Wild bird seed is an excellent way to attract birds to your backyard. There are various varieties available, so select one suitable for your location and the species of bird you wish to attract.
Wild bird seed can be expensive, but the rewards of seeing your feathered friends in the wild make it worthwhile. When shopping for wild bird food, make sure you purchase fresh varieties rather than the cheap, stale variety at your local discount store which has been sitting idle in a warehouse for years and lost most of its nutritional value.
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Nyjer Seed
Nyjer Seed, also known as thistle seed, is an unusual bird food that attracts various songbirds. It’s particularly popular among finches such as American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin and Common Redpoll.
Guizotia abyssinica, grown in Ethiopia, India, Myanmar and Nepal, was heat-treated before being imported to North America so that it won’t turn into a noxious weed.
It’s a small, black seed that typically sprouts into a yellow flower and is often mistaken for thistle, an invasive weed in North America.
Black Oil Sunflower
Black oil sunflower seed is a widely-used birdseed. Its high protein and fat content makes it especially nutritious during the winter months when birds tend to hibernate.
These seeds are often a mainstay in wild bird feeders. They’re easy for birds to open and provide plenty of calories per bite.
These foods are also abundant in fatty acids, vitamins E and B as well as minerals like iron, zinc and calcium.
Black oil seeds stand out from other varieties of sunflowers due to their thinner shell, making them easier for poultry and livestock digestion.
These sunflowers are often planted to purify soil, as their ability to pull nutrients and contaminants toward the surface. Furthermore, they make excellent plant companions for pollinators and wildlife alike.
Millet
Millet is a nutritious and versatile grain that’s easy to prepare in various ways. It offers numerous health advantages over more common grains like rice or wheat, such as heart-protective properties and anti-inflammatory effects.
Gluten-free and high in fiber, it makes a perfect addition to anyone with celiac disease’s diet. Furthermore, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps lower LDL levels while raising HDL or “good” cholesterol.
Millets also contain iodine, which is essential for thyroid health. A lack of this mineral can lead to goitre – an enlarged thyroid gland that may cause dry skin, anxiety, depression and slow thinking.
Peanuts
Peanuts are a protein-packed legume from the pea family that has become an important crop around the world. Not only are they delicious in many dishes, but also cost-effective, high in nutrients, and versatile (you can use them in many different ways).
Seeds are an excellent source of protein, healthy monounsaturated fat, fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, they may help regulate blood sugar levels.
They provide an impressive amount of Vitamin E and Manganese, which promote bone health and help prevent osteoporosis. Furthermore, they contain Coenzyme Q10 which may reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables contain dietary fibres which have been demonstrated to aid digestion as well as cholesterol management.
Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is a cost-effective supplemental food for backyard birds that can be offered. It is packed with both protein and fiber, and can be purchased from wild bird stores or agricultural centers that supply animal feed.
Bird seed blends often include hemp as a filler. As an economical alternative to more costly seeds such as Nyjer or sunflower hearts, hemp allows birders to save money while still providing their backyard birds with nutritious treats.
Cracked corn is not only an economical supplemental food, but it’s also a nutritious and savory snack for ground-feeding birds like blue jays and doves. The finely ground corn is easy to consume without creating dust in the air – making it ideal for clean backyard bird feeding sessions.
