Many types of wild bird feeders and seed can attract different bird species. Choose the seed that will work best to bring in what species of birds you wish to attract.
Avoid buying cheap bird seed mixes sold in hardware, pet shops and grocery stores as these usually contain more unwelcome ingredients like milo and oats than desirable seeds. Instead, source high quality bird food directly from farmers.
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Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are the go-to choice for most feeder birds. Loaded with fat and protein – both essential for providing extra energy during winter – sunflower seeds also offer calcium and vitamin B in abundance.
Hulled sunflower seeds (black oil or striped) make an excellent option, since their hard inedible shells have been removed and make eating much simpler for birds without using up energy trying to open tough husks. Look for varieties containing them when selecting bird feeders.
Sunflower hearts – or the inner part of sunflower seeds – offer another high-energy option for wild bird food. Use them in a mixed bird feed mix or as a replacement for peanuts to attract more species to your feeders.
Peanuts
Birds love peanuts and when offered in an appropriate feeder (check our selection of wild bird peanut feeders), can attract many different species to your garden. This includes uncommon species like greater spotted woodpeckers and long-tailed nuthatches as well as common favourites like chickadees. Peanuts also attract squirrels and chipmunks which can quickly raid a feeder, so consider placing peanuts in a specialized squirrel-proof feeder or hanging squirrel jar to limit this nuisance visitor from raiding it too soon.
Woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and wrens enjoy snacking on whole or crushed peanuts; larger birds such as blue jays, blue grackles and crows find the challenge of cracking open shelled peanuts quite exciting! However, remember that peanuts can quickly spoil in humid climates; therefore it is wise to check your bird food frequently to identify any mouldy or rancid peanuts to help avoid diseases which could make your feathered friends sick! Supplement your peanut supply with black oil sunflower seeds or Nyjer thistle seed mixes for a well-rounded diet in your garden!
Nyjer Seeds
Finches love nyjer seeds and they are one of the top ways to attract them to backyard feeders. These tiny seeds contain natural oils and calories needed for active songbirds; furthermore, their lack of hulls means there are no leftovers left behind at your feeder or under it!
Bird species that enjoy eating nyjer seeds include house finches, redpolls and purple finches. To feed properly these seed, they require feeders with small feeding ports designed specifically to handle these tiny seeds – often called “nyjer feeders” in its various forms and styles – including perches with multiple feeding ports so multiple birds can feed at once.
Nyjer seed (sometimes referred to as niger or thistle seed) is actually harvested from an African yellow daisy plant (Guizotia abyssinica). Prior to exportation, it’s sterilized so as not to sprout and become invasive in other countries. Though more expensive than some alternatives, this seed option can attract finches and songbirds directly to your feeder!
Millet
Millet is an excellent source of carbohydrate energy and makes an ideal addition to a bird’s diet, providing much-needed carbs while at the same time encouraging them to diversify their meals with other types of food sources. It may help wean birds off seed and nut binges by encouraging them to explore various kinds of nutrition.
White proso millet’s small seeds are beloved ground feeders such as sparrows, juncos, chipping doves and mourning doves. You can use it alone or mixed in with black oil sunflower seeds, Nyjer thistle seed and safflower seed in feeders; red millet however will attract cowbirds, starlings and grackles if used alone in feeders.
Avoid feeding birds junk foods such as popcorn, crackers and bread; these contain very little nutrition for wild birds to consume and can lead to obesity, making survival harder when their food sources diminish. Instead, put out suet made from beef fat as this will be more appealing to squirrels while providing birds with high-protein and high-fat sources of calories.
