Mixed seed blends: which birds eat it
Read the label: the filler matters. Blend.
Which birds does mixed seed blends attract?
| Bird | Where it feeds | Best feeder |
|---|---|---|
| Native Sparrows | Ground or tray | Ground tray |
| Juncos | Ground or tray | Ground tray |
| Mourning Doves | Ground or tray | Platform or tray feeder |
| House Finches | Hanging feeder | Tube feeder |
| Cardinals | Ground or tray | Hopper feeder |
Mixed seed blends: bags from small to bulk
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
Cheapest per pound among these listings: $1.60 per lb; dearest: $2.21 per lb. Bulk bags only save money if you can store them dry.
How do you feed mixed seed blends?
| Feeder | Platform or tray feeder, Hopper feeder |
|---|---|
| Squirrels | Loved by squirrels |
| Mess | Birds flick unwanted grains out |
| Storage | Keeps well |
Feeders that suit mixed seed blends
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
Other seed and food types
Black oil sunflower · Striped sunflower · Sunflower hearts and chips · Safflower · Nyjer (thistle) · White proso millet · Cracked corn · Milo (sorghum) · Shelled peanuts · Peanuts in the shell · Suet and suet dough · Mealworms · Fruit (oranges, apples, berries) · Grape jelly · Nectar (sugar water)
Get the seed-by-bird cheat sheet
Which food brings which bird, the feeder it needs and how to store it, on one printable page.
Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
What birds eat mixed seed blends?
sparrows, juncos, mourning doves, house finches and cardinals are the main takers. Blends heavy in milo, red millet, wheat and oats end up on the ground. Look for sunflower, safflower and white millet near the top of the ingredient list. Offering it in a platform or tray feeder gives the birds that want it easy access without spilling it for the ones that do not.
Do squirrels eat mixed seed blends?
Loved by squirrels. Put it on a smooth pole with a baffle 4 to 5 feet up, at least 10 feet from anything squirrels can jump from, or use a weight-activated feeder.
How should I store mixed seed blends?
Keeps well. Keep any seed in a sealed metal can in a cool, dry place so mice, insects and moisture cannot reach it. Throw out anything that smells musty, clumps or shows mould, since mouldy food can make birds sick.
What feeder is best for mixed seed blends?
platform or tray feeder and hopper feeder. Draws the widest range of species, including ground feeders. Needs a mesh floor for drainage and daily cleanup. Matching the feeder to the food matters: the wrong ports either jam or pour the food out onto the ground.
Is mixed seed blends messy?
Birds flick unwanted grains out. Blend. If mess under the feeder is a concern, hulled foods such as sunflower hearts leave nothing behind, and a seed tray under the feeder catches most of what is dropped.