Types of Bird Seed and What Birds They Attract

AKA: The Crowd-Pleaser

Black oil sunflower is basically the bird version of pizza. Almost everyone wants a piece. With thin shells and oil-rich insides, they’re easy to crack and high in calories (which matters when you’re flapping your wings all day).

Who eats it:
Cardinals, Chickadees, Finches, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Sparrows, Titmice

Why we love it:
It’s versatile, mess-friendly, and brings in a wide variety of birds. If you’re new to feeding or just want to get the party started, start here.

AKA: The Tough Guy

Bigger, badder, and harder to crack. These seeds are the gym bros of sunflower land. Squirrels struggle. Only birds with real beak game get in.

Who eats it:
Blue Jays, Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Woodpeckers

Why we love it:
It keeps the riffraff out (looking at you, starlings and squirrels). Plus, the birds that do show up are worth the invite.

AKA: The Squirrel Repellent

Bitter to squirrels and bully birds, but beloved by your backyard VIPs. Safflower is the passive-aggressive seed that politely tells pests to buzz off.

Who eats it:
Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Chickadees, Doves

Why we love it:
It’s bird-exclusive. Keeps out the seed stealers and feeds the crowd we actually want to see.

AKA: The No-Mess MVP

All the good stuff, none of the shell drama. Sunflower hearts are hulled sunflower seeds that are pure bird fuel that is high in fat, easy to eat, and beloved by almost every backyard bird who isn’t into cracking shells (aka lazy or just efficient, depending on how you spin it).

Who eats it:
Finches, Cardinals, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Sparrows, Woodpeckers, Doves, Titmice

Why we love it:
No shells = no cleanup. It’s the clean freak’s favorite seed. Great for patios, feeders near windows, or anyone who’s tired of sunflower shell piles under the feeder.

AKA: The Snackable Bits

These are just sunflower hearts that have been chopped up into smaller pieces that is easier for tiny beaks and perfect for mixing with other seed types. Think bird granola, but without the raisins no one likes.

Who eats it:
Goldfinches, House Finches, Chickadees, Wrens, Pine Siskins, Sparrows

Why we love it:
They’re tiny, tidy, and great for attracting smaller birds that prefer bite-sized bits. Also, they mix beautifully into custom blends (your inner DIY bird buffet curator will be thrilled).

AKA: The Beak Workout

Birds love a challenge, and whole peanuts deliver. These unsalted, in-the-shell treats turn snack time into a sport. Jays especially love showing off by flying off with the whole thing like they’ve just won a prize.

Who eats it:
Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, Crows, Magpies, Squirrels (unfortunately, yes)

Why we love it:
They’re fun to watch and perfect for bigger birds that like to take their snack to-go. Bonus: they double as free entertainment.

AKA: The Grab-and-Go Snack

No shells, no fuss. Just straight-up protein-packed goodness. Shelled peanuts are ideal for smaller birds or for anyone who doesn't feel like sweeping up a pile of cracked shells.

Who eats it:
Chickadees, Nuthatches, Titmice, Jays, Woodpeckers

Why we love it:
They’re clean, convenient, and perfect for platform feeders. A little goes a long way and every bird at the bar wants a handful.

AKA: The Ground Feeder Favorite

Millet’s the low-key hero of many seed blends. Great for the birds that don’t mind dining on the ground and couldn’t care less about flashy feeders.

Who eats it:
Juncos, Towhees, Sparrows, Mourning Doves, Quail

Why we love it:
It’s humble, effective, and perfect for attracting those under-the-radar regulars that still make birdwatching fun.

AKA: Finch Fuel

Tiny, oily, and ridiculously loved by finches. You’ll need a special feeder (they’re small), but the nonstop action once they find it? Totally worth it.

Who eats it:
Goldfinches, House Finches, Pine Siskins, Redpolls

Why we love it:
It’s like rolling out the red carpet for finches. They’ll come. They’ll party. They’ll bring their friends.