For more information, read our articles on Black oil sunflower seed, Striped sunflower seed, Sorghum, Nyjer, and other small wild bird seed. Then, purchase the seed and enjoy watching your birds swarm over the feeder. And, don’t forget to keep a few extra packets on hand. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party or simply looking to attract a variety of birds, there’s a small wild bird seed for everyone.
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Black oil sunflower seeds
Black oil sunflower seeds are a popular choice for small wild bird seed feeders because of their high calorie and oil content. The thin hull makes them easier for birds to crack open. Unlike other types of sunflower seeds, black oil sunflower seeds are not suitable for human consumption. They are best placed in feeders with large holes. They attract many types of birds including nuthatches, sparrows, cardinals, and nightingales.
Black oil sunflower seeds can be used at tube feeders for smaller birds. Larger birds may have trouble perching on smaller tube feeders. They should be fed from platform feeders, however. Striped sunflower seeds have a thick hull and are difficult for many smaller birds to crack open. If you want to attract more birds to your feeder, you can mix striped sunflower seeds with black oil sunflower seeds.
Striped sunflower seed
A common problem with sunflower seeds is that they are hard to crack open, but you can solve this problem by offering hulled, shelled, or whole sunflower seeds to your backyard birds. This type of seed is great for larger birds, but not for House Sparrows, which tend to shy away from sunflower seed. In addition to striped sunflower seed, you can also offer sunflower chips or hearts, which have been removed of their shells.
Black oil sunflower seeds are solid black and are a good source of fat and calories, but they are difficult for smaller birds to crack. Striped sunflower seed has a gray and white striped shell and is just as nutritious for birds. Small birds may not consume striped sunflower seed, but they may eat black oil sunflower seeds. Small sparrows like both varieties, but small birds are less likely to eat striped sunflower seeds.
Sorghum
Wildlife Grain Sorghum is a high quality, seeded sorghum variety that is perfect for supplying winter food for small game birds. The seed is incredibly palatable to many types of game birds, and the plant’s foliage is a good cover crop that provides beneficial habitat for wildlife. Sorghum is one of the few crops that is naturally resistant to drought and is often no-tilled into winter crop stubbles.
When choosing your seed, be sure to look for a brand that meets the Birdcare Standards Association’s (BSA) standards. Many seed manufacturers don’t, and you’ll end up with piles of wasted seed. Look for seed that is shiny and free of dead insects and noxious weeds. You can also look for a seed that has been heat-treated, but be aware that this might kill any Cuscuta seeds.
Nyjer
You can attract a variety of birds with Nyjer seed. It is best to place this seed in feeders with tiny feeding ports, such as mesh sock feeders or metal mesh bird feeders. Seed feeders that are made of thistle seed are also good choices. Several seed-eating birds live year-round in the area. Since natural seed supplies are often scarce in winter, you can also introduce thistle seed feeders to attract these birds. For best results, introduce your bird to this type of seed by offering them mixed seed first. Then, gradually introduce Nyjer seed to them. If you are unsure, try these tricks to attract birds to your feeder:
Large seed-eating birds will gather beneath specialized Nyjer feeders to find the seeds. These feeders also make it easier for the birds to sift through the discarded shells and find the seeds. This type of seed is especially beneficial for backyard and garden birds. If you’re considering giving wild bird feeders a try, remember to choose feeders that are stable and secure. Then, watch your birds eat!
