Which bird seed attracts which birds, the bags worth buying, and how to cut waste and mess. Black-oil sunflower, safflower, Nyjer, suet and mealworms explained.
Updated November 2026 · 9 picks · By the Seed & Song team
The food you put out decides which birds show up. Cheap mixes are full of filler seed that most birds kick to the ground, which wastes money and attracts rodents.
Start with black-oil sunflower or a quality no-filler blend, then add suet for woodpeckers and Nyjer for finches. Here's what to buy for each.
If you only buy one seed, make it black-oil sunflower. It's high in fat, has a thin shell small birds can open, and nearly every seed-eating bird loves it.
A premium mix of nuts, fruit and sunflower without cheap filler seeds birds throw on the ground. The easiest single bag to attract lots of different birds.
Our picks are based on research, not sponsorships. We compare manufacturer specifications, read long-term owner feedback, and weigh what experienced backyard birders and bird organizations consistently recommend. We favor gear that's easy to clean, built to last and safe for birds. No brand pays to be included, and we update this guide as products change.
What to look for
Skip filler
Red milo, wheat and oats bulk out cheap mixes, but most feeder birds won't eat them. Check the ingredients.
Match seed to feeder
Tiny Nyjer needs a finch feeder. Big blends with nuts work best in hoppers and platforms.
Buy what you'll use
Seed can go stale or moldy. Buy amounts you'll use in a month or two, and store it in a sealed container.
Think about mess
Sunflower shells pile up under feeders. Hulled sunflower kernels cost more but leave nothing behind.
Frequently asked questions
What seed attracts the most birds?
Black-oil sunflower. More feeder birds eat it than any other single seed.
Is bread okay for birds?
It's best avoided. Bread fills birds up without the fat and protein they need.
Should I feed birds in summer?
You can. Birds have more natural food in summer, but feeders still help, and you'll see parents bring their young.
Not sure which feeder fits your yard?
Answer three quick questions and we'll match you with the right setup.