When it comes to feeding wild birds, using a high quality bird seed is essential for attracting a diverse range of species to your backyard. But with so many types of bird food on the market, how do you know which seed is best? This article will examine the characteristics of a premium bird seed and provide tips on choosing the right product for your feathered visitors.
Look for a Variety of Seeds and Grains
The best bird seeds offer a nutritious blend of several different seeds and grains. Avoid products that contain only one or two seed types, which will only attract a limited number of birds. Here are some of the most common ingredients found in high quality bird seed blends:
- Millet – An affordable seed that attracts ground-feeding birds like juncos, doves, and quail.
- Sunflower seeds – A favorite of chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and cardinals.
- Safflower – Enjoyed by cardinals, titmice, finches, and mourning doves.
- Nyjer thistle – A staple for finches like American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins.
- Peanuts – Whole or chopped peanuts appeal to woodpeckers, chickadees, and titmice.
- Cracked corn – A cheap filler seed that Mourning Doves and Jays readily eat.
- Oats, wheat, milo – Smaller filler grains enjoyed by ground feeding birds.
- Dried fruit – Raisins and currants add nutrients and appeal to thrushes and mockingbirds.
The highest quality bird seeds will contain a mix of these popular seeds and grains. Always check the seed tag before purchasing a product to ensure it offers variety.
Avoid Cheap Fillers
Some low quality bird seed mixes bulk up their products with cheap “filler” seeds and grains that birds rarely eat. Be sure to inspect the seed mix carefully and avoid products containing:
- Buckwheat
- Flax seed
- Wheat berries
- Barley
- Oat groats
- Milo (only sparrows and doves eat this)
- Rapeseed
- Timothy hay pellets
You’ll end up throwing most of these straight onto the ground. High quality bird seed uses filler ingredients sparingly, focusing more on the good stuff birds want.
Ensure Good Oil Content in the Seed
For birds, oil means energy. Seeds and nuts with a high oil content will provide more calories and nutrition to your backyard birds. Here are some of the oiliest options:
- Sunflower seed – Especially black oil sunflower.
- Safflower seed
- Nyjer seed
- Peanuts
- Suet
Check to see if the sunflower seeds in a mix appear shiny and plump. Avoid mixes with lots of small, flat looking sunflower seeds, an indication they lack oil. The same goes for safflower and nyjer seed – high oil content makes the seeds appear glossy.
Seek Out Extras Like Fruit and Suet
Some premium bird seeds include extra ingredients that provide vital nutrition for birds. Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, apples or cherries add natural sugars and carbohydrates. Suet offers energy-dense calories and fat. And cracked nuts supply protein, carbs, and fat. Look for added fruit, suet, and nuts to boost the quality of a bird seed mix.
Select the Right Seed Type for Your Feeder
Pay attention to the seed type based on your bird feeding setup. Only use nyjer seed in specialized nyjer feeders with small ports. Similarly, suet goes into suet feeders. For hopper, tube, or tray feeders, choose a mix with various sizes and shapes of seeds and grains. Avoid “no mess” mixes coated in clay – the clay can be harmful to birds who ingest it.
Check the Manufacture or Expiration Date
Always inspect the packaging date before purchasing bird seed. Seed oils can go rancid over time. For the freshest seed, look for packages with expiration dates over 6 months away. Or buy from stores with high product turnover to ensure you get the newest season’s crop.
Look for Recycled Packaging
Many premium bird food brands now package their seed in eco-friendly recycled paper. Plastic bags and containers end up in landfills. Seed packaged in paper represents a commitment to sustainability from the manufacturer or retailer.
Buy from Specialty Bird Product Companies
The highest quality bird seeds typically come from brands who specialize in bird feeding products. These companies invest in research and development to create nutritionally balanced products. Some top specialty brands to look for include:
- Wagner’s
- Pennington
- Kaytee
- Lyric
- Audubon Park
These bird food experts often offer superior seed compared to generic “grocery store” brands.
Check Your Local Wild Bird Store
Beyond big box pet food aisles, visit an independently owned birding shop. Local stores cater to bird enthusiasts and carry products catered to your region. Their staff can provide tailored advice about the best seeds and mixes to attract birds in your area. Local stores also support small businesses in your community.
Consult an Online Birding Forum
Connect with other backyard birders online and ask for seed recommendations. Share details like your location, the birds you want to attract, and your budget. Fellow enthusiasts will chime in with which specific products have worked well for them. Check birding forums on sites like BirdForum.net or Reddit.com/r/birding.
Choose a Reputable Online Retailer
Can’t find the seed mix you want nearby? Many online retailers offer a wide selection of premium bird food. Order from a trusted site known for quality products and customer service. Be sure to factor in shipping costs when comparing prices.
Buy in Bulk for the Best Value
The biggest savings come from purchasing bulk bags of bird seed, like 10+ pounds. Though more expensive upfront, the per pound price is lower compared to small bags. Split bulk bags with fellow birders to cut costs and avoid waste from seed going stale.
Conclusion
When it comes to bird seed, cheap mixes definitely won’t attract the widest range of bird species to your yard. By choosing a quality blend with diverse seeds, oils, and nutritious extras, you’ll bring in the most birds. Shop specialty brands, check expiration dates, and buy in bulk for the best value. With a little research, you can find an excellent seed mix to feed the birds in your neck of the woods.