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Bird feeding is a popular hobby that attracts various species of birds to your backyard. It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned bird enthusiast or a novice bird feeder. Choosing the right bird seed can make all the difference in attracting birds to your backyard. With so many bird seed options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
Bird seeds are the primary food you need to give to your pet birds or for your backyard bird feeders. It is a nutritional supplement for most birds, as they need it to boost their energies during migration and for their hunting activities.
If you want to provide bird seeds for your backyard bird feeders, you must learn how to choose suitable bird seeds for the local birds.
Once you have the right type of bird seed, it can also attract other species to your feeders. Imagine the delight of listening to the different tunes that you can enjoy while lounging in your backyard.
Best Bird Seeds to Use
The best bird seeds are ones that are high in nutritional value, free from additives, and specifically formulated for the type of birds in your area. Opting for quality bird seeds will attract more birds to your backyard and promote their health and well-being.
Attract more birds in your backyard with feeders from Unique Bird with suitable bird seeds.
1. Safflower
Safflower seeds are excellent sources of protein, fat, and fiber. Safflower seeds are also known to attract birds like finches, cardinals, chickadees, and doves.
The seed has a tough outer shell, which makes it difficult for squirrels and other larger birds to eat, making it a great choice for those looking to deter unwanted visitors to their bird feeders.
Safflower seeds are a great option for those looking to attract cardinals to their backyard. Cardinals have strong, thick beaks capable of cracking open the tough outer shell of safflower seeds. Conversely, squirrels struggle to eat safflower seeds due to their tough exterior, making them less likely to monopolize your bird feeder.
Another benefit of safflower seeds is that they are not a preferred food source for common bird pests like blackbirds, grackles, and starlings. These birds tend to prefer other bird seeds, meaning that safflower seeds are less likely to attract them to your backyard.
2. Sunflower
Sunflower seeds are a classic bird seed option. They are rich in fat and protein, which can be extremely beneficial for birds during the winter season. The high-fat content in sunflower seeds is particularly beneficial for birds that need to build up their fat reserves to survive cold nights. Sunflower seeds can attract birds, including cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice.
You can opt for black oil sunflower seeds. They are a popular choice among bird enthusiasts or striped sunflower seeds with a tougher shell.
These seeds are relatively affordable and easy to find in most pet stores or online. They are often available in bulk, making them a cost-effective bird seed option for those who want to feed birds regularly.
3. Thistle
Thistle seeds, also known as nyjer seeds, are a great option for attracting finches to your backyard. Thistle seeds can be expensive, but they are well worth the investment if you’re looking to attract finches to your backyard. The small, black seeds are soft and easy to eat, which makes them a favorite among finches and other small birds.
4. Corn
Corn is a popular bird seed that attracts doves, sparrows, and jays. Note that corn is low in protein and fat. Pair it with other bird seeds to provide a balanced diet for birds. You can opt for cracked corn or whole corn kernels, but avoid corn coated in salt or other additives.
5. Sorghum
Sorghum seeds are high in carbohydrates. These seeds can attract birds, including doves, sparrows, and quails. Sorghum seeds can be purchased in their natural form or as part of a bird seed mix.
6. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a great option for attracting birds like finches and chickadees. They contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are critical for maintaining healthy feathers and promoting overall bird health. Flax seeds can be purchased as part of a bird seed mix or on their own.
7. Canary Seeds
Canary seeds are an excellent option for attracting small birds like finches and canaries. These seeds have a unique texture that many birds find appealing. They are small and soft, making them easily digestible.
Plus, they’re versatile and can be used in different bird feeders. For example, they can be offered in tubes, hoppers, and platform feeders.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right bird seed can make all the difference in attracting birds to your backyard. Opt for high-quality bird seeds free from additives and specifically formulated for the type of birds in your backyard.
Some of the common ones you can have are the following:
- Safflower
- Sunflower
- Thistle
- Corn
- Sorghum
- Flax Seeds
- Canary Seeds
