Attracting a diverse array of wild birds to your backyard is a rewarding experience, and the key to success lies in providing the right food. Understanding the different types of bird seed available and their benefits can significantly enhance your bird-feeding endeavors. Duncraft offers a range of Premium Bird Seed blends, formulated to deliver essential nutrients and attract a wide variety of avian visitors throughout the year. Our commitment is to provide fresh, clean, and filler-free mixes, making bird feeding easy, clean, and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for no-waste options or specialized seed for finches, exploring our selection will help you find the perfect blend for your backyard birding needs.
Popular Bird Seed Types and Their Beneficiaries
The type of seed you offer will dictate which birds you attract. Each seed variety has unique properties that appeal to different species.
Black Oil Sunflower Seed
A universally loved and highly versatile option, black oil sunflower seed is a staple in many bird feeders. Its thin shells make it easy for a wide range of birds to crack open and consume, including cardinals, chickadees, finches, grosbeaks, and jays. The high oil content also provides birds with much-needed energy, especially during colder months.
Sunflower Hearts
For a cleaner feeding experience, sunflower hearts are an excellent choice. These are essentially the kernels of sunflower seeds, with the shells removed. This makes them a nutritious and mess-free food source, attracting finches, nuthatches, cardinals, and woodpeckers. Their appeal lies in their ease of consumption and high nutritional value.
Nyjer® Seed (Thistle Seed)
Tiny and oil-rich, Nyjer® seeds, often referred to as thistle seeds, are particularly attractive to small, clinging birds. Goldfinches, pine siskins, and redpolls are among the species that flock to feeders filled with Nyjer®. Due to their small size, these seeds require specialized Nyjer® feeders designed to dispense them effectively, preventing waste.
Peanuts
A powerhouse of protein and energy, peanuts are a favorite among many bird species. They attract a diverse group including jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. Peanuts can be offered in various forms: whole, shelled, or even as pieces, providing flexibility for different feeder types and bird preferences.
Safflower Seed
Safflower seed offers a nutritious alternative that appeals to a specific set of birds such as cardinals, grosbeaks, chickadees, and titmice. A significant advantage of safflower is its deterrent effect on squirrels. The bitter taste of safflower is unappealing to these common feeder pests, meaning more of the seed will be left for your desired avian visitors.
No-Waste Blends
For those seeking a tidier bird-feeding setup, no-waste blends are the ideal solution. These mixes are thoughtfully formulated using shelled seeds and kernels, eliminating the messy hulls that often accumulate beneath feeders. Opting for a no-waste blend not only ensures less cleanup but also prevents unwanted seeds from sprouting in your lawn or garden.
Hot Pepper Blends
Introducing a unique twist to bird feeding, hot pepper blends are coated with spicy pepper powders or extracts. While birds possess different taste receptors and cannot detect the heat, this spicy coating effectively deters squirrels and other mammals who find the sensation unpleasant. This clever formulation helps ensure that the bird seed is enjoyed exclusively by your feathered guests.
Selecting the Right Bird Feeder
Just as important as the seed itself is the feeder you use to dispense it. The right feeder not only holds the seed but also influences which birds can access it and protects the food from elements and pests. Duncraft offers a comprehensive collection of bird feeders designed to meet various needs. Explore options such as squirrel-proof feeders, specialized Nyjer® feeders, and our exclusive Duncraft Exclusives, which have been a trusted choice for wild bird enthusiasts for over seven decades. Choosing the appropriate feeder ensures that your seed is accessible to your desired birds and remains protected, maximizing your enjoyment of backyard birdwatching.
