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Black-oil sunflower
Striped sunflower
Nyjer (thistle)
Safflower
Corn
Millet
Milo
Mixed seed
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Black-oil
sunflower
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| The most common type of seed offered at feeders in North America is black-oil sunflower seed. This small sunflower
seed is high in energy and has thin shells, making it
the preferred food item for a wide variety of birds.
Black-oil sunflower is among the favorite feeder foods
of cardinals, chickadees, finches, and sparrows. Woodpeckers
even consume these seeds on occasion. |
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Striped
sunflower |
| Striped
sunflower seeds are larger and thicker-shelled than
black-oil sunflower. Frequently found in seed mixes,
striped sunflower is a favorite food item for large-billed
birds capable of cracking the shells. |
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Nyjer
(thistle) |
| Often
called "thistle" seed, nyjer is not related to North American thistle
plants. This imported seed has become increasingly popular in recent
years, largely due to its ability to attract finches
including American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin, and Common
Redpoll. |
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Safflower |
| Safflower
resembles a white sunflower seed. Grown for its oil
and for bird seed, safflower attracts cardinals and
other big-billed birds. However, in our experience,
most birds prefer sunflower seeds over safflower. |
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Corn |
| Corn
is an inexpensive grain that many FeederWatchers provide
for birds. Whole corn is a favorite of Wild Turkeys
and ducks, while cracked corn will attract doves, quail,
and sparrows. |
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Millet |
| A
small, round grain, millet is commonly found in seed
mixes. Millet is a favored food of many smaller, ground
foraging birds. A handful of millet sprinkled on the
ground will keep your juncos and sparrows happy. |
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Milo |
A
reddish-colored, round grain, milo is often a major
component of inexpensive seed mixes. Unfortunately,
it is not a favorite of most birds, and the seed often
goes to waste. Western birds tend to consume milo more
than eastern birds. In the east, it is best to avoid
mixes with large amounts of milo.
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Mixed
Seed |
| Any number
of seeds may be combined into a comercial seed mix,
or you can create your own. Seed mixes are generally
prefered by birds visiting platform feeders. Mixed seed
may also be spread on the ground. Try mixes containing
millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seed to attract
sparrows, juncos, doves, and quail. |
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