The A-Z of Wild Bird Seed
Bird Seed Buffet: What’s on the Menu and Who’s Showing Up
If you want to turn your backyard into the go-to hangout for local birds, it starts with the right snacks. Bird seed isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some birds love the crunchy stuff. Others want the easy-access kind. And some just show up for the peanuts.
So if you’re feeling overwhelmed staring at seed bags like you're choosing a college major, don’t worry. We broke down the most popular wild bird seed varieties so you can build the perfect buffet—one scoop at a time.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
These are the VIPs of the seed world. Easy-to-crack shells, packed with fatty acids and protein, and beloved by cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. If you’re new to bird feeding, start here.
Crack Corn & Millet
Cracked corn is a favorite for ground feeders like quail, doves, and pheasants. Millet, on the other hand, is perfect for the little guys—sparrows, finches, and other tiny beak types. Together, they’re a reliable combo for a full yard.
Peanuts (Whole and Pick Out)
Peanuts are like energy bars for birds. Packed with fat and super satisfying. Woodpeckers are obsessed, but so are jays and titmice. Great for colder months when birds need that calorie boost.
Safflower Seeds
A bit of an underdog, but don’t count safflower out. Doves and grosbeaks are big fans, and squirrels usually turn their noses up at it. Win-win. Bonus: high in protein, and those tough shells keep pests from raiding the feeder.
Striped Sunflower Seeds
Bigger than black oil seeds, with a tougher shell. This one's a favorite for birds with strong beaks like blue jays and grosbeaks. A little more work to crack, but worth the fat content payoff.
Sunflower Hearts
No shell, no mess, and all the nutrition. Perfect for chickadees, finches, wrens, and other small birds who don’t want to waste time cracking shells. It’s like sunflower speed dating.
Sunflower Chips
Similar to sunflower hearts, but even smaller. No mess, no cleanup, and great for attracting everything from cardinals to blue jays. A great option if you want to keep it tidy and bird-friendly.
Whatever you choose—sunflower seeds, millet, peanuts, or a little bit of everything—you’ll be amazed at how quickly your yard becomes the hottest reservation in town.
Need help choosing the right mix? Stop by Merriam Feed. We’ll help you scoop what your backyard birds will actually eat. And maybe toss in a little something extra. Because happy birds = happy humans.
Now go grab that bird seed and get ready for a front row seat to the fluffiest show in town.
