5 Best bird food to attract colorful birds

If you’ve ever watched a bright red cardinal or a golden finch land on your feeder, you know how magical it feels.

Attracting colorful birds to your backyard isn’t just about putting up any birdseed it’s about offering the right menu that brings these feathered beauties back again and again.

The secret? Not all bird food is created equal. Colorful birds like blue jays, orioles, cardinals, goldfinches, and grosbeaks are picky eaters.

They look for high-energy, nutrient-rich seeds, fruits, and suet that match their natural diets.

In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 5 best bird foods that are proven to attract vibrant, eye-catching birds.

Whether you’re filling a feeder or sprinkling seed near a garden perch, these foods will help turn your yard into a colorful bird paradise.

Pennington Select Safflower Seed 15 lb Bag

I’ve been using Pennington Select Safflower Seed for a few months now, and it’s been a game-changer in my backyard birdwatching.

The first thing I noticed? Cardinals and chickadees showed up almost immediately.

The seed is super fresh right out of the bag. My feeders are now packed with finches, doves, and even some birds I’ve never seen before.

It’s amazing how one type of seed can attract so many different species.

One of the best parts? Squirrels barely touch it. That alone makes this seed worth the extra cost. I also don’t see those pushy blackbirds crowding the feeders anymore.

I use it in a tube feeder and a tray feeder, and both work great. The birds go through it fast, so I know they actually like it not just picking through it for better pieces.

The only downside is the packaging. The plastic bag is thin, so if you’re ordering from Amazon, be careful. Don’t combine it with heavy items.

One of my bags arrived damaged once, but Amazon refunded me.

It’s a bit more expensive than generic seed, but honestly, it’s worth it. The quality is consistent and it doesn’t sit untouched like some mixes. My feeders stay busy all day.

If you’re looking for clean seed that brings in colorful songbirds without inviting squirrels, this is it. Highly recommend for anyone serious about backyard birding.

Pros: 

• Attracts cardinals, chickadees, finches, doves, and more

• Squirrels and blackbirds avoid it

• Fresh, clean seed with no filler

• Enriched with vitamins and minerals (Bird Kote formula)

• Works in multiple types of feeders

Cons:

• Thin packaging—prone to damage during shipping

• Slightly pricey compared to mixed birdseed

• Not available in every local store

Nyjer/Thistle Seeds Wild Bird Food  5 Pounds

I’ve been using this 5-pound Nyjer and thistle seed blend for about two weeks now, and the results are fantastic. My finch feeder has never been this busy.

Every morning, I get a mix of goldfinches, house finches, siskins, and even some chickadees. They seem to absolutely love this seed mix and empty the feeder in just a day or two.

The seed is clean no filler, no dust. That’s a huge plus. It pours easily, and the quality looks fresh, not dry or stale like some other brands I’ve tried.

One thing I noticed quickly: it doesn’t make a mess below the feeder. This “no-grow” blend lives up to its name. I haven’t seen a single weed sprout underneath.

It’s also versatile. I’ve used it in both mesh and tube feeders without any issues. The seed flows well and doesn’t clog like cheaper stuff sometimes does.

I appreciate that this blend includes both Nyjer and black oil sunflower kernels. It attracts a variety of birds, not just finches. Even a pair of doves have started visiting daily.

The packaging was secure and arrived without any damage. No spills, no crushed corners—just a good, solid product.

If you’re serious about attracting small songbirds without the hassle of weeds or waste, this is the mix to get. It’s high quality, and the birds clearly love it.

Pros:

• Attracts finches, siskins, chickadees, and more

• Clean, no-fill seed with no growth mess

• Includes sunflower kernels for wider appeal

• Works in most types of feeders

• Fresh, high-protein mix birds devour quickly

Cons:

• Birds finish it fast you’ll reorder often

• Slightly more expensive than regular seed

• Best suited for smaller birds, not larger species

Nyjer/Thistle Seeds with Empty Sock 5 Pounds | No Grow Seed

I picked up this 5-pound Nyjer seed pack with the included sock, and I’m genuinely impressed. It’s simple, clean, and perfect for small songbirds.

The sock feeder is super convenient. I filled it and hung it up within minutes. Within an hour, goldfinches and siskins started showing up.

What I love is how mess-free this seed is. It’s labeled “no grow,” and it’s true I’ve had no weeds under the feeder at all. That’s a big win.

The seed is fresh, lightweight, and high in oil content. It keeps birds energized and coming back again and again.

Even though I use a general wild bird mix too, this Nyjer blend really targets the small, colorful birds I wanted especially finches and chickadees.

The sock makes it easy to hang anywhere no need to buy a separate feeder. Plus, it’s washable and reusable, which adds extra value.

It’s also well-packaged. The bag arrived intact with no rips or seed spills. The quality is clear from the moment you open it.

If you’re new to bird feeding or want to attract finches fast, this is an easy way to get started. It’s clean, effective, and delivers fast results.

Pros:

• Includes empty sock feeder ready to use out of the box

• Attracts goldfinches, siskins, and other small birds

• No-grow formula no weeds under feeder

• Fresh, high-quality Nyjer seed

• Great for beginners or those without a separate feeder

Cons:

• Sock may wear over time with heavy use

• Attracts mostly small birds not ideal for larger species

• You’ll go through it quickly during peak bird activity

Finch Blend Bird Food 5 Pounds No Grow Seed

I’ve tried a few different finch mixes before, but this Finch Blend from Happy Wings really stands out. From the first day, the birds went crazy for it.

I get a mix of cardinals, bluejays, mourning doves, and plenty of finches all day long. They actually eat this seed, unlike other blends that get ignored.

The no-grow feature is a lifesaver. No weeds popping up under my feeders, which keeps my yard clean and neat without extra work.

The seed is fresh and full of high-energy ingredients like sunflower hearts and Nyjer. You can tell the birds feel healthier and more active.

I like that it’s processed in a certified facility, so the quality is consistent and safe for wild birds. That gives me peace of mind.

I use it in both mesh and tray feeders, and it works perfectly. The seed flows well and doesn’t create a mess.

If you’re tired of wasting money on seed mixes your birds won’t touch, this Finch Blend is the one to try. It attracts a wide variety of birds quickly.

For anyone serious about birdwatching and keeping their yard tidy, this mix delivers. It’s reliable, clean, and loved by birds of all kinds.

Pros: 

• Attracts a variety of birds including cardinals, finches, and doves

• No-grow seed prevents unwanted plants under feeders

• High in oil and protein for bird nutrition

• Certified quality and processed under strict standards

• Works well in multiple feeder types

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than basic seed mixes

• May attract only small to medium-sized birds

• Needs frequent refilling during heavy bird activity

Wildlife Safflower Seed for Bird Feeding 25 lbs | Non-GMO, USA Farm Grown

I ordered this 25 lb bag of safflower seed, and it arrived faster than expected. It came in a strong, well-sealed box—no mess, no hassle.

The bag itself is thick and resealable, which keeps the seed fresh even in humid weather. That’s a big deal when buying in bulk.

The cardinals absolutely love it. They found the feeder right away and keep coming back all day long. It’s their favorite, hands down.

Smaller birds took a little longer to warm up to it. But once they figured it out, they started joining in tooespecially the finches and titmice.

One huge benefit? Squirrels don’t touch it. I’ve had zero issues with those usual seed thieves since switching to safflower.

The seed is clean, dry, and clearly high quality. No dust or debris, just pure seed that birds enjoy.

I use it in both my tube and hopper feeders. Works great in both, and the flow is smooth with no clumping or clogging.

If you’re looking for a squirrel-resistant seed that birds actually love, this is it. A great long-term investment for serious backyard bird lovers.

Pros:

• Attracts cardinals and other songbirds quickly

• Squirrels avoid it—naturally pest-resistant

• Fresh, clean, and high in bird-healthy nutrients

• Bulk size offers great value for summer-long feeding

• Resealable bag keeps seed fresh and dry

Cons:

• Smaller birds may take time to adjust

• Bulk bag is heavy—store it properly

• Slightly more expensive than standard mixed seed

Conclusion:

Bringing more color to your backyard starts with choosing the right food. From sunflower seeds that cardinals can’t resist to sweet fruits and suet cakes for orioles and woodpeckers, the right offerings make all the difference.

Keep your feeders clean, place them near shelter, and offer fresh water to make your space even more welcoming. With the right food and setup, you’ll have a rainbow of birds fluttering in morning after morning.

Happy birdwatching!