There are a lot of bird seeds available in the market. Oftentimes, people get overwhelmed by the variety of bird food they see on the shelves. Our goal is to help you decide the best bird seed.
Read on to check the list of things to look for when buying one.
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What To Consider When Choosing A Bird Seed?
With all the options on the market, you have a lot to think about when choosing birdseed to fill your feeder with.
Take the following factors into consideration when making your choice.
Kinds of Bird Seeds
There are many different kinds of bird seeds, and not all are equal. For example, black oil sunflower seeds are a popular choice among many birds.
Consider the types of seeds you may find and learn which ones are best.
Kinds of Birds You Want to Attract
Additionally, not all seeds will attract the same types of birds. You can control what types of birds you attract by which seed or blend of seeds you put in your feeder.
Things like taste and odor are significant factors in what birds are attracted to your seed. You also want to consider the size of the seeds.
Small birds with small beaks need small, thin seeds; otherwise, they won’t be able to handle it.
Quality and Quantity
You also need to consider the variety of seeds. Look at where they come from, and if the mix includes any fillers or low-quality ingredients.
While quality is a top priority, you need to consider the quantity you’re getting for your money as well.
Are you getting a lot of low-quality seed, or is the quantity 100% high-quality ingredients?
Ingredients
While seeds will be the main ingredient, many blends will contain others as well. This can include nuts, seeds, and corn. Corn is often an unpopular ingredient and is considered filler.
Things like peanuts, raisins, and millet may be attractive to specific birds. But ensure you pay attention to the full ingredients list, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Expiration Dates
Lastly, pay attention to expiration dates. Seeds, nuts, and fruit don’t last forever, even with resealable bags.
If you’re buying an enormous container, make sure the expiration date is far away. Big bags can be convenient, but not if they’re about to go wrong.
Top 20 Best Bird Seeds
1. Lyric Supreme – Wild Bird Mix
This nutritious birdseed contains a mix of 12 all-natural ingredients, including seeds, nuts, and cracked corn. It will attract a wide variety of birds.
- Pros
- The mix is all natural and handcrafted.
- It contains no fillers.
- They guarantee it will attract the most extensive variety of birds compared to other products.
- Cons
- The packaging is weak and may be damaged during transit.
- Some may be wasted as some birds may not like certain ingredients.
This quality mix contains a variety of ingredients meant to attract a wide variety of birds.
2. Wagner’s Greatest Variety Blend
This gourmet birdseed is a blend of 11 different ingredients with 40% sunflower seeds. The seeds can be fed in a variety of different ways and are of the highest quality.
- Pros
- The seeds are made in the USA.
- The mix will attract a variety of songbirds.
- The seeds are versatile in how they can be fed.
- Cons
- Some birds don’t like to eat it for very long.
- Some birds don’t like the mix at all.
Made right in the USA, this blend contains 11 different seeds to create a versatile, quality blend.
3. Wagner’s Deluxe – Wild Bird Food
This is a reasonably priced value blend that attracts perching and ground birds. It contains a mix of sunflower seeds and other general-purpose seeds.
- Pros
- They are made directly in the USA.
- It is moderately priced.
- Only high-quality grains are used.
- Cons
- It won’t attract every kind of bird.
- It contains a lot of corn and other fillers.
Though reasonably priced, this birdseed does contain fillers and a limited blend of seeds good for attracting a limited number of birds
4. Wagner’s Black Oil Sunflower
Black oil sunflower seeds attract the widest variety of birds. The shells on the seeds are thin, making it easy for even small-beaked birds to open.
- Pros
- Made directly in the USA.
- Black oil sunflower is healthy and good for the birds.
- It will attract a wide range of birds.
- Cons
- It does contain some fillers.
- Some birds aren’t interested.
Wagner’s delivers a high-quality black oil sunflower seed every time, allowing you to attract a lovely variety of birds.
5. Heath Outdoor Products – Birdie’s Blend Suet Cake
These suet cakes are melt-proof, good for all seasons, and provide the birds that eat it a burst of energy. They are guaranteed fresh and contain a blend of other ingredients.
- Pros
- Suitable for all seasons.
- It won’t melt.
- It provides nutrition and energy to birds.
- Cons
- It won’t attract all kinds of birds.
- They are greasy to handle.
Suet cakes are a healthy way to attract some birds to your feeder and give them some energy to go with their snack.
6. Wagner’s Classic – Wild Bird Food
This classic wild bird food contains a base of sunflower seeds and a mix of other general-purpose seeds. Only the highest quality grains from the USA are used.
- Pros
- Made directly in the USA.
- It can be fed in a variety of different ways.
- It attracts a wide range of birds.
- Cons
- Not a lot of seed variety.
- It contains a lot of filler.
- Some birds don’t like it.
This basic, reasonably priced birdseed is good for attracting a few different types of birds.
7. Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro – Health Parakeet Food
Kaytee is recommended by veterinarians as it provides a variety of important nutrients to birds. Naturally fortified, this is a high-quality food that birds will love.
- Pros
- Veterinarian approved.
- It contains a high number of nutrients.
- Naturally fortified.
- Cons
- The packaging is weak, and many customers report the damage upon arrival.
- It comes in a tiny bag.
Made from extremely high-quality seeds, this brand of birdseed offers a mix that is rich in nutrients to offer birds a healthy diet.
8. Pennington Waste Free Blend – Wild Bird Seed
This blend of seeds will attract several songbirds. There are no hulls meaning no mess, and it is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for a balanced diet.
- Pros
- There are no hulls.
- It contains a wide variety of seeds.
- Includes sunflower chips to attract songbirds.
- Cons
- The packaging is weak and sometimes rips during transit.
- It does contain some fillers.
This no waste, no mess bird seed, will attract many birds and provide them with a series of healthy vitamins and minerals.
9. Lyric Fine Tunes – No Waste Bird Seed Mix
This quality mix is handcrafted and all-natural, providing a high level of nutrition to birds who eat it. The blend is finely cut, making it perfect for small birds with small beaks.
- Pros
- It contains six nutritional ingredients.
- 100% of the blend is edible for a low mess.
- The finely cut ingredients work well in all feeders.
- Cons
- Songbirds don’t tend to like it.
It’s an all-natural, nutritious mix that is easy for smaller birds to eat.
10. Kaytee Wild Bird Food – Black Oil Sunflower
Known for attracting a large variety of birds, this bag of black oil sunflower seeds will be popular in your garden. The high oil content will provide energy for the birds.
- Pros
- It will attract many different kinds of birds.
- It is a part of a bird’s healthy diet.
- Reasonably priced for the quality.
- Cons
- It contains some filler that the birds don’t like.
- It’s a trendy choice among squirrels, so it needs to be in a squirrel proof feeder.
This birdseed will provide energy for all of the birds in your garden with its high-quality blend.
11. Wild Delight – 20-Pound Nut N-Berry Birdfood
This advanced, quality formula contains a premium mix of seeds to attract a wide variety of birds. It also contains a mix of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to contribute to a healthy diet.
- Pros
- This mix contains no fillers.
- It will attract many kinds of birds.
- It’s a very healthy mix.
- Cons
- The package may contain some sunflower shells.
- The price has gone up while customer-reported quality has gone down.
This high-quality, no-filler mix will attract a variety of birds while providing them premium birdseed that benefits their diet.
12. Wagner’s Nature’s Best Blend
This is a basic blend that includes sunflower seeds and white millet to attract birds to your window. The seed comes in a reclosable slider and can be fed in a variety of feeder types.
- Pros
- Made directly in the USA.
- The blend is versatile and can be fed in a tube, hopper, or platform feeder.
- It comes with a reclosable slider to ensure freshness.
- Cons
- It attracts a limited number of birds.
- The mix doesn’t contain a wide variety of seeds.
This is a simple, basic, budget-friendly blend of birdseed that is made right in the USA.
13. Lyric – Sunflower Kernels
This product contains only the sunflower kernels, no shells, which means no waste or mess. It’s a perfect all-around food for wild birds.
- Pros
- Won’t produce a lot of waste or mess.
- No shells, everything is 100% edible.
- The bag keeps the seed fresh.
- Cons
- It doesn’t contain any variety.
- It won’t attract a wide variety of birds.
This is a great general food for wild birds and contains no shells to minimize the mess and waste.
14. Lyric Delite – High Protein No Waste Wild Bird Mix
This mix contains pre-hulled seeds to minimize waste and allow birds to eat 100% of what is there. The mix will attract a wide variety of birds, including chickadees, woodpeckers, and finches.
- Pros
- No mess and no waste.
- It won’t produce weeds.
- The mix is high in protein.
- Cons
- The mix is a bit chunky, not ideal for every type of feeder.
- It’s heavy on peanuts, not leaving a ton of variety.
This is a healthy, high-protein mix that will leave no mess behind and allow the birds to eat everything.
15. Morning Song – Clean and Free Wild Bird Food
This mix is shell-free for minimal mess and can be fed in many types of bird feeders. It includes a variety of ingredients, including seeds and nuts.
- Pros
- No mess.
- The company is family-owned, and American made.
- The seeds are versatile.
- Cons
- It contains corn, which is undesirable to most birds.
- The mix is mostly millet, which attracts a limited variety of birds.
A basic, shell-free mix that won’t be wasted by the birds it attracts.
16. Harvest Seed & Supply – Songbird Wild Bird Food
This mix is designed specifically to attract songbirds with the black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and more. The food is versatile enough to work with a variety of different feeders.
- Pros
- Made directly in the USA.
- It attracts a wide variety of birds.
- Cons
- Some get wasted as the birds don’t’ like all the ingredients.
- The packaging is weak, and many have reported damage during transit.
This is a basic mix with a solid variety of ingredients that is sure to attract songbirds specifically.
17. Songbird Selections – Wild Finch and Small Songbird Food
Another food specifically for songbirds, this mix contains quality ingredients and no fillers. The mix is enriched with vitamins and minerals to contribute to their healthy diet.
- Pros
- The mix has no fillers.
- The bag reseals for freshness.
- The company is family-owned.
- Cons
- Not all birds will like the mix.
- It’s on the expensive side for the amount it provides.
A diverse mix of seeds and nuts, this birdseed is perfect for attracting a variety of songbirds.
18. Member’s Mark Supreme Blend – Wild Bird Food
This large, premium birdseed will keep you stocked up for a long time. The mix contains no fillers and works in almost every feeder.
- Pros
- No fillers.
- It attracts a large variety of songbirds.
- It contains a blend of popular ingredients like sunflower seeds, peanuts, and raisins.
- Cons
- There isn’t a wide variety of ingredients.
- It’s heavy on corn and millet, which some birds might not like as much.
A simple mix of a few popular ingredients, this birdseed contains no fillers. It will attract a nice variety of songbirds.
19. Pennington Select Birder’s Blend – Wild Bird Feed
This is a versatile mix that includes a wide variety of ingredients, including seeds, nuts, and even fruits. The mix has been enriched with vitamins and minerals to contribute to a healthy diet.
- Pros
- The bag reseals for secure storage and freshness.
- The company is family-owned.
- It will attract a wide variety of birds.
- The ingredients are highly varied.
- Cons
- Some ingredients may be harmful to other animals and wildlife.
- A large number of ingredients can create some waste if birds don’t like certain things.
This mix is highly versatile with a variety of ingredients for attracting a large number of birds.
20. Audubon Park Songbird Selections – Multi Wild Bird Food with Fruits and Nuts
This mix is high in fat, with several nutrients, making it a healthy mix for birds. The mix has been formulated based on scientific research to attract a good variety of birds.
- Pros
- Vitamins and minerals have been added to the mix.
- The company uses scientific evidence to curate the blend.
- It’s high in fat, which will give birds energy.
- Cons
- It does contain some fillers.
- Some ingredients are wasted when birds don’t like them.
Formulated based on science, this versatile birdseed will attract a variety of birds while providing them a nutritious diet.
Final Thoughts: Which Product Is The Best?
This list contains a fantastic variety of birdseed, from the high black oil sunflower seeds to nutritious suet cakes.
Each product has a unique purpose and a set of advantages. Still, the best overall choice is probably the Lyric Supreme Wild Bird Mix.
This birdseed is versatile and contains a variety of ingredients. They offer customers a guarantee that this mix will attract the most enormous variety of birds.