Whether you live in a busy city suburb or on a quiet, rural piece of land, you likely see different kinds of birds visit your backyard throughout the year. Depending on where you live, you might spot robins, mourning doves, woodpeckers and various other bird species hanging out in the trees.
Observing them can be a fun educational hobby that helps you appreciate animals and nature — but first, you need a way to attract birds to your property on a consistent basis. Installing a bird feeder with delicious and nutritious birdseed is the best place to start.
Types of Birdseed to Attract Different Birds
The type of feed you put in your bird feeder plays a major role in what bird species visit your home. Just like people, certain birds prefer different kinds of food. These are some examples of the best birdseed to attract birds:
Sunflower Seeds
These seeds attract a variety of birds and come in two types — black oil and striped:
- Black oil: These seeds are the most popular option for birds. Thanks to their high protein and fat content, they provide valuable nutrients to birds throughout the year, especially during the winter when it may be a challenge for birds to locate food. Additionally, black oil sunflower seeds have thinner shells, so birds with weak beaks can crack them open easily — chickadees, sparrows and finches are just some birds that enjoy black oil seeds.
- Striped: Like black oil seeds, striped sunflower seeds are a nutritious food option for many birds. However, they have thicker shells, so only some birds can crack them open, such as jays and cardinals.
Because of sunflower seeds' wide appeal, people everywhere can use them as birdseed to attract different birds. Note that squirrels also love sunflower seeds, so you'll need to protect your bird feeder from them if you put striped seeds out. For example, placing your feeder off the ground and away from trees and structures can help.
Thistle Seeds
Did you know you can find 17 types of finches across North America? If you'd like to attract them or other small songbirds to your property, choose Nyjer® or thistle seeds for your bird feeder. These tiny, thin seeds are very high in oil, fat and protein, serving as the perfect snack for smaller bird species.
Due to their small size, thistle seeds can blow easily in the wind, so make sure the feeder you use will contain them properly in all types of weather.
Safflower Seeds
If you only want to attract specific birds or want to keep pests like raccoons away from your bird feeder, safflower seeds might be your best option. These seeds look similar to sunflower seeds, but they have a much thicker shell and a bitter flavor. As a result, only some birds can crack them open, and other animals dislike how they taste. Choose safflower seeds to bring jays, woodpeckers and cardinals to your backyard.
Millet
This type of grass seed attracts most birds, but finches, sparrows and mourning doves especially like millet because they enjoy feeding off the ground. Despite its size — each seed is smaller than a grain of rice — millet packs plenty of nutrition for birds, including high levels of fat, starch and fiber. Place millet in a tray feeder to give birds the best access.
Understanding Bird Behavior
Choosing the right bird food can take a bit of trial and error. In some cases, you might find that the birds in your neighborhood actually prefer a different seed than what you're giving them. By understanding and tracking their behavior, you can provide them with the best backyard bird food:
- Feeding techniques: Most of the birds in your area likely feed on the ground, which means they eat seeds and other plant material from the ground. However, certain birds feed through aerial or aquatic techniques — swallows eat flying insects, and waterfowl find vegetation on water surfaces.
- Dietary preferences: Some birds are herbivores, so they prefer sticking to seed, grass or even fruit. Others enjoy meat like fish or a combination of meat and plants. In general, many birds will eat anything they find, and their diets may change based on the season. For example, blackbirds, woodpeckers and orioles might eat insects in the spring and summer and opt for seeds in the winter when insects are scarce.
Get an idea of how the birds around your property like to feed so you can accommodate their needs by positioning your feeder properly. Also, you may need to adjust your seed offerings based on the time of year. A high-protein option like black oil sunflower seeds could be best for the spring when birds nurture their young. In the winter, an offering like thistle seeds will provide plenty of fat to help birds keep warm.
Over time, you should be able to create the perfect feeding setup to provide birds with the right sustenance for their needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Birds
Turning your backyard into a bird haven requires the right birdseed and techniques. These are some common mistakes to avoid when setting out seed for birds:
- Not changing the birdseed: Periodically, you'll need to change the birdseed to keep it fresh. A general rule is to replace the feed every two weeks, though you may need to do so more frequently during the nesting season or if you notice pests are getting into the feeder. Supplying birds with fresh seed will help protect them from illness.
- Placing the bird feeder so pests can access it: Take special care to arrange bird feeders so pests like squirrels and raccoons can't access them. Avoid putting bird feeds near places that make them accessible for pests, such as garage roof lines. Investing in a smart bird feeder can help you monitor your feeder so you can take action when animals get into it.
- Not cleaning the bird feeder: Whenever you replace your birdseed selection, take a few moments to clean the feeder. A simple solution of one part bleach and nine parts water will sanitize the feeder safely. Wash the feeder outside in a basin or large container — avoid using your kitchen sink, as doing so might introduce bacteria into your home. Remember to wash your hands after handling the feeder.
- Choosing low-quality birdseed: Remember that not all birdseed is created equal, so the cheapest wild bird food you can find typically won't do. The best seed for backyard bird feeders is a high-quality seed with substantial nutritional value. Only choose fresh, organic birdseed without “filler” seed, paying attention to the nutrition labels and expiration dates before you buy.
FeatherSnap Bird Feeders Offer a Memorable Bird Feeding Experience
With your newfound knowledge of what you can feed backyard birds, you're ready to attract and observe a variety of birds. The right bird feeder can help your experience be even more rewarding and educational.
FeatherSnap bird feeders are your window to the wild, featuring smart technology, dual birdseed compartments and solar power technology to make birdwatching a breeze and feeding birds simple. Learn more about FeatherSnap products by browsing our selection today!
