Seeds 101

If you feed them, they will come. If you feed them a variety of seeds, a variety will come. So, which seeds attract which birds?

To attract cardinals, woodpeckers, blue jays, goldfinches, purple finches, chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches: Sunflower.

Put your sunflower seeds in hanging feeders to keep squirrels and raccoons at bay. Black sunflower seeds (sometimes called oil seeds) are a better choice than striped sunflower seeds that people eat because they’re higher in oil content, their shells are softer and they cost less.

To attract goldfinches: Nyjer.

Nyjer is like 5-star dining for goldfinches. They love nyjer. Offering nyjer may end up with a dozen or more goldfinches feeding in your yard. The downside is goldfinches have expensive taste. Nyjer is one of the most expensive bird seeds. As to not waste it, buy a hanging feeder with tiny holes, especially made to keep these light, tiny seeds from blowing away. Goldfinches don’t mind being watched so place the feeder close to your house to get full enjoyment of these delightful birds.

To attract chickadees, titmice, chickadees, and downy woodpeckers: Safflower.

Safflower has an added benefit for bird-lovers…squirrels don’t like them. These white seeds, slightly smaller than black sunflower seeds, are bitter. Grackles, blue jays and starlings also don’t like them.

To attract sparrows, juncos, and mourning doves: White millet.

As the least expensive bird seed, feel free to scatter it on the ground to attract the birds. No specially designed birdfeeder needed.

To attract woodpeckers: Suet.

Known as a special treat for woodpeckers, suet is beef and venison fat and provides much-needed energy, especially during winter. They cost a little over $1 each. Since they can attract mammals, always hang suet.