5 Best Bird Seed for Woodpeckers Attract These Striking Backyard Visitors

Woodpeckers bring vibrant energy and fascinating behavior to any backyard, but attracting them requires the right food.

While these birds naturally forage for insects, they’re also drawn to high-energy seeds and suet that mimic their wild diet.

The best options provide the fat and protein they need, especially in colder months. Below, we’ll break down the top seeds and foods to lure woodpeckers to your feeders and keep them coming back.

The Birds Company Premium Seed Blend A Bird Lover’s Delight!

After using this seed blend for several weeks, my backyard has transformed into a vibrant gathering spot for birds.

Indian parrots, sparrows, and doves visit daily, drawn by the nutritious and fresh mix that keeps them coming back.

What I Liked

• The premium quality ingredients are human-grade and free from artificial additives, ensuring birds receive wholesome nutrition

• Successfully attracts a wide variety of bird species, creating a lively and colorful display in my garden

• Includes beneficial additions like spirulina and cuttlebone that support bird health and feather quality

• Clean mix without filler grains or debris makes it perfect for feeders

• Practical resealable packaging maintains freshness between uses

Considerations

• Priced slightly higher than basic birdseed mixes, though the quality justifies the cost

• May attract pigeons along with smaller birds, which could be undesirable for some

This premium blend delivers excellent results, making it a worthwhile choice for bird enthusiasts. The visible improvement in bird activity and health in my garden has been remarkable.

While not the most budget-friendly option, the benefits make it a product I’ll continue purchasing.

Rating: 5 out of 5 – An outstanding product that brings nature closer to home.

Boltz Parrot Food A Disappointing Experience

I purchased Boltz Parrot Food expecting a premium seed mix, but what I received was far from it. The bag was mostly filled with low-quality sunflower seeds and empty husks, lacking the variety promised.

What Went Wrong

• The mix contained almost nothing but sunflower seeds, contrary to the advertised blend of pumpkin, saffola, and other nutritious seeds

• Poor quality seeds with excessive empty shells made the product feel like a complete waste of money

Expected vs Reality 

• Promised a balanced diet for multiple parrot species but delivered a single, subpar ingredient

• Claimed to support feather health but provided no nutritional variety to back this up

Safety Concerns

• While labeled as chemical-free, the stale seeds raise questions about freshness and storage conditions

• Digestibility claims seem questionable given the poor seed quality

Final Verdict
This product fails to deliver on its promises. Bird owners seeking proper nutrition for their parrots should look elsewhere. The lack of seed variety and abundance of empty shells makes this purchase regrettable.

Rating: 1 out of 5 – A misleading product that could compromise your bird’s health. Save your money and buy from more reputable brands that deliver what they promise.

Warning
Based on my experience and other similar reviews, this product appears to have consistent quality issues. Your birds deserve better nutrition than what this mix provides.

Boltz Striped Sunflower Seeds A Nutritious Treat for Birds

I recently tried Boltz Premium Sunflower Seeds for my African Grey parrot, and the results have been impressive. The seeds are fresh, clean, and quickly became a favorite in my bird’s diet.

What I Liked

• The premium striped sunflower seeds are plump, fresh, and free from dust or empty shells

• My parrot immediately took to these seeds, showing more enthusiasm than with other brands

Nutritional Benefits

• These human-grade seeds provide essential fats and nutrients for healthy feathers

• I’ve noticed improved energy levels and better plumage in my bird since switching

Quality Assurance

• The 1kg pack stays fresh in its resealable packaging

• No artificial additives or preservatives, just pure natural seeds as advertised

Versatility

• Works well for all my birds – from small lovebirds to larger parrots

• Can be used as a treat or mixed with other seeds for balanced nutrition

Boltz delivers exactly what it promises – premium quality sunflower seeds that birds love. The clean, fresh seeds and nutritional benefits make this product worth recommending.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 – A reliable choice for bird owners seeking quality sunflower seeds. My only suggestion would be to offer smaller packaging options for those with fewer birds.

Recommendation
If your birds enjoy sunflower seeds, this is a trustworthy brand that maintains consistent quality. The visible freshness and my birds’ response confirm this is a product that delivers on its promises.

Making your own bird seed mix is easy and gives you control over what your backyard visitors eat. Just mix high-quality ingredients like black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, white millet, and cracked corn. Want to treat your feathered friends?

Add chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even some dried mealworms. Avoid filler seeds like wheat or milo—most birds ignore them, and they just end up as waste.

How do I avoid filler seeds in bird food?

Filler seeds like wheat and milo are common in cheap mixes, but most birds won’t touch them. If you’re buying seed, check the label and skip anything with lots of filler.

Or better yet, make your own mix using seeds you know birds love like sunflower and safflower. You’ll save money in the long run and cut down on mess under your feeders.

How do I make bird seed blocks?

Want to make your own bird seed blocks? Here’s what you need:

• 2 cups of bird seed

• 1 packet of unflavored gelatin

• 1/3 cup boiling water

• 2 tbsp cold water

Mix the gelatin into the hot water, add the cold water, then stir in the seeds. Pour the mixture into molds or trays and let them set. Once firm, they’re ready to hang outside or place in a feeder.

How do I make bird seed balls?

Bird seed balls are another great DIY. Here’s how:

• Use 1 part suet (or lard) and 2 parts bird seed mix

• Gently melt the suet, mix in the seeds, then shape into balls
  Let them cool and harden. You can hang them up or place them in mesh feeders. Birds love them—especially in colder months.

Are bird seed ornaments safe for birds?

Yes! Bird seed ornaments are safe and a fun DIY project for both kids and adults. Just use natural, bird-safe ingredients like gelatin, seeds, and dried fruits.

They’re a charming way to decorate trees or porches while giving birds a treat.

What’s the best bird seed for songbirds?

Songbirds enjoy a variety of seeds, especially ones found in nature. Try planting sunflowers, coneflowers, bee balm, or globe thistle in your garden.

For feeders, go with black oil sunflower seeds—they’re a favorite among finches, cardinals, and many more.

Do different birds like different seeds?

Definitely! Just like people, birds have their own tastes.

• Cardinals & doves love safflower

• Finches & nuthatches prefer black oil sunflower

• Goldfinches & purple finches go for Nyjer (thistle)

• Woodpeckers & jays enjoy striped sunflower

Mix things up to attract a wider variety of birds to your yard.

How should I store extra bird seed?

Keep it indoors in a sealed container, in a cool, dry place. Garages or sheds might seem convenient, but temperature changes and humidity can ruin the seed—or attract bugs. Proper storage helps your seed last longer and stay fresh.

Why did the birds stop eating my seed?

There could be a few reasons. Maybe predators like hawks or neighborhood cats are lurking. Or maybe the seed got old, moldy, or just isn’t appealing.

Try switching to a different type of seed and clean your feeders regularly. Birds are picky, and even a small change can make a difference.

Which bird seeds won’t sprout?

If you’re tired of weeds under your feeders, go for non-sprouting options like hulled sunflower seeds or Nyjer. These won’t germinate if spilled. You can also use a seed catcher tray under the feeder to keep things tidy.

Conclusion:

Woodpeckers are rewarding guests at any feeder, but they prefer high-fat, high-protein foods that sustain their active lifestyles.

Suet and sunflower seeds are the most reliable choices, while peanuts and mealworms add variety. Pair these foods with the right feeder, and you’ll enjoy regular visits from Downy, Hairy, and even larger woodpecker species.

For best results, offer food year-round especially in winter when natural sources are scarce.

Final Recommendation: Start with a simple suet feeder and black oil sunflower seeds, then expand with peanuts or mealworms to attract an even greater diversity of woodpeckers to your yard. Happy birding!