Safflower: which birds eat it
The cardinal seed squirrels tend to skip. White, hard shell.
Which birds does safflower attract?
| Bird | Where it feeds | Best feeder |
|---|---|---|
| Cardinals | Ground or tray | Hopper feeder |
| House Finches | Hanging feeder | Tube feeder |
| Titmice | Hanging feeder | Tube feeder |
| Mourning Doves | Ground or tray | Platform or tray feeder |
| Grosbeaks | Hanging feeder | Hopper feeder |
| Chickadees | Hanging feeder | Tube feeder |
Safflower: bags from small to bulk
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
Cheapest per pound among these listings: $1.36 per lb; dearest: $3.80 per lb. Bulk bags only save money if you can store them dry.
How do you feed safflower?
| Feeder | Hopper feeder, Platform or tray feeder, Tube feeder |
|---|---|
| Squirrels | Many squirrels avoid it, though not all |
| Mess | Some hulls |
| Storage | Keeps well |
Feeders that suit safflower
Prices move constantly; the button shows the current figure.
Other seed and food types
Black oil sunflower · Striped sunflower · Sunflower hearts and chips · 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) · Mixed seed blends
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 safflower?
cardinals, house finches, titmice, mourning doves, grosbeaks and chickadees are the main takers. Bitter to many squirrels, grackles, starlings and house sparrows. Birds may need a week or two to switch to it; mix it with sunflower at first. Offering it in a hopper feeder gives the birds that want it easy access without spilling it for the ones that do not.
Do squirrels eat safflower?
Many squirrels avoid it, though not all. That makes it a useful choice in yards where squirrels are a constant problem, although a baffled pole is still the only complete fix.
How should I store safflower?
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 safflower?
hopper feeder, platform or tray feeder and tube feeder. A house-shaped reservoir with a wide ledge. The best all-round feeder for cardinals. Matching the feeder to the food matters: the wrong ports either jam or pour the food out onto the ground.
Is safflower messy?
Some hulls. White, hard shell. 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.