How to choose the right bird seed
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The best bird seed for your yard depends on the species you want to attract, but a high-quality blend with black-oil sunflower seed and without cheap fillers like red millet or milo is a safe starting point for most backyard birds.
What types of bird seed attract which birds?
Black-oil sunflower seed is the closest thing to a universal favorite, chickadees, titmice, cardinals, nuthatches, and finches all go for it, and its thin shell makes it easy for smaller birds to crack. Striped sunflower has a harder hull that larger birds like jays and grosbeaks prefer, but many smaller birds ignore it. Nyjer (thistle) seed is tiny and oil-rich, drawing goldfinches, house finches, and pine siskins almost exclusively; it needs a specialized feeder with small ports to avoid waste. White proso millet is a magnet for ground-feeding birds such as juncos, sparrows, doves, and towhees, but it’s often wasted in tube feeders that larger birds can’t access. Safflower seed is bitter to squirrels but loved by cardinals, chickadees, and some finches; it’s a good choice if you want to reduce squirrel visits. Peanuts (shelled or in-shell) attract jays, woodpeckers, titmice, and nuthatches, and they supply extra protein, just avoid salted or flavored varieties.
How to choose a quality bird seed blend
Many budget blends are mostly filler, red millet, milo, wheat, and oats, that few desirable birds actually eat. Birds often kick those seeds onto the ground, where they sprout or attract rodents. Look for blends where black-oil sunflower, white proso millet, and perhaps cracked corn or peanuts are the primary ingredients. A good rule of thumb: if the mixture has a lot of red grains (milo) or looks dusty and uniform, it’s probably low-quality. Specialty blends for specific birds, finch mixes heavy on nyjer, or cardinal blends with safflower and sunflower, are often worth the slightly higher cost because they create less waste. Regional blends can also be useful. Manufacturers sometimes tailor mixes for the birds most common in your part of the country. Check the ingredient list and avoid blends with artificial coloring or preservatives, plain seed is all birds need.
What to look for on a bird seed label
Freshness is key: seed should smell clean and nutty, not musty or rancid. If the bag feels damp or has condensation inside, pass on it. Many reputable brands pack the seed in breathable bags and include a “packed on” date, aim for seed less than six months old. No-additive claims matter, avoid seed that has been coated with hot pepper or chemical preservatives unless you deliberately want a pepper-coated mix to deter mammals. Most birds lack the receptor for capsaicin, so pepper coatings are safe for them but unpalatable to squirrels. A reliable label will list each ingredient by percentage and show that the seed is “strictly natural” or “no filler.” The greatest tip? Buy from a store with high turnover, a busy wild bird supply shop or a large pet supply retailer is more likely to have fresh stock than a gas station shelf.
How to store bird seed to keep it fresh and pest-free
Seed stored in its original paper bag is vulnerable to moisture, mold, and pantry moths. Transfer it to a metal or heavy-duty plastic container with a tight-sealing lid, and keep that container in a cool, dry place, a garage or basement shelf works well, but not in direct sunlight or near a heater. If you buy in bulk, inspect the seed before storing. Discard any bag that shows signs of moisture, webbing, or off smells. A bay leaf or two placed inside the storage bin can help discourage weevils without affecting the birds. For outdoor storage, avoid leaving the feeder bag on a damp deck or leaning against a birdbath. Instead, keep the main supply indoors and only bring out enough to refill feeders every few days. Properly stored seed can stay fresh for several months, but it’s best to use it within two or three months during warm weather.
When is the best time to feed birds?
Birds benefit from supplemental feeding year-round. In winter, seeds provide essential calories and fat when natural food is scarce, many birds will become regular visitors at feeders during cold months. Spring and summer feeding helps adult birds during nesting season when they need extra energy for egg-laying and feeding chicks. Some people worry that feeding birds in late summer or early fall will make them delay migration, but this is a myth. Day length and genetics, not feeder availability, trigger migration. Birds will still migrate on schedule, and your feeder simply offers a stopover refueling spot. The key is consistency: once you start feeding, try to keep the feeder full, especially in harsh weather. Birds come to rely on reliable food sources, and a suddenly empty feeder can be a hardship during a snowstorm or temperature drop.
How to avoid common bird seed problems
Messy hulls and seed waste are top complaints. Using shelled sunflower meat (also called chips) or a no-mess blend, where all seeds are hulled, reduces cleanup dramatically. These products are more expensive, but the seed weighs less per scoop and leaves no empty shells under the feeder. Mold and spoilage happen when seed gets wet. Choose feeders with drainage holes or a dome that shields the tray, and never fill a feeder more than two-thirds full so the seed doesn’t sit and ferment. If you notice a sour smell or clumping, discard the entire batch and scrub the feeder with soapy water and a dilute bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) before refilling. Pests like squirrels and raccoons can be managed with caged feeders or weight-sensitive perches, but the most effective tactic is to place feeders away from structures and trees that let animals jump onto them. In addition, regularly sweep up fallen seed to discourage rodents and ground-foraging geese or pigeons.
Frequently asked questions
Can I feed birds bread or kitchen scraps?
Bread offers very little nutritional value, it fills birds up without giving them the energy they need, especially in cold weather. Stick to bird seed, suet, and fruit like chopped apples or berries for a healthier option.
Is it okay to feed birds in the summer?
Yes, summer feeding is perfectly fine. Birds need extra energy during nesting and molting seasons, and a clean feeder with fresh seed will not negatively affect them, just clean feeders more often in hot weather to prevent mold.
What bird seed attracts cardinals the most?
Cardinals are especially fond of black-oil sunflower seed, safflower seed, and cracked corn. A blend with a high proportion of sunflower and safflower will reliably draw them to your yard.
How do I keep squirrels away from bird seed?
Use squirrel-resistant feeders with weight-activated perches that close when a heavy squirrel climbs on. Also offer squirrel-specific feeders with less desirable seed like whole peanuts or corn placed at a distance from your bird feeders to distract them.
Should I use suet along with bird seed?
Suet is an excellent complement, especially in winter, it provides high-calorie fat that woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and insect-eating birds love. Look for suet cakes without rendered fat mixed with cornmeal, and avoid “no melt” versions in hot weather because they may contain hardening additives.
How often should I clean my bird feeder?
Clean tube and hopper feeders at least once every two weeks, and more often if you notice wet seed or bird droppings around the port openings. Hummingbird feeders need cleaning every two to three days in warm weather to prevent fungus. Use a brush and hot water, avoid soap residue, or a nine-to-one water-to-bleach soak, then rinse thoroughly.