Attracting a diverse array of wild birds to your backyard is a rewarding experience, and the key to success lies in understanding the different types of bird seed available. Premium bird seed blends, like those offered by Duncraft, are specifically crafted to provide the essential nutrients birds need throughout the year. These blends are fresh, clean, and free from unnecessary fillers, ensuring that your feathered visitors receive optimal nutrition. Whether you’re looking for no-waste options or specialized seeds like Nyjer®, choosing the right seed mix can make bird feeding an easy, clean, and enjoyable activity. This guide will explore various types of bird seed and help you determine the best blend for your backyard birding needs.
Popular Types of Bird Seed
Each type of bird seed offers unique benefits and attracts different species. Understanding these differences can help you create a welcoming environment for a wider variety of birds.
Black Oil Sunflower Seed
Black oil sunflower seed is a highly popular and versatile choice for bird feeders. Its high oil content provides birds with ample energy, and its thin shells make it easy for a wide range of birds to consume. Species that frequently enjoy black oil sunflower seeds include cardinals, chickadees, finches, grosbeaks, and jays.
Sunflower Hearts
For a nutritious and mess-free option, sunflower hearts are an excellent choice. These hulled sunflower seeds attract a diverse group of backyard birds, such as finches, nuthatches, cardinals, and woodpeckers. Their lack of shells significantly reduces waste around the feeder.
Nyjer® Seed (Thistle Seed)
Nyjer® seeds, commonly known as thistle seeds, are tiny, oil-rich seeds that are particularly attractive to small, clinging birds. Goldfinches, pine siskins, and redpolls are among the species that delight in this seed. Nyjer® seed is best offered in specialty feeders designed with small ports to accommodate the feeding habits of these delicate birds.
Peanuts
Peanuts are a high-protein and energy-rich food source that appeals to a variety of birds, including jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. They can be offered whole, shelled, or in pieces, providing flexibility in how you present this nutritious treat.
Safflower Seed
Safflower is a nutritious seed that attracts birds like cardinals, grosbeaks, chickadees, and titmice. A significant advantage of safflower seed is that squirrels generally dislike its bitter taste, making it less likely to be consumed by these common backyard visitors compared to other seed blends.
No-Waste Blends
For those seeking a cleaner bird feeding experience, No-Waste Blends are an ideal solution. These mixes are carefully formulated with shelled seeds and kernels, ensuring that no messy hulls are left behind. This not only reduces cleanup time but also prevents unwanted seeds from sprouting in your lawn or garden.
Hot Pepper Blends
Hot Pepper Blends offer a unique way to deter squirrels and other mammals while still providing a feast for birds. These blends are coated with spicy pepper powders or extracts. Birds are unaffected by the heat, but mammals find the sensation unpleasant, directing them away from the feeder.
Choosing the Right Bird Feeder
Selecting the appropriate bird feeder is as crucial as choosing the right seed. Duncraft offers a wide array of feeders to suit different needs and preferences. Explore their collection of squirrel-proof feeders, specialized Nyjer® feeders, and exclusive Duncraft Exclusives that have been a trusted choice for wild bird enthusiasts for over 70 years. The right feeder will ensure that your chosen seed is accessible to birds and protected from unwanted visitors.
By understanding the variety of bird seeds and feeders available, you can create an inviting and nourishing habitat for the wild birds in your area, enhancing your backyard birding experience.
