If you have a bird feeder cam installed, you’re probably eager to attract as many birds as possible to it so you can capture stunning close-ups and observe their behavior. The birds aren’t aware of it, but you are making a deal with them–you offer up a nice meal and a spot to relax and chat, while they offer your bird feeder cam the chance to take great photos. Like any meal you serve to a guest, the better the food, the better the company. So–have you got good food in your feeder? And just what is it that makes bird food good, anyway? Read on to explore the best food choices to help you get the most out of your bird feeder cam.
1. Best Bird Seed on a Budget/Best for Attracting a Diversity of Birds: Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
When it comes to bird food, black oil sunflower seeds have long been a top choice. These seeds are packed with nutrients, including the fats, proteins, and oils that birds need for energy and health. Black oil sunflower seeds are highly versatile and they appeal to a wide range of species like finches, chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, and sparrows. Their soft shells make them easier for birds to crack open, even for smaller species, which means more birds will find your feeder appealing.
“If you don’t want to take the time to clean up spent sunflower seed shells, consider getting shelled sunflowers or sunflower seed chips,” said Maria Kincaid, FeatherSnap’s ornithology research specialist. “Just keep in mind that they may spoil more quickly and not attract as many species.”
2. Best Bird Seed for Songbirds: Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds
Nyjer seeds should be part of your feeding routine if you love watching finches, especially goldfinches. These tiny, oil-rich seeds are a favorite among small songbirds and are known for their ability to attract a variety of redpolls and siskins as well. Nyjer seeds are also less likely to be wasted because birds will eat almost all of the tiny seeds, and any that fall to the ground are unlikely to sprout.
“Nyjer thistle is best in a specialized feeder, but can be used in Feathernap,” said Kincaid. “If you don’t want to put it in your Feathersnap, consider adding something like an inexpensive sock feeder nearby.”
3. Best Bird Seed for Feeders Plagued by Squirrels and Aggressive Birds: Safflower Seeds
If you're trying to attract birds like cardinals, grosbeaks, and chickadees but are having problems with squirrels raiding your feeder, safflower seeds could be your solution. Squirrels and some other animals tend to dislike the bitter taste of safflower, while many birds love it.
Safflower seeds can be tougher to crack than sunflower seeds, so not every bird likes them, but they can still bring a good mix of species to your feeder. Additionally, safflower is a great option if you want to keep out aggressive birds like grackles and starlings, which typically aren’t interested in these seeds.
4. Best Bird Seed for Attracting a Diversity of Birds: Peanuts
Shelled or unshelled peanuts are another excellent option for attracting birds, especially woodpeckers, jays, and nuthatches. These nutrient-rich legumes are packed with protein and fat, providing essential energy for birds, especially during colder months. However, make sure to offer only unsalted, raw peanuts–these can be purchased as “bird peanuts.”
You can offer peanuts by themselves or mix them with other seeds. When using peanuts in a bird feeder cam, you'll likely catch some spectacular behavior, like woodpeckers hammering away at the shells or jays swooping in to snatch a peanut and fly off.
“Watching tiny chickadees take giant peanuts is something I just love!” Kincaid said.
5. Best Bird Seed for Winter: Suet
Suet is a great food choice for winter months or colder climates. What is suet? Suet animal fat mixed with seeds, grains, and (sometimes) dried fruit. Like pemmican for humans, which sustained explorers and trappers, it’s a high-energy snack that birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and wrens will devour when the temps drop and natural foods may be covered by snow or waiting for spring blooms.
While suet attracts fewer species than seeds, the birds that do come to feast on suet often have fascinating behavior that your camera will capture beautifully. Look for suet cakes in a variety of flavors, or even make your own. Suet may not fit into your bird feeder cam, so Kincaid recommends placing it in a cage feeder right next to the cam.
6. Best Bird Seed for Spring: Fruit and Berries
To attract fruit-eating birds like orioles, tanagers, and robins, consider placing pieces of fresh fruit or dried berries near your feeder cam. Sliced apples, oranges, and grapes are all excellent choices, as are raisins soaked in water to soften them.
Fruit is especially useful during migration periods when these birds are passing through and looking for high-energy snacks. Providing a mix of seeds and fruit will help you attract a greater variety of species, and your feeder cam will capture some exciting footage of these colorful birds. Avoid this, however, if you are in an area with a lot of other wildlife, especially bears.
7. Best Bird Food for Breeding Birds: Mealworms
If you're hoping to attract insect-eating birds like bluebirds, wrens, and robins, dried or live mealworms are an excellent addition to your feeding station. These birds may not be as interested in seeds, so offering mealworms gives them a reason to visit.
Mealworms are high in protein, making them especially valuable during nesting season or migration. You can add them to a platform feeder or mix them into a seed blend to ensure insectivorous birds find them.
“You’ll also be helping the birds that have a variable diet,” Kincaid said. “Many species switch from seeds, fruits, or nuts in the winter and fall to a more insect-heavy diet when they are breeding.”
8. Best All-Around Bird Feeder Cam Food: High-Quality Seed Mix
This category is a bit of a catch-all, because “high-quality” depends in part on where you live and what you are trying to attract. However, a high-quality seed mix will generally not be hard to find and will attract a wide variety of birds.
How can you tell if a bird seed mix is high quality? Here are some clues:
- Freshness: The seeds should not have sat around for a year or more and have been stored properly to avoid moisture and contaminants.
- No fillers: The best mixes are free of fillers like milo or oats, which birds don't like.
- High oil content: As stated above, black oil sunflower seeds are a popular choice because they are high in oil and fat.
- Variety: Some mixes include a variety of seed types, which will attract more species of birds.
- No shells: Mixes that have the shells removed make for less mess and fewer rodent issues.
Can I Use Cheap Bird Food for My Smart Bird Feeder?
It can be tempting to buy the cheapest bird seed on the shelf. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. While cheap bird food may seem like a cost-effective option, it often contains fillers like milo, wheat, or cracked corn, which most birds do not care for. Cheap bird food can also attract unwanted species like pigeons or starlings, which can crowd out the more desirable birds you want your camera to capture. Plus, low-quality seeds can be dusty and stale, which diminishes their nutritional value.
Sure, you can stuff your feeder with cheap seed, and some birds will still come, but you won’t be getting the most out of your feeder. Opting a high-quality bird food will make a noticeable difference in the number and diversity of birds visiting your feeder.