for later, so they’ll keep coming back. Just make sure the peanuts are unsalted and fresh.
Also Read: What type of bird feeder attracts the most finches?
Mixed Birdseed Blends: The Convenient Option
If you want an all-in-one solution, a mixed birdseed blend is a great choice. These blends usually include sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn, and peanuts, which can attract a wide range of birds. Just make sure to avoid cheap blends with filler seeds like milo, which most birds don’t eat.
By choosing the right birdseed, you can enjoy the sight of various bird species visiting your yard and create a welcoming space for both regulars and new visitors.