When it comes to choosing a good all purpose bird seed, there are a few key things to consider. The seed needs to appeal to a wide variety of backyard birds, provide good nutrition, and also be affordable for the average consumer. By understanding the needs of different bird species, the nutritional content of various seeds, and price ranges for bird food, you can find the right balance to attract feathered friends to your yard.
What types of birds should an all purpose bird seed attract?
A quality all purpose bird seed should appeal to the most common backyard birds that frequent feeders across North America. This includes species like:
Sparrows
– House sparrows
– Chipping sparrows
– Song sparrows
– White-throated sparrows
– Dark-eyed juncos
Sparrows will readily eat small seeds and grains, including millet and cracked corn.
Finches
– House finches
– Purple finches
– American goldfinches
Finches enjoy very small seeds like nyjer and canary seed.
Chickadees
– Black-capped chickadees
– Carolina chickadees
– Tufted titmice
Chickadees like both small seeds and shelled sunflower hearts.
Woodpeckers
– Downy woodpeckers
– Red-bellied woodpeckers
– Northern flickers
Woodpeckers will snack on peanuts, suet, and shelled sunflower seeds.
Doves
– Mourning doves
– Eurasian collared doves
Doves prefer millet, safflower, cracked corn, and black oil sunflower seeds.
Blue Jays
Blue jays are fond of sunflower seeds, peanuts, and acorns.
Cardinals
Cardinals enjoy safflower and sunflower seeds.
So in summary, a versatile mix should feature small seeds like millet and nyjer, medium-sized seeds like safflower and sunflower hearts, large seeds like peanuts and tree nuts, plus corn, cereal grains, and dried fruit. This will satisfy everything from tiny finches to hungry jays at your feeders!
What are the nutritional needs of wild birds?
When it comes to nutrition, birds require high fat and high energy foods to fuel their metabolisms and stay warm. They also need a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Some key nutrients backyard birds need include:
Fat
Fat provides the most concentrated source of energy for birds. Oilseed varieties like sunflower seeds, nyjer seed, and suet are high in fat.
Protein
Protein is vital for muscle maintenance, feather growth, and egg production in spring. Good sources include sunflower seeds, peanuts, and insect-based foods.
Carbohydrates
Grains and fruits give birds carbohydrates for energy. Offer millet, cracked corn, oats, and fruits like raisins or dried cranberries.
Calcium
Critical for bone strength and eggshell formation, calcium can be found in crushed eggshells and nuts.
Fiber
Fiber aids digestion, provided by seeds, grains, nuts and fruits.
Vitamin A
Supports vision, immune function and growth. Found in colorful fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants
Protect cells from damage. Found in seeds like nyjer and fruits like cherries.
So when choosing an all purpose bird food, look for a mix with a blend of high fat seeds, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and calcium sources to get a nutritional powerhouse your feathered visitors will enjoy!
What are some common types of seeds used in all purpose bird food?
Some of the top seeds, grains, and other ingredients found in all purpose bird seeds include:
Millet
Millet is a tiny, round seed that is rich in carbohydrates. It attracts small seedeaters like finches, sparrows, and doves.
Nyjer
Also called thistle seed, nyjer is an oilseed that is a favorite of finches like American Goldfinches. Its small size also attracts chickadees, nuthatches, and siskins.
Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is high in carbohydrates and appealing to larger birds like doves, grackles, pheasants and turkeys.
Black Oil Sunflower
The thin shells of black oil sunflower seeds make them easy for all birds to open and enjoy. They are high in fat and protein.
Sunflower Chips
Chips, hearts and meats of sunflower seeds give an easy-to-eat option without shells. Cardinals, nuthatches and grosbeaks like them.
Safflower
Safflower is a favorite of cardinals, nuthatches and chickadees, and disliked by sparrows. It is high in fats.
Peanuts
Whole peanuts in the shell attract jays and woodpeckers. Shelled pieces are enjoyed by chickadees, doves, and grosbeaks.
Mixed nuts
A variety of shelled nuts adds protein and fat. Birds who like nuts include chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers and juncos.
Canary Seed
Tiny, vitamin packed canary seed is irresistible to finches and small birds.
Oats
Whole or cracked oats provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestion. Ground suet and fruit can stick to the oats.
Raisins and Dried Fruit
Raisins, cranberries, cherries and other dried fruits provide natural sugars. Orioles and waxwings especially like fruit.
Cereal
Human cereal like wheat flakes, granola and oat circles can add crunch and carbs.
In addition to these core ingredients, many all purpose bird seeds add in suet, peanuts, corn kernels, millet sprays or dried mealworms to increase the appeal.
What are the pros and cons of seed mixes vs. single seed options?
When shopping for bird food, you’ll see mixes as well as single seed options. Here are some pros and cons of each approach:
Seed Mixes
Pros:
- Offer variety to attract more species
- Convenient blend of ingredients
- Can suit most common birds
Cons:
- Ingredients usually can’t be customized
- Some birds may pick out favored seeds
- More expensive than buying seeds separately
Single Seed Options
Pros:
- Let you cater to favorites of specific birds
- Good value for commonly eaten seeds
- Avoid waste fromuneaten fillers
Cons:
- Need separate feeders for each seed type
- Only attracts certain bird species
- More work to offer variety
Many people opt to offer both seed mixes and single seed feeders to get the benefits of variety and catering to favorites. Customizing your feeders with both options can help maximize the diversity of birds in your yard!
How much does a good all purpose bird seed usually cost?
Pricing can vary based on brand, bag size, ingredients, and whether you buy mixes or single seeds. Some general price ranges include:
Seed Mixes
Bag Size | Average Price Range |
---|---|
5 pounds | $5 – $12 |
10 pounds | $8 – $18 |
20 pounds | $12 – $30 |
Single Seed Options
Seed Type | Average Price Per Pound |
---|---|
Black oil sunflower seed | $0.70 – $2 |
Nyjer seed | $2 – $5 |
Safflower seed | $1 – $3 |
Dried mealworms | $5 – $10 |
Dried fruit | $3 – $7 |
Buying larger quantities usually offers some bulk discount. Compare nutritional content and buying options locally and online to find your best value. With a quality seed mix and favorite single seeds on hand, you can stock your feeders all season long!
What are some of the best rated all purpose bird seed mixes?
Based on expert recommendations and customer reviews, some top-rated all purpose bird seed mixes include:
Wagner’s Greatest Variety Blend
This mix has sunflower chips, peanuts, dried mealworms, fruit, and grains. It attracts the widest range of birds.
Pennington Signature Blend
With sunflower, safflower, peanuts, and grains, cardinals, chickadees, finches and more love this mix.
Kaytee Supreme Mix
A nutritious blend with nuts, fruits, and carefully shelled black oil sunflower seeds to minimize waste.
Morning Song Premium Mix
Features sunflower, safflower, peanuts, fruit, and cereal grains for broad appeal.
Nature’s Finest Cardinal Mix
A mix tailored for cardinals with sunflower, peanuts, safflower, and corn.
Lyric Select
Highly selective nyjer seed and fine shells sunflower cater to finches and small birds.
Feathered Friends Premium Blend
With sunflower, safflower, peanuts, raisins and cereal, this is a budget-friendly choice for variety.
These mixes offer balanced nutrition across fat, carbs and protein sources. Buy small trial sizes to see which your backyard birds like best!
How can you offer the mix and observe birds to see their favorites?
Here are some tips for setting out an all purpose mix and watching to see which ingredients the birds in your yard seem to like best:
Use a hopper or platform feeder
Hopper or open platform feeders allow birds to forage through the mix and selectively pick out their favorites.
Start with a small amount
Try a couple cups in the feeder so you can observe what gets eaten first.
Take notes
Keep a journal by the window to record what birds come and which seeds they eat.
Watch from a distance
Observe from indoors using binoculars so you don’t scare them away.
Clean area below feeder
See what seeds get tossed aside to identify less popular ingredients.
Adjust mix
Based on preferences, you can tweak the seed mix or add more of favorite single seeds.
With a little time observing your feeder, you’ll get to know what the birds in your yard enjoy and can use that to offer them the best diet!
Conclusion
A quality all purpose bird seed should contain a variety of nutrition-packed seeds, grains, nuts and fruits to appeal to many species. Look for a mix with sunflower seeds, millet, nyjer, safflower, peanuts, corn, oats and dried fruits inside. Spend some time observing your feeder to see which ingredients the birds prefer, then adjust offerings accordingly to attract more species and cut down on waste. With the right bird food and some trial and error, you’ll be able to turn your yard into a birdwatcher’s paradise!