Sunflower seeds and white proso millet: The most attractive bird foods

Sunflower seeds and white proso millet are often touted as the most attractive bird foods, and for good reason. Many bird seed mixes on the market contain filler seeds that birds simply don’t eat, resulting in wasted food and a less enticing offering for our feathered friends. However, black oil sunflower seeds have been found to be a favorite among larger finches, cardinals, chickadees, and nuthatches. On the other hand, hulled sunflower seeds are preferred by smaller finches like goldfinches and redpolls. Another beloved option for ground-feeding sparrows, juncos, mourning doves, and red-winged blackbirds is white proso millet. Unfortunately, many cheap bird seed mixes include unwanted seeds such as red milo, sorghum, canary seed, and cracked corn. The ideal solution is to offer one type of seed in each separate feeder, allowing birds to choose their preferred option. When purchasing bird seed mixes, it’s crucial to read the ingredients carefully to ensure a more desirable blend.

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are one of the most attractive bird foods available. They are a favorite among many different bird species due to their high nutritional value and energy content. The two main types of sunflower seeds used in bird feeding are black oil sunflower seeds and hulled sunflower seeds.

Larger finches

Black oil sunflower seeds are particularly loved by larger finches such as cardinals, chickadees, and nuthatches. These birds have strong beaks that can crack open the tough shell of the sunflower seed. The high fat content of black oil sunflower seeds provides these birds with the energy they need to fly and forage throughout the day.

Smaller finches

Hulled sunflower seeds, on the other hand, are preferred by smaller finches like goldfinches and redpolls. The shell has already been removed from these sunflower seeds, making them easier for smaller birds to consume. Hulled sunflower seeds are rich in nutrients and are a great source of protein for small finches.

White proso millet

White proso millet is another popular bird seed that attracts a wide variety of birds. This small, round seed is loved by ground-feeding sparrows, juncos, mourning doves, and red-winged blackbirds. These birds are ground feeders and will often search for food on the floor. White proso millet is easy for them to pick up and consume.

Bird seed mixes

Many bird seed mixes on the market contain a combination of different seeds. While these mixes may seem convenient, it’s important to be aware that some of the seeds included are filler seeds that birds don’t eat. Cheap bird seed mixes often contain unwanted seeds such as red milo, sorghum, canary seed, and cracked corn.

Filler seeds

Filler seeds are typically used to bulk up the seed mix and are of little nutritional value to birds. Birds will often toss aside these filler seeds in search of more desirable options. This not only leads to wasted food but also increases the chances of attracting unwanted pests like squirrels and raccoons to your feeders.

Red milo

Red milo is one of the most commonly used filler seeds in bird seed mixes. It is a small, round seed that birds generally ignore. Including red milo in a bird seed mix does little to attract birds and is simply a way for manufacturers to cut costs.

Sorghum

Sorghum is another type of filler seed that is often included in bird seed mixes. It is a cereal grain that provides little nutritional value for birds. While it may be cheaper to produce, including sorghum in a bird seed mix is not beneficial for attracting a diverse range of bird species.

Canary seed

Canary seed is a small, yellowish seed that is often included in bird seed mixes. While some birds may eat it, it is not as attractive to a wide variety of species compared to other seeds like sunflower seeds or white proso millet. Including canary seed in a mix may result in birds picking out their preferred seeds and leaving the canary seed untouched.

Cracked corn

Cracked corn is a type of filler seed that is commonly found in bird seed mixes. It is a coarse grain that is difficult for many birds to consume. While cracked corn may attract some ground-feeding birds like crows and pigeons, it is generally not preferred by a majority of backyard birds.

Offering one type of seed

To ensure that you are attracting the specific bird species you desire, it is often best to offer one type of seed in each separate feeder. This allows you to cater to the specific dietary preferences of different birds. By offering sunflower seeds in one feeder and white proso millet in another, you can attract a wider variety of bird species to your backyard.

Commercial bird seed mixes

If you prefer the convenience of using bird seed mixes, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients listed on the packaging. The ingredients in commercial bird seed mixes can vary greatly, with some containing more desirable seeds and fewer fillers.

Varying ingredients

Higher quality bird seed mixes may contain a combination of sunflower seeds, white proso millet, and other preferred seeds such as safflower seeds, nyjer seeds, or peanuts. These mixes are designed to attract a broader range of bird species and provide the necessary nutrients for their well-being.

On the other hand, lower quality bird seed mixes may have a higher percentage of filler seeds and fewer desirable seeds. These mixes are often cheaper but may not attract as many birds or provide the necessary nutrition.

Importance of reading ingredients

When purchasing bird seed mixes, it is essential to read the ingredients before making a decision. By being aware of what is included in the mix, you can make an informed choice that will attract the birds you desire to your backyard.

By offering high-quality seeds such as sunflower seeds and white proso millet, or choosing commercial mixes with a higher percentage of desirable seeds, you can create an attractive feeding station that will delight a variety of bird species. Remember, a little bit of knowledge about bird seed ingredients can go a long way in creating a bird-friendly environment in your backyard.