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What Type of Wild Bird Seed Should I Buy? (What to Feed Wild Birds)

Wild bird feeders are a great addition to any yard. They can add a pop of color to your garden, ornament the trees around your property and attract beautiful surrounding wildlife. Bird lovers everywhere get excited when soaring wildlife comes to visit because they bring songs and vibrant colors with them.

 

While people know about bird feeders, they don’t always realize that there are many different styles of wild bird feeders to choose from. These different styles are designed to fit different wild bird food, feeding styles and breeds of birds so you can have all different types of flying friends coming to visit. 

 

7 Types of Wild Bird Feeders: 

 

While some types of birds like the same type of bird feed, others only eat a specific type of food or like certain conditions. For this reason it is good to know the different styles of wild bird feeders. Some of the most popular bird feeders to put in your yard include: 

 

 

  • Platform Feeders - Platform feeders are known to attract a wide variety of wild birds such as starlings, house sparrows and others. These feeders have an open, flat tray that are ideal for holding large amounts of seeds. Platform feeders are built to support weight and are perfect for holding heavier/larger birds like doves and pigeons. The trick to these feeders is to look for ones with drainage so that seeds do not stay wet. Drainage on a platform feeder might look like a screened bottom rather than a solid one or a bottom with several holes. If bird seeds get wet, they can grow bacteria and seeds can become unsafe for consumption.  Also look for platform feeders that have a roof so that birds can stay dry during rainy weather and still get a meal. 

 

  • Window Feeders - For those that one to see birds up-close and personal, a window feeder may be a good option. The types of birds these feeders attract will depend on the type of feed you use, but generally attract birds like finches and chickadees. If you were to include live mealworms, you might attract birds like swallows and house sparrows who like insects. Window feeders are also great because they use suction cups to attach to your window and bring birds right up to your home where you can watch them. They are often made from clear plastic so you can get a great view while birds feed.

 

  • House Feeders - House feeders, also known as “hopper” feeders, are great at protecting seeds against inclement weather. These feeders are what people are most familiar with as they are the ones that often look like little houses. They shield seeds on all sides from things like rain and bird droppings so lower the chance of bacteria growth. Unfortunately, if they do get wet on the inside, bacteria grows rapidly. So it is important to keep them very clean. Birds that like house feeders include finches, jays, cardinals, and titmice. 

 

  • Tube Feeders - Having trouble with squirrels? A tube feeder for wild birds might be the best option for you. Tube feeders are made of metal cages with tiny holes, just big enough for a small bird’s beak and talons so they can perch and feed.  This type of feeder allows smaller birds, like sparrows, grosbeaks and finches, to access yummy seeds while keeping other wildlife out. The issue with these feeders is that they can be a little too good at keeping wildlife out - often keeping larger birds,like blue jays or cardinals, away from seeds as well. 

 

  • Hummingbird Feeders - Did you know that not all birds eat seeds? Some birds actually drink nectar. Hummingbirds, for example, love to drink nectar from flower blossoms. The issue is that flowers aren’t always blossoming. Hummingbird, or nectar feeders are great for these types of birds. You can fill them with a delicious source of nectar that draws these beautiful birds to your yard even when the flowers aren’t blooming. Other birds that drink nectar include mockingbirds, warblers, sparrows and thrushes. 

 

  • Suet Feeders - Every bird is different and likes to eat their food in a different way. Some birds, for example, like to peck at their food. This is where suet feeders come in. Suet feeders are made from wire or plastic and are usually attached to a tree or something similar. These feeders hold a solid chunk of food rather than a loose bunch of seeds.  This allows birds to peck at a solid block. Birds can perch on these feeders and peck until pieces come loose from the block, fulfilling their hunting instinct. Birds that like suet feeders include species like woodpeckers, nuthatches and starlings.

 

  • Thistle Feeders - A thistle feeder, also known as the Nyjer feeder, is specifically designed to hold the Nyjer seed. This is a seed from the African yellow daily. Birds that like this seed include finches, pine siskins, American goldfinches and juncos. You need a specific feeder for this seed because of its size and shape. They are often similar to tube feeders but also come in the form of a thistle “sock,” which is a fine mesh backs that birds know how to get the seed out of. 

 

 

Regardless of what bird feeders you choose to put around your property, it is important to remember several things: 

 

  • Change out the seeds regularly - Birds love to snack, so you shouldn’t have to worry about seeds going stale because they should disappear before they have the chance to. But if after a few days you notice that one of your feeders still has seeds in it, it’s best to change them out for new ones. You wouldn't want to eat stale food! Not only this, but the longer the food sits out there, the higher chance it has at growing bacteria that could harm wildlife. 

 

  • Clean the bird feeders - Just like you would wash your dishes to prevent unwanted germs, you need to clean bird feeders to do the same. Clean your bird feeders at least once a week to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. If there was rain that could have caused water to enter a feeder or if you notice bird droppings anywhere on a feeder, then you should clean it sooner.

 

  • The more options, the more birds - The larger variety of feeders and the wider selection of feed you have in your yard, the larger diversity of wild birds you will see coming to your property for a delicious meal. So make sure to place multiple types of wild bird feeders and wild bird feed around your yard to draw in all types!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

 

Which bird feeders attract the most birds?

 

Platform feeders are known for attracting a variety of birds. But if you’re looking to have a wide range of wild birds in your yard, then you should have a wide range of bird feeders! Try hanging several types of feeders. 

 

What bird feeder works best? 

 

The bird feeder that works best is one that keeps seeds dry and clean for bird consumption. If seeds get wet, bacteria can build up, which isn’t good for any wildlife around your home. Make sure to clean your bird feeders regularly. 

 

Should bird feeders be in the sun or the shade? 

 

Birds like to feed in the sunshine, which has a clear view so they can see if there are any predators coming their way.

Feeding wild birds is a wonderful way to learn more about birds and interact with the natural world. When you give wild birds food, whether you toss it around your yard or place it in a feeder, you’re helping give them the nutrients they need to thrive and continue to reproduce.

 

When it comes to feeding wild birds, there are many options for wild bird seed. It can feel overwhelming to decide what choice is best. If you’re wondering what wild bird feed you should buy, check out our tips for finding the right option.

 

Different Types of Wild Bird Seed

When you’re ready to purchase wild bird seed, consider the types of birds in your yard. If you’re attracting a specific bird species, choose a wild bird food for them. Then, if the food attracts more birds, you can always add different seed types.

 

There are a few main types of wild bird seed that some birds like more than others. Here are a few of the most common:

 

  •     Nyjer - Nyjer seeds are a popular bird seed for small finches. These seeds are smaller, so you should watch to ensure they aren’t blown away by the wind. Nyjer seeds are also high in oil and can be a great choice for feeding birds in the winter. Some birds that like nyjer seeds include redpolls, finches, quail and more.
  •     Millet - Millet wild bird seed is a popular favorite for birds who like to feed on the ground. Millet is a cereal grain often included in wild bird food mixes. However, you can also use millet by itself to put in your tube feeders or to sprinkle on the ground. Doves, quail and sparrows are bird species that enjoy millet.
  •     Sunflower Seeds - Sunflower seeds are a common type of wild bird feed because many birds enjoy them. You can feed wild birds different sunflower seeds, including black oil seeds and hulled sunflower kernels. Jays, cardinals, sparrows and woodpeckers all enjoy sunflower seeds.
  •     Cracked Corn - Cracked corn is high in carbohydrates, which can make it a great source of energy for birds with a big appetite. Ground-feeding birds like cracked corn, so you can try sprinkling it on the ground or using it in an outdoor bird feeder. Blackbirds, doves, ducks and other birds enjoy this wild bird seed.

 

 

Choosing the Right Wild Bird Food

Once you know what type of wild bird seed will work best for your space, the next step is to choose a quality option. You want to ensure you’re feeding wild birds food that gives them some nutrition and enjoyment.

 

Here’s what to remember when shopping for wild bird feed:

 

  •     Check Ingredients - Always check the wild bird seed ingredients before making a purchase. Watch out for bird food that’s been treated with pesticides, as this may be toxic to some birds.
  •     Choose Fresh Food - Watch out for signs of mold, excessive clumping and dust in your wild bird feed. If the food looks like it’s been sitting for a while, choose a fresher option. Bird seed that sits for too long may start to form mold or mildew that’s unsafe for birds.
  •     Buy a Reasonable Amount - Buying wild bird food in bulk is a great way to save money, but only buy as much food as you’ll use before it spoils. You don’t want to give wild birds food that’s stale or past expiration.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What seeds can wild birds eat?

 

Wild birds can eat cracked corn, millet, sunflower seeds, nyjer and other kinds of seeds. If you know what types of wild birds you’re attracting, research the species to find what seed they like best.

 

What should you not feed wild birds?

 

Most processed human foods aren’t safe for wild birds. Don’t feed your wild birds onions, bacon, excess salt, onions, chocolate and other human foods. Never offer corn covered in a red dye. Corn intended for planting is often treated with fungicides, marked with red dye as a warning. It is highly toxic to humans, livestock, and all birds.