The Best Wild Bird Food
Birds possess a type of beauty that's unique in the animal kingdom. Their airborne grace has attracted bird-watchers for time immemorial. If you've ever done a bid of birdwatching yourself, you'll know that it's difficult to find birds or get them to stay still long enough to get a good look. On top of that, those who are stuck at home struggle to see a good variety of species. That's where bird food comes in. Whether in the woods or at home gazing out into your own yard, birds will flock to you if you provide the right food. It's like they say: if you build it, they will come. And we want to help you get there.
What to Look For
While searching for the best bird foods to include on this list, we checked out a few crucial details. For example, which ones tend to draw in the most variety? How much does each bag cost? Are they easy to put out in your yard? Are they healthy? We’ve found that our top pick, Wagner’s Deluxe Bird Food, has it all. However, it can be a bit inconsistent from bag to bag. Meanwhile, the Wildlife Sciences Suet is pre-made and always provides just the right amount of fat and nutrients to keep your favorite feathery friends healthy all year long. If you want to see these, along with the rest of our picks, in detail, check out this list of the best wild bird foods.
Wagner’s 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food
Although there are many specialty bird food options on the market, it can be hard to find one that can attract a large variety of species for a good price. That’s why we turn to this pack from Wagner’s. It has sunflower seeds, millet, milo, and cracked corn, all of which tend to bring in the most common bird species, along with a few harder-to-find specimens. In addition, every grain is sourced for quality to ensure you get the best for the birds you watch.
Pros:
- You can use this seed in both feeders and on the ground, making it easier for you to experiment with what draws your birds in.
- Because the blend includes so many seed varieties, it does an excellent job of attracting all kinds of birds. You can use it for feeding squirrels and ducks, too.
- This 10-pound bag can last quite a while.
Cons:
- Each bag can vary, so it can include more or less of any seed.
Wagner’s 76026 Four-Season Black Oil Sunflower Seed
Sunflower seeds are a staple food for many songbirds, which is why this four-season black oil sunflower seed blend from Wagner’s is such a great choice. It’s especially high in fiber and macronutrients, so it can keep the wild birds in your area healthy and full of energy throughout the year, even during the colder seasons when food is scarce. The best part is the price. This food costs a fraction of what many other similar options do, even in bulk.
Pros:
- There are four bag size options, making it easy to find the right size. That helps you make the most of your storage space while avoiding too much waste.
- We find that these thin-shelled seeds are easy for birds of all sizes to open.
- The seeds come from high-quality sources and attract all kinds of birds, from little nuthatches and finches to cardinals.
Cons:
- It’s common to find random twigs and sticks mixed in these bags.
Kaytee Peanuts for Wild Birds
This peanut-based blend from Kaytee is a fantastic option when you want to find a nutrient-dense and enriching food for wild birds. The crunchy texture and high-fat content will keep them feeling great throughout the year. When you add that to their pre-shelled and skin-free convenience, they simply can’t be beaten. Also, peanuts are high in protein and other vitamins and minerals for an overall healthy nutrition profile.
Pros:
- Birds and squirrels love these peanuts, which means you’ll get lots of visitors to watch and enjoy.
- They’re a fantastic option when you’re trying to help your local fauna friends stay fed through harsher weather.
- We find that these leave much less mess than most other bird-feeding blends.
Cons:
- Peanuts are a common allergen, so you need to be mindful of nearby neighbors.
Wild Delight – Deck, Porch N’ Patio Wild Bird Food
Although there are lots of bird food blends on the market, very few can rival the quality of Wild Delight’s Deck, Porch N’ Patio Wild blend. It’s made of premium, high-quality seeds and nuts, along with several added supplements to keep your local birds healthy and happy. The best part of this specific formulation is that it’s specifically made to be scattered around your deck and yard so that you can bring the birds right into an area that is easy to see from inside your home.
Pros:
- This food is designed to leave almost zero waste, which makes it much easier to use while keeping your yard clean.
- Added supplements help you keep the birds healthy, even if they don’t have much else for food during scarcer months.
- It does a great job of attracting all kinds of birds, even those who usually avoid populated areas.
Cons:
- This seed blend is a bit pricier than other options.
Wildlife Sciences High Energy Suet Cake (10-Pack)
Less mess, no stress
Suet is a fantastic choice for adding a cleaner food option to your yard. This 10-pack from Wildlife Sciences is an especially convenient option. The melt-resistant formula won’t leave messy residues or dripping fat and seeds all over your yard, which is always a bonus. It’s made of beef suet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and other grain products, making it a protein and fat-packed food for the wild birds in your area. In fact, it’s known to bring in almost any perching bird, including woodpeckers, hummingbirds, blue jays, and more.
Pros:
- Suet is very easy to use. Simply slip it into the specially designed holder and watch the birds come in.
- We find this pack to be very affordable, especially for how much you get.
- The packaging is easy to open and you don’t even need scissors or a knife.
Cons:
- They can come cracked, making it a little harder to get into the holder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wild bird food do I need?
When choosing wild bird food for your yard, pay attention to the birds in your area and what you want to attract and conduct some research on what birds like which foods. You may also want to decide what species you want to bring in that you may not have seen yet so you can put food out to attract them.
Why should I put out wild bird food?
Wild bird food is a good choice when you want to watch birds, take pictures, and keep an eye on local populations. It’s also great for helping the nearby wild birds stay fed and healthy throughout the colder months. It can often become hard for them to find food, which can drive them away from the area. Providing food can prevent that.
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