5 best bird seed for wild birds in this year
Did you know that some wild birds can consume up to 10,000 calories a day? That’s a lot of energy especially for creatures that weigh mere ounces.
For our feathered friends, staying fed is a nonstop job, especially during breeding season or colder months.
That’s where a well-stocked backyard bird feeder and the right bird seed can make all the difference not just for the birds, but for anyone who enjoys the sight and song of nature right outside their window.
Birds spend most of their waking hours foraging to meet their high energy needs and to nourish their hungry chicks.
Offering them high quality seed doesn’t just help them survive it helps them thrive. Bird feeders provide a reliable food source that saves birds time and energy, especially when natural resources are scarce.
But here’s the key: not all bird seeds are created equal. The best bird seed attracts the greatest variety of species and keeps them coming back for more.
For example, black oil sunflower seeds are a universal favorite packed with protein and healthy fats, they’re loved by everything from chickadees to cardinals.
Meanwhile, Nyjer seeds are irresistible to finches, and safflower seeds draw in cardinals while deterring pesky squirrels.
If you want to turn your backyard into a birdwatching hotspot, offering the right blend of seeds and keeping feeders clean and stocked is essential.
In this guide, we’ll help you choose the best bird seed for wild birds and create a thriving sanctuary right in your own yard.
Wagner’s 62059 Greatest Variety Blend
If you’ve ever hung a bird feeder in your yard, only to watch squirrels treat it like their personal buffet, you’re not alone.
After going through a few “squirrel resistant” feeders that didn’t quite live up to the promise, I finally came across the Squirrel Solution200 and I have to say, this one actually works.
Paired with Wagner’s 62059 Greatest Variety Blend, it’s become my go to setup for attracting a wide range of songbirds, without constantly fighting off the squirrels.
What You Get 
The Squirrel Solution200 is a thoughtfully designed feeder that holds 3.4 pounds of seed and features six feeding ports.
What makes it stand out is the squirrel-proof design: when a squirrel climbs onto the feeder, its weight pulls down the outer shroud, closing off the feeding ports.
It doesn’t harm them it just keeps them from stealing all the seed.
The feeder is made from chew-proof, weather-resistant materials, and even includes a free seed funnel that makes filling it a whole lot easier (and cleaner).
It’s tool-free to assemble or take apart, and thanks to its ventilation system, the seed stays fresher for longer.
Now pair that with Wagner’s 62059 bird seed mix, and you’ve got a recipe for a very lively backyard. This mix includes 11 ingredients, with over 40% sunflower seeds in various forms black oil, striped, and chips plus safflower, millet, cracked corn, peanuts, Nyjer, and more.
It’s basically a buffet that appeals to everything from cardinals and chickadees to finches, sparrows, and woodpeckers.
Real Experience
I actually started with a smaller version of this feeder years ago and was amazed at how well it worked no squirrels, just birds.
When I needed a second feeder, I went with the larger 6-port model, and it’s been just as reliable.
Birds love it, squirrels hate it, and that’s exactly what I was looking for. It’s been through rain, snow, summer heat, and everything in between still going strong.
Pros
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Actually squirrel-proof—it works as advertised
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Durable, weather-resistant, and chew-proof
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Six feeding ports make it ideal for high-traffic feeding
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Ventilated seed system keeps food fresh
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Tool-free setup and cleaning
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Wagner’s mix attracts a wide range of birds
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Handy seed funnel included
Cons
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Slightly more expensive than basic feeders
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Not designed for large birds like grackles or jays
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Some seed spillage, especially with mixed blends
If you’re serious about feeding wild birds and don’t want to keep throwing money away on seed that ends up feeding squirrels, the Squirrel Solution200 is worth the investment.
Combined with Wagner’s premium seed blend, this setup brings beautiful, diverse bird activity to your yard and keeps the freeloading squirrels frustrated.
After trying plenty of other options, I’m sticking with this one.
Ultra Songbird Bird Seed Blend 14 lb
If you’re looking for a reliable, no-nonsense seed mix to keep your backyard birds happy, Ultra Songbird Bird Seed Blend delivers solid value.
This 14-pound bag is generously filled and offers a quality mix aimed at attracting a broad variety of wild songbirds.
What makes it worth trying:
The blend includes a range of ingredients like black oil sunflower seeds, safflower, millet, and cracked corn ingredients known to appeal to cardinals, chickadees, finches, and sparrows.
It’s not overly fancy, but it’s a great general-purpose seed that many backyard birds will eagerly flock to. The seeds are fresh, and the mix is well-proportioned, minimizing waste.
Personal experience:
I’ve used this blend in a standard hopper and platform feeder, and it draws steady bird traffic throughout the day.
Cardinals and finches show up the most, along with the occasional woodpecker. I did notice a few empty hulls and minimal debris at the bottom of the bag, but nothing excessive. For the price and volume, it’s a great budget-friendly choice.
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Attracts a wide variety of songbirds
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Good balance of seeds for multiple feeder types
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Available in larger quantities for frequent feeding
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Ideal for everyday backyard use
Cons:
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Not a premium gourmet blend—no fruit or nuts
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May contain some dust or filler if stored too long
Lyric 2647413 Fruit & Nut High Energy Wild Bird Mix 4.5 lb
For those who want to treat their birds to something a little more luxurious, Lyric’s Fruit & Nut High Energy Mix is a gourmet option that lives up to its name.
It’s loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients like peanuts, sunflower kernels, dried fruits, and more, which not only attract a wider range of birds but also provide essential calories and nutrition.
What stands out:
This mix is especially good in colder months or during nesting season when birds need more energy. The blend contains premium ingredients that appeal to species like woodpeckers, grosbeaks, nuthatches, and even orioles.
It’s best used in open feeders like trays or platform feeders so the fruit pieces don’t get stuck.
Personal experience:
I filled my platform feeder with this mix, and within hours, I saw a completely different group of birds compared to what I usually get.
Blue jays, nuthatches, and even a curious oriole stopped by. The dried fruit pieces, though small, are a big draw. The only downside? It disappears fast—birds love it that much.
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Premium ingredients with real fruit and nuts
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Attracts less common and high-energy birds
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Great for colder seasons or extra nutrition
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Minimal filler and excellent freshness
Cons:
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Higher price per pound
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Small bag size (4.5 lbs) goes quickly
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Not ideal for tube feeders with small ports
Kaytee All American Wild Bird Food Seed Blend (2-Pack, 5 lb each)
A dependable everyday mix birds actually love If you’re looking for an affordable, U.S.-sourced seed blend that does its job well, Kaytee’s All American Wild Bird Food is a solid choice.
With a blend focused on bird favorites like black oil sunflower seeds and other high energy grains this mix is tailored to attract common backyard songbirds without a lot of filler.
What makes it stand out:
This blend is grown, packaged, and processed in the USA, which not only supports local agriculture but also adds a level of freshness you can count on.
Each pack is 5 pounds, and since this comes in a pack of two, it gives you 10 pounds total more than enough for a few weeks of consistent feeding, especially if you have a small to mid-sized feeder.
Personal experience:
I started using this mix to test a new bird feeder cam setup in my backyard, and within the first day, I already had chickadees, finches, and cardinals visiting.
The black oil sunflower seeds are clearly the star here those go first every time. It’s also nice knowing it’s made in the U.S., which gives a bit more confidence in quality control and packaging standards.
The bag is easy to handle and reseal, and because the ingredients are familiar favorites, you don’t get much seed waste. Birds actually eat it rather than tossing it to the ground.
Pros: 
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High percentage of black oil sunflower seeds
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Attracts common backyard birds like cardinals, chickadees, and sparrows
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Grown and packed in the USA
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Excellent value for a 10 lb total pack
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Fresh, clean mix with minimal dust or debris
Cons:
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Lacks exotic ingredients (no fruit or nuts)
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May not attract rarer or picky bird species
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Some grains may be ignored by selective feeders
The Kaytee All American Wild Bird Seed Blend is a dependable, everyday bird food mix that delivers exactly what it promises.
It’s ideal for casual birdwatchers, especially those with feeder cams or small feeders. While it’s not a gourmet blend, it hits all the right notes for general feeding.
Birds seem to genuinely enjoy it, and it’s a reliable, made-in-USA product that won’t break the bank.
Kingsyard Metal Mesh Bird Feeder
After trying out a variety of feeders over the years, I was looking for something that not only worked well but also looked nice in my garden.
The Kingsyard Bird Feeder House checked both boxes. With its bright red, cottage-style design, it instantly added a charming splash of color to my backyard. But more importantly it brought in the birds.
What really impressed me was the triple compartment layout. I filled one side with black oil sunflower seeds, another with nyjer, and the third with safflower and within hours, I had chickadees, finches, and even a couple of curious cardinals visiting.
The birds clearly appreciated the variety, and I appreciated that they weren’t fighting for just one type of seed.
The mesh sides and drainage holes do a great job keeping the seed fresh even after a rainy afternoon, nothing turned soggy or moldy.
It’s also lightweight but solidly built; the metal mesh feels strong and not flimsy like cheaper feeders I’ve tried in the past.
Cleaning is a breeze just lift the top lid, and you’ve got full access. I do it about once a week with a quick brush and rinse.
Pros 
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Stylish, weatherproof design with bright red finish
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Three separate seed compartments = more bird variety
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Mesh body with drainage prevents soggy, moldy seed
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Easy to refill and clean
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Durable metal construction
Cons
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Smaller birds dominate feeding ports may not suit larger species
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Needs occasional wiping to prevent seed debris buildup on mesh
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No squirrel-proof mechanism
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of seeds can I use in this feeder?
You can use a wide variety of seeds in this feeder. It’s especially effective with black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer (thistle), safflower, and mixed seed blends.
Each compartment can hold a different type, making it ideal for attracting multiple bird species at once.
2. Is this bird feeder squirrel-proof?
No, this feeder is not squirrel-proof. While the metal mesh is chew-resistant, determined squirrels can still access the seed if it’s hung in an easily reachable location.
Mounting it away from trees or using a baffle can help deter them.
3. How many birds can feed at once?
Thanks to the triple-compartment design and spacious mesh layout, multiple small birds can feed simultaneously—usually 4 to 6 at a time, depending on the bird size and behavior.
4. How do I clean and refill the feeder?
Cleaning is simple just lift the top lid to access the seed compartments. Use warm water and a brush to clean the mesh and interior when needed.
Refilling is just as easy and mess-free.
5. Is it weatherproof and durable for year-round use?
Yes. The Kingsyard feeder is built with durable metal mesh and a powder-coated finish to resist rust and wear.
It holds up well in rain and sun, and the built-in drainage holes help keep the seeds dry.
Seeds like black oil sunflower, nyjer, safflower, and millet each appeal to different bird species, ensuring that your feeder becomes a bustling hotspot for songbirds, finches, cardinals, and many others.
By offering high-quality, fresh seed blends designed to meet the nutritional needs of wild birds, you’re not just feeding them you’re creating a thriving sanctuary right outside your window.
Remember, clean feeders and fresh seed go hand in hand to keep birds healthy and happy.
Whether you prefer a specialized seed or a diverse mix, the right bird seed will invite vibrant colors, joyful songs, and fascinating birdwatching moments into your outdoor space all year long.