Many cheap bird seed mixes available for purchase contain high concentrations of filler seeds that feeder birds don’t care much for; look for mixes without millet, red milo, wheat, sorghum or canary seed to ensure maximum feeding success.
Chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, finches, grosbeaks, jays and woodpeckers will enjoy feeding on black oil sunflower seeds; for easier consumption by smaller songbirds look for hulled sunflower hearts that have been pre-cut into pieces that can easily be eaten by these species.
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Black Oil Sunflower
Sunflower seeds provide energy-rich energy sources to many wild birds. Black oil sunflower seeds (commonly referred to as “oilers”) feature thin shells that are easily cracked open by all seed-eating birds such as cardinals, titmice, nuthatches, doves and woodpeckers as well as grosbeaks. On the other hand, stripe sunflower hearts have thicker shells which House Sparrows and Blackbirds may find difficult to open.
Birdfeeder pellets make an excellent replacement for black oil sunflower seed in backyard feeders with few squirrels and pest birds, as well as ground-feeding birds such as quails, sparrows, or native American ground feeders.
Sunflower seed hulls can create an unsightly mess beneath feeders and damage lawns or other landscaping features. To reduce this mess, hulled black oil sunflower seeds or chips may be more cost effective – however these options tend to cost more.
Nyjer Seed
Niger seed (sometimes referred to as thistle seed) is an extremely popular feeder seed choice among goldfinches, house finches, and pine siskins. Constructed from seeds of the African yellow daisy flower, niger is sterilized before entering the US so as to not become an invasive weed.
Use finch seed alone or mix it with other seeds in a finch mix. Give it to them in a tube feeder with small ports, since its thin shell can quickly spoil.
Lyric Supreme and Wagner’s Safflower offer premium mixes containing nyjer seed for optimal value, providing black oil sunflower, white millet and nyjer together in one bag – and at less cost than buying these items separately. Avoid cheap mixes which contain milo, sorghum wheat or canary seed along with significant quantities of corn as these may attract unwanted sparrows that compete for food with your desired birds.
Safflower
Some finches such as American goldfinches, pine siskins and indigo buntings prefer feeding on invasive thistle plants (Guizotia abyssinica). When these thistles became problematic in North America, suppliers switched to an African daisy-like plant known as safflower (Carthamus tinctorius). Safflower seed is smaller than black oil sunflower seed with an unwieldy hard shell that may make feeding difficult for birds like finches perching on perching perches like finches. Importations was heat sterilized so as to prevent sprouting while providing easy perching bird perching perching birds like finches more opportunities to feed on.
An appealing combination of healthful seeds and grains with nuts pieces and fruit is the best way to attract songbirds. Most bargain-priced mixes tend to contain low-value seeds that go to waste or become moldy quickly, dissuading birds from visiting your feeders altogether.
Peanuts
Whole peanuts are a favorite among jays and woodpeckers, making them great food to offer in feeders for smaller birds like chickadees and titmice. Chickadees and titmice tend to prefer peanut hearts or chips broken apart for easier eating with smaller bills.
Birds love peanuts because of their combination of 45% fat and 24% protein, providing energy for high activity levels. Peanuts also last a long time in feeders before eventually being devoured by squirrels or other rodents, so we suggest investing in a squirrel-proof feeder.
Store-bought wild bird seed mixes often fall short on quality and contain filler seeds like red milo that is disliked by ground feeding birds. When these birds throw it to the ground it may sprout or go rancid, drawing in rodents. Instead of choosing millet-containing mixes it may be best to choose black oil sunflower or another preferred seed instead for your feeders.
