H-E-B sells wild bird seed under its store brand, and for backyard birds in Texas the key is the same as anywhere: choose a bag where black oil sunflower seed leads the ingredient list and avoid blends padded with milo and other fillers. Blends and sizes change, so read the label on the bag you are buying instead of relying on the name.
Common Backyard Birds in Texas and What They Eat
- Northern cardinal: Black oil sunflower and safflower
- Carolina chickadee and tufted titmouse: Black oil sunflower, peanuts and suet
- House finch and American goldfinch: Sunflower hearts and nyjer
- White-winged and mourning doves: White proso millet and cracked corn on the ground or a tray
- Blue jay: Peanuts and sunflower
How to Pick a Good Bag
- Check that sunflower seed is the first ingredient.
- Limit blends heavy in milo, wheat, flax and red millet, which many birds leave behind.
- Look at the bag for tears, damp spots and a musty smell.
- Pick a size you will use within a couple of months, since seed loses quality over time, especially in Texas heat and humidity.
Feeding Tips for Hot, Humid Weather
- Fill feeders with only a day or two of seed so it does not get moldy.
- Clean feeders every week or two with a mild soap solution and let them dry completely.
- Store seed in a sealed, dry container in a cool place.
- Provide fresh water in a shallow bath, which helps birds in summer.
- Take down suet in very hot weather, or use a no-melt product.
More Reading
See H-E-B wild bird seed, wild bird sunflower seeds and the cheapest way to feed wild birds.
Bottom Line
A sunflower-led bag from H-E-B or any other store works best for most Texas backyard birds. Read the label, store seed dry, and keep feeders clean. If you see sick birds with swollen eyes or fluffed feathers, take the feeder down for a week and clean it well.
