What type of bird seed to buy?

Sunflower

You’ll find two types of sunflower seed in birdseed: Black oil sunflower seed and striped sunflower seed (and some bags of birdseed have a blend). 

Black oil sunflower seeds are smaller and have thinner shells than striped sunflower seeds. Most songbirds can crack the shells but the seeds are also sold without the shells, which is labeled as “hulled” or “sunflower hearts” on birdseed bags. 

Birds discard the shells, creating small piles beneath hanging feeders that can be a pain to clean up. Purchasing sunflower seeds without the shells will keep the area around the feeder a little neater.

Both types of sunflower seeds will attract songbirds like cardinals, chickadees, finches, jays, nuthatches and titmice. Sunflower seeds are also a favorite of squirrels, so be prepared to install a squirrel baffle or other deterrent to keep squirrels from raiding the feeders.

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Safflower

Looking to attract cardinals, finches, titmice and grosbeaks while keeping blackbirds, grackles and squirrels from showing up for a meal? Fill your feeders with safflower.

The cone-shaped white seed has a thick shell and provides is an excellent source of protein, fat and fiber. 

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Corn

Corn is often used as a filler in birdseed mix. It’s lower in oil than other seeds but is a good source of protein and fiber and will attract cardinals, ducks, grosbeaks, grouse, pheasants, quails, ravens and turkeys.

It’s best to offer corn in small amounts (no more than birds will eat in one day) to avoid attracting deer, bears, raccoons and other wildlife.

Use tray feeders instead of tube feeders, which can trap moisture. Feeders should be emptied and cleaned during rainy or humid weather to prevent aflatoxins that could harm birds.

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Peanuts

You don’t even need a feeder to offer birds a feast; peanuts can be set out, in their shells, to attract crows, chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, nuthatches and jays looking for a high protein, high fat treat.

Peanuts will also attract squirrels, raccoons and other pests that you might like to keep away from your feeders so feed with care.

Shelled peanuts can also be poured into feeders but it’s essential to change out the seeds on a regular basis, especially if the weather is rainy or humid. Damp peanuts can have aflatoxins, a type of mold that is toxic to birds.

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Millet

Ground-feeding birds love millet. The cereal grain is chock full of protein and calcium and quails, juncos, doves, towhees and sparrows will gobble it up. You can scatter millet on the ground (but remember not to scatter more than birds will eat in a day or the seed will attract other pests) or set out in a tray feeder near the ground.

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Suet

Suet isn’t birdseed; it’s a hard fat that sends woodpeckers, chickadees, flickers, nuthatches, wrens, jays and starlings flocking to feeders. The blocks (or balls) of suet are hung in suet holders that allow birds to peck off small pieces.

Thanks to its high fat content, suet is a great source of energy in the winter. During the summer months, it’s important to use “heat resistant” suet to ensure that the hot sun doesn’t melt the suit and cause it to go rancid.

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