Choosing bird seed can be confusing. The shelves are full of bags labeled for “wild birds,” “songbirds,” and “finches,” and the ingredients vary widely. The type of seed you put out has a huge impact on which birds visit your yard and how much ends up wasted on the ground.
This guide explains the most popular bird seeds, which birds prefer them, and how to get the most from every bag.
Black Oil Sunflower Seed
If you buy only one seed, make it black oil sunflower. It is the most widely eaten bird seed in North America.
- Attracts: Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, finches, grosbeaks, jays, and woodpeckers.
- Why birds love it: Thin shells are easy to crack, and the seed is rich in fat.
- Best feeders: Hopper, tube, and platform feeders.
Striped Sunflower Seed
Striped sunflower has a thicker shell than black oil. Larger-billed birds like cardinals, jays, and grosbeaks handle it easily, while smaller birds may struggle.
Hulled Sunflower (Sunflower Hearts or Chips)
These are sunflower seeds with the shell removed. They cost more per pound, but there is no waste and no shell mess under your feeders. They are a great choice for feeders near patios and decks.
Safflower Seed
Safflower is a small, white, bitter-tasting seed.
- Attracts: Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, doves, and grosbeaks.
- Bonus: Squirrels, grackles, and starlings usually do not like it, which makes it a helpful choice if those visitors are a problem.
Nyjer (Thistle)
Nyjer is a tiny black seed that is high in oil.
- Attracts: American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, House Finches, and redpolls.
- Best feeders: Special finch feeders or mesh socks with tiny openings.
- Tip: Nyjer goes stale quickly. Buy smaller amounts and replace it if birds stop eating it.
White Proso Millet
Millet is a small, round seed found in many mixes.
- Attracts: Juncos, sparrows, doves, towhees, and quail.
- Best served: On platform feeders or scattered on the ground.
- Note: Many tree-feeding birds ignore it, so it can pile up below hanging feeders.
Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is inexpensive and popular with ground-feeding birds.
- Attracts: Doves, juncos, sparrows, jays, quail, and turkeys.
- Caution: It can also attract blackbirds, starlings, and squirrels. Offer only small amounts and keep it dry to prevent mold.
Peanuts
Peanuts are high in protein and fat.
- Attracts: Jays, woodpeckers, titmice, nuthatches, and chickadees.
- Tip: Only offer raw or dry-roasted, unsalted peanuts. Never offer salted or flavored peanuts.
Mealworms
Dried or live mealworms are a protein-rich treat.
- Attracts: Bluebirds, wrens, robins, chickadees, and nuthatches.
- Best served: In a shallow dish or tray feeder.
Suet
Suet is rendered animal fat, often blended with seeds, nuts, or fruit. It is especially valuable in winter for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
What to Watch for in Seed Mixes
Inexpensive seed mixes often contain filler seeds that most backyard birds do not eat, such as:
- Red milo
- Wheat
- Oats
- Golden millet
Birds kick these seeds to the ground looking for the good stuff, which creates waste and can attract rodents. Look for mixes where black oil sunflower, hulled sunflower, safflower, or white millet are listed first.
Match Seed to Feeder
| Seed | Best Feeder Type |
|---|---|
| Black oil sunflower | Hopper, tube, platform |
| Safflower | Hopper, platform |
| Nyjer | Finch feeder or mesh sock |
| Millet | Platform or ground |
| Peanuts | Mesh peanut feeder or tray |
| Suet | Suet cage |
Find the right feeder for each seed in our bird feeder collection, or browse our bird food selection.
How to Store Bird Seed
- Store seed in a sealed metal can or heavy-duty container to keep out mice and moisture.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place, like a garage or shed.
- Buy only as much as you will use in a month or two in warm weather.
- Discard any seed that smells musty, looks moldy, or has clumped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bird seed go bad?
Yes. Seed can go stale, lose its oils, or grow mold if it gets damp. Most seed stays fresh for several months when stored in a cool, dry, sealed container. Throw out seed that smells musty, has clumps, or shows signs of insects or mold.
Why are birds throwing seed out of my feeder?
Birds often toss aside seeds they do not want, such as milo or wheat in cheap mixes, to get to their favorites. Switching to a higher-quality seed or a single seed type like black oil sunflower usually reduces the mess.
Will bird seed sprout in my lawn?
Some seeds, especially millet and sunflower, can sprout under feeders. Hulled sunflower and sunflower chips will not sprout, so they are a good option near flower beds and patios.
Is it okay to mix my own seed?
Absolutely. Many backyard birders mix black oil sunflower with safflower or hulled sunflower to attract a range of birds. Just avoid adding fillers that birds do not eat.
Our Simple Recommendation
For most backyards, start with black oil sunflower in a hopper or tube feeder, add suet in winter, and offer nyjer if you want goldfinches. From there, experiment and watch which birds show up.