3 best bird seeds for outside

Bird seeds for outdoor feeding are essential for attracting and nourishing a variety of bird species in your garden or outdoor space. These seeds provide birds with a reliable source of food, especially during seasons when natural food supplies may be scarce. Here are some key points about bird seeds for outdoor feeding:

Seed Variety: There are various types of bird seeds available, each catering to different bird species.Common bird seeds include:
- Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: These seeds are highly popular and attract a wide range of birds, including cardinals, chickadees, finches, and woodpeckers.
- Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds: Nyjer seeds are favored by finches, especially goldfinches and house finches.
- Safflower Seeds: Safflower seeds are attractive to cardinals and some species of sparrows. They are less likely to be eaten by squirrels.
- Millet: Millet is a small, round seed that is appreciated by sparrows, doves, and juncos.
- Peanuts: Whole peanuts or peanut kernels are loved by jays, woodpeckers, and titmice.
- Mixed Seed Blends: Commercial seed blends often combine various seeds to attract a variety of birds. Be cautious with cheap blends that may contain a lot of filler seeds that go to waste.
Feeder Types: Different bird feeders are designed for specific types of seeds. Tube feeders, hopper feeders, platform feeders, and suet feeders can accommodate various seed types and attract different bird species.
Feeder Placement: Place bird feeders in a location that is visible to you for easy monitoring and maintenance. However, make sure the feeders are also in a sheltered area to protect the birds from harsh weather and predators.
Maintenance: Regularly clean and refill your bird feeders to prevent the spread of disease and ensure a fresh food supply for visiting birds. Empty and clean feeders every 1-2 weeks, more frequently during wet weather.
Squirrel Deterrence: If squirrels are a problem in your area, consider using squirrel-proof feeders or baffles to prevent them from raiding the birdseed.
Water Source: Providing a nearby water source, such as a birdbath, is essential for birds, especially during hot weather when water may be scarce.
Seasonal Feeding: Birds may have different dietary preferences throughout the year. For example, in winter, they may be more attracted to high-energy foods like suet, while in spring and summer, they may prefer insects and fruits.
Quality Matters: Choose high-quality bird seeds to ensure that the seeds are free from contaminants and pests. Storing seeds in a cool, dry place in airtight containers can help maintain their freshness.
Observation and Patience: Birdwatching can be a rewarding hobby. Be patient and observe the birds that visit your feeders, and consider keeping a birding journal to record your sightings.

In summary, providing bird seeds for outdoor feeding is a wonderful way to attract and support a variety of bird species in your outdoor space. By offering a range of seeds, maintaining clean feeders, and creating a bird-friendly environment, you can enjoy the beauty of birds and contribute to their well-being.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best bird seeds for outside on the market

Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food, 10-Pound Bag, Basic

Wagner's

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Wagner’s Deluxe Wild Bird Food Blend with sunflower and general purpose seeds offers the backyard enthusiast a value plus moderately priced food that is the real deal! Deluxe Blend can be used in all types of feeders as well as being a great mix to attract those wonderful ground feeding birds. You’ll get all the regular customers like Cardinals, Chickadees and Finches as well as other indigenous backyard visitors. Trust your backyard birds to the experts at Wagner’s.

Attracts perching and ground birds
Contains sunflower and general purpose seeds
Moderately priced valued blend that gets the birds
Highest quality grains used
Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question:	Can you store this outdoors? During a NY winter especially
Answer:	I live in southern New York and I store Wagner's Greatest Variety Blend in a metal garbage can with secure lid outdoors all winter long, and the seed is just fine. I tried the heavy duty plastic/rubber (?) garbage container but the raccoons and other critters eventually managed to chew through it.
Question:	Went to purchase again I paid $7.98, why is the price at $17.98 now for 10 pound bag
Answer:	I paid $6.84 for this, last week. Its close to $11 this week.
Question:	I have the concern regard the pink artificial colour that in the content, is it safe for feeding birds
Answer:	I question the necessity of dye in the bird seed too and am not sure of it's safety but we are getting large flocks of all kinds of small birds that are feeding on it heavily. It seems more popular with the birds than another brand that I've put out.
Question:	I paid $6.84 for this, last week. It's close to $11 this week. Why
Answer:	I have been buying this bird seed for several months now getting a shipment every 2-3 weeks and always have paid around $11. I did notice about a week or two ago the price was almost $17 and I refused to buy it then. Waited to the price dropped again before purchasing.

Product features

Wagner’s Deluxe Wild Bird Food

Food

Provide different types of food to attract more variety of birds. Sunflower is a great seed that many species love. Higher quality mixes attract more birds. Keep feeders full so birds will continue to visit.

Feeders

Provide a variety of feeders to attract the greatest variety of birds. Use hoppers and tube feeders for Sunflower and mixes. Use Finch feeders for Nyjer and Finch mixes. Platform feeders will accommodate ground feeding birds.

Water

Provide a shallow water source (2 inch-3 inch deep) so birds can bathe and drink. Water also attracts birds that feeding stations alone cannot, such as ones that feed on insects alone.

Location

Place feeders in locations already frequented by birds. Place by shrubs and/or trees to offer protection.

FAQ's

Make sure that your feeder is close to natural shelter such as trees and shrubs to provide protection for your birds, but be careful not to make it too convenient for squirrels. Also, place it in a location so that you can enjoy watching the activities of your feathered friends.

Should I feed the birds year-round?

Yes, birds need food year-round, so it is best to keep bird feeders full all year. Birds have a high metabolism and need to continually eat. Birds nest from late winter through late summer and during these months there is not an abundance of natural foods, so they need additional food for breeding and raising their young.

What is the best bird food?

Oil Sunflower Seed is one of the best seeds to have in a wild bird food mix. It is popular with a large number of species and is easy to feed in a variety of feeder styles. Wagner's blends provide a wide selection of seed choices that will attract a largest variety of birds to the backyard feeder. Wagner's has the mixes that will attract the species you want and will fit any budget.

Wagner's 62067 Deluxe Treat Blend Wild Bird Food, 4-Pound Bag

Wagner's

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Wagner's Deluxe Treat Wild Bird Food is a deluxe wild bird food with a treat - safflower seed. Wagner’s Deluxe Treat is a quality blend of seeds including black oil sunflower as well as different varieties of safflower seed. This colorful high quality blend will bring all your favorite and beautiful songbirds to your backyard. By offering your backyard birds a larger quantity of the seeds they enjoy, you will be rewarded with many different types of songbirds that will come to your feeders. Cardinals, Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches and Jays will be frequent visitors to your backyard. This blend works well in all types of feeders. Trust your backyard birds to the experts at Wagner’s.

A tasty treat for a variety of lovely perching and ground feeding birds
Contains sunflower along with colored safflower
Can be fed in a tube, hopper, or platform feeders
Highest quality grains used in blending
Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question:	Do these attract birds that prey on wasps
Answer:	I would start with the smallest size, and if the budgie likes it you can order larger sizes.
Question:	Do these seeds sprout
Answer:	No, that is not necessary but you should also feed your Cockatiel some seed mix as well.One 3rd seed and two 3rds pellets.Hope this helps!
Question:	Does this still contain artificial colors as of July
Answer:	I don't have a quaker Parrot, but I have a cockatiel. I usually have two bowls going on at the same time: a small one bolted to the outside and a regular one inside. That said, I empty both everyday, even if there is a good amount left. The large bags last me anywhere from 6-8 weeks. As I said I empty every night and refill. Some people are less paranoid than I about germs! If your parrot's used to seed, I don't know how you could convert it. Sorry I couldn't be more specific. This is the food that both vets I've had Hobbes see, suggested.
Question:	What is the difference between the deluxe blend and deluxe treat
Answer:	Hello! We have three sun conures, 2 green cheek conures, and a Nanday conure, and they all enjoy the mini Roudybush maintenance. We've purchased the other sizes too, and they will eat them, but mini seems to be their favorite!

Product features

Wagner’s Deluxe Treat Blend

Food

Feeders

Water

Provide a shallow water source (2 inch-3 inch deep) so birds can bathe and drink. Water also attracts birds that feeding stations alone cannot, such as ones that feed on insects alone.

Location

Place feeders in locations already frequented by birds. Place by shrubs and/or trees to offer protection.

FAQ's

Should I feed the birds year-round?

What is the best bird food?

Kaytee Wild Bird Food, 5lb

Kaytee

Based on 647 reviews Check latest price

Product description

One of the most popular blends for many backyard feeders

Attracts a wide variety of birds!
Seed mix is perfect for hopper feeders, platform feeders and tube feeders
Contains millet, black oil sunflower seed, cracked corn, wheat and vitamins
Made in the USA

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this bird food have neonicotinoids or any pesticides that have been banned in other countries
Answer:	No, it does not.
Question:	Do robins like this seed blend? We have a lot of robins in our yard
Answer:	Yes, robins may be fond of this! They'd also be fans of our Mealworms!