When buying bird seed mixes, it is essential to read the ingredients list. Avoid seeds that birds don’t enjoy such as milo (sorghum), wheat or flaxseed.
When purchasing bird seed mixes, avoid those that contain too much filler seed such as millet or corn. While these are inexpensive seeds, most birds don’t favor them and often end up getting thrown away by hunters. Unfortunately, this leaves behind a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi which could contaminate fresh seed.
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Sunflower
Sunflower seeds are a favorite among many bird species due to their high oil and protein content that provides birds with energy for survival.
Black oil sunflowers are an especially popular source of calories for smaller birds such as chickadees and finches, due to their thinner shells that make them easier to open for smaller creatures.
Striped sunflowers have a tough shell and are often consumed by larger birds such as cardinals, titmice, and grosbeaks. Additionally, they provide sustenance for squirrels and other wildlife.
Hulled sunflower seed (chips) are a popular choice among wild birders due to their cost-efficiency and lack of mess beneath feeders – only lightweight chaff that blows away quickly.
No waste mixes, which include pre-shelled seeds such as sunflower kernels, are an easy and convenient way to attract wild birds to your yard. Unfortunately, since these seeds lack a protective shell, they lose freshness more quickly than their protected counterparts; therefore it is essential that feeder areas remain dry and free of rain.
Millet
Millet seed is often included in wild bird seed mixes and is an attractive food source for ground-feeding birds such as doves, juncos, native sparrows, thrashers and Carolina wrens.
Milo (sorghum) is often included in bird seed mixes; however, many birds will not eat it.
Unfortunately, bulk commercial mixes often add it at a cheaper price to fill out the mix and this practice wastes valuable seed that could become home to bacteria and fungi.
Bird seed often features white proso millet, although red millet can also be found. Both types are enjoyed by a variety of backyard birds; however, white proso is the more popular option.
Safflower
Safflower seeds are a favorite snack of many birds, such as cardinals, jays, chickadees and nuthatches. In particular, American Goldfinches and Lesser Goldfinches often feed on them for nourishment.
This nutrient-rich seed is popular with smaller finches such as Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls and Indigo Buntings. Additionally, it’s included in some wild bird seed mixes.
However, it’s essential to remember that safflower seed can be difficult for some birds to open, so if you want to attract squirrels or blackbirds into your backyard, other options may be better suited.
Fortunately, nyjer seed, also known as black oil sunflower seed, is often available at places offering wild bird food. Imported from India and Africa, this small grain is often included in mixed mixes for birds to consume. Not only does it provide protein and fat but also fiber – making it an excellent alternative to black oil sunflower seeds.
Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is an economical grain with a low fat content that can be used as filler in wild bird seed mixes. It makes an ideal meal for ground-feeding birds such as sparrows, jays, towhees and grouse.
Milo is an economical grain that has long been used as filler in bird seed mixes. It attracts many types of birds including blue jays, cardinals, finches, grackles, blackbirds and woodpeckers alike.
Milo should not be the primary ingredient in your bird feeder as it has low nutritional value and appeals to squirrels and other wildlife that should not be fed there.
Peanuts are an incredibly popular seed among birds. Not only do they provide protein and fiber, but also oil which birds love to eat! You can incorporate peanuts into your wild bird seed blends or hang them individually from your feeders for added enjoyment.
