What Birds Like Safflower Seeds? A Guide To Attracting Feathered Friends
As a bird enthusiast, you want to attract a diverse range of species to your yard. An excellent way to do this is by offering a variety of bird feed. Safflower seeds are a favorite of many birds, but which species can’t resist these nutritional nuggets?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Some birds that enjoy safflower seeds include cardinals, chickadees, finches, nuthatches, doves, grosbeaks, and woodpeckers. Safflower seeds are popular with small-beaked birds but ignored by undesirable visitors like squirrels, sparrows, and starlings.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the many birds that go nuts for safflower, from common favorites to more exotic regional species. You’ll also learn tips on offering safflower to attract the biggest diversity of birds to your backyard.
Cardinals
Cardinals are one of the most popular birds that are attracted to safflower seeds. These vibrant red birds are a delight to watch and can bring a splash of color to any backyard. They are known for their distinctive crests and their beautiful songs.
Cardinals are also monogamous birds, meaning they mate for life, so attracting a pair of cardinals to your yard can be a long-term joy.
Why do Cardinals like safflower seeds?
One of the reasons cardinals are drawn to safflower seeds is that they have a relatively high fat content, which provides the birds with the energy they need. Cardinals have a preference for seeds with a high fat content, and safflower seeds fit the bill perfectly.
Additionally, safflower seeds have a hard outer shell, which makes it more difficult for squirrels to access. This can help ensure that the cardinals get their fair share of the seeds.
How to attract Cardinals with safflower seeds
If you want to attract cardinals to your yard with safflower seeds, there are a few simple steps you can take. Firstly, make sure you have a bird feeder that is suitable for cardinals. Cardinals prefer platform feeders or feeders with large perches where they can comfortably eat.
Fill the feeder with safflower seeds and place it in a quiet and open area of your yard, preferably near some trees or shrubs where the birds can take shelter. Cardinals are also attracted to water, so consider adding a bird bath or a shallow dish of water nearby.
It is important to note that while cardinals are attracted to safflower seeds, they are also known to eat other types of bird food, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet. Providing a variety of food options can help attract a wider range of birds to your yard.
Other birds that like safflower seeds
Aside from cardinals, there are several other bird species that are attracted to safflower seeds. Some of these include:
- House Finches
- White-breasted Nuthatches
- Pine Siskins
- Downy Woodpeckers
- Blue Jays
By offering safflower seeds in your bird feeder, you can create a welcoming environment for a variety of feathered friends.
For more information on attracting cardinals and other birds to your yard, you can visit the Audubon Society or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology websites.
Finches
Finches are small, colorful birds that are known for their cheerful songs and playful nature. They are a favorite among birdwatchers and backyard enthusiasts, and attracting them to your yard can be a delight.
One way to do this is by offering safflower seeds, which are a preferred food source for many finch species.
Goldfinches
Goldfinches are one of the most popular finch species, known for their vibrant yellow plumage and cheerful melodies. These small birds are attracted to safflower seeds, making them a great addition to any backyard bird feeder.
Goldfinches are primarily seed-eaters, and safflower seeds are a nutritious and high-energy food source for them. By offering safflower seeds in a bird feeder, you can easily attract these beautiful birds to your yard.
House Finches
House finches are another common finch species that can be found throughout North America. These birds are known for their reddish plumage and sweet, warbling songs. House finches are also attracted to safflower seeds, which provide them with the necessary nutrients to thrive.
By placing safflower seeds in a bird feeder, you can create an inviting space for house finches to visit and enjoy.
Purple Finches
Purple finches are slightly larger than other finch species and are known for their rich plumage, with males displaying a beautiful raspberry hue. These birds are also attracted to safflower seeds, which provide them with the necessary sustenance to survive.
By offering safflower seeds in your backyard, you can increase the chances of attracting these stunning birds to your feeders.
Remember, to attract finches to your yard, it’s important to provide a variety of food sources, including safflower seeds. Additionally, providing fresh water and creating a favorable habitat with trees, shrubs, and flowers will further entice these feathered friends to visit your yard.
Sparrows
Sparrows are small, social birds that can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, parks, and forests. They are known for their melodious songs and their ability to adapt to different environments.
Many species of sparrows are attracted to safflower seeds, making them a great choice for bird enthusiasts looking to attract these feathered friends to their backyard.
White-crowned Sparrows
One type of sparrow that particularly enjoys safflower seeds is the White-crowned Sparrow. These birds are easily recognizable by the distinct white stripes on their heads. They have a beautiful song that is often described as a clear whistle, making them a joy to listen to in the early morning hours.
White-crowned Sparrows are commonly found in North America, primarily during the winter months. They migrate to warmer climates during this time and can often be seen in gardens and other open areas. By offering safflower seeds in your bird feeder, you can attract these stunning sparrows and provide them with a reliable source of food.
White-throated Sparrows
Another sparrow species that has a fondness for safflower seeds is the White-throated Sparrow. These birds are known for their striking appearance, with a bright white throat contrasting against their brown and gray feathers.
They also have a beautiful song that consists of a series of clear whistles.
White-throated Sparrows can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and shrubby areas. They are often seen scratching the ground for food, and safflower seeds make a tasty treat for them.
By providing safflower seeds in your bird feeder, you can attract these charming sparrows and enjoy their presence in your backyard.
It’s important to note that while sparrows generally enjoy safflower seeds, individual preferences can vary. Some sparrows may prefer other types of seeds or food sources. It’s always a good idea to offer a variety of bird feed to attract a diverse range of bird species to your yard.
If you’re looking for more information on attracting sparrows or other birds to your backyard, websites like All About Birds or Audubon offer valuable resources and tips for creating a bird-friendly environment.
Woodpeckers
Downy Woodpeckers
Downy woodpeckers are small, charismatic birds that can often be found in backyards across North America. These woodpeckers are known for their black and white plumage, with males sporting a small red patch on the back of their head.
They are cavity nesters and are often seen drumming on trees or feeders, using their strong beaks to find insects or sap. If you want to attract downy woodpeckers to your yard, offering safflower seeds can be a great option.
Safflower seeds are a favorite food of downy woodpeckers. These seeds are high in fat and protein, providing the energy these birds need to survive. By placing safflower seeds in a hopper or platform feeder, you can entice downy woodpeckers to visit your yard regularly.
Additionally, offering suet along with safflower seeds can be a winning combination, as suet provides even more calories and nutrients.
It’s important to note that downy woodpeckers are not the only birds that enjoy safflower seeds. Other species, such as chickadees, nuthatches, and cardinals, are also known to be attracted to these seeds.
So by providing safflower seeds, you may be able to attract a diverse array of feathered friends to your yard.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers
Red-bellied woodpeckers are larger woodpeckers that can be found in wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods throughout the eastern United States. Despite their name, the red belly of these birds is often not visible, as it is covered by their white underparts and black and white striped back.
Red-bellied woodpeckers have a varied diet that includes insects, nuts, fruit, and seeds.
While red-bellied woodpeckers are not as commonly attracted to feeders as downy woodpeckers, they can still be enticed with the right offerings. Safflower seeds can be a good choice for attracting these beautiful birds.
Placing safflower seeds in a tube feeder or offering them in a tray feeder can increase your chances of seeing red-bellied woodpeckers in your yard.
Keep in mind that each bird species has its own preferences, and what works for one may not work for another. It’s always a good idea to experiment with different types of feeders and foods to see what attracts the birds in your area.
By observing their behavior and listening to their calls, you can gain a better understanding of what your feathered visitors prefer.
Chickadees
Chickadees are small, lively birds that are known for their friendly and curious nature. They can be found across North America and are a delight to have in any backyard. If you want to attract chickadees to your garden, safflower seeds are a great option.
Why do Chickadees like Safflower Seeds?
Chickadees are attracted to safflower seeds because they are a rich source of energy and nutrients. These seeds are high in protein and fat, which are essential for the birds’ survival, especially during the colder months when food is scarce.
Additionally, safflower seeds have a thin shell, making it easier for chickadees to crack them open and access the delicious kernel inside.
How to attract Chickadees with Safflower Seeds?
To attract chickadees to your garden, you can offer safflower seeds in a variety of feeders. Tube feeders with small perches are ideal, as they allow the birds to cling to the feeder while they eat. Chickadees are agile and acrobatic, so they will have no trouble maneuvering around the feeder.
Place the feeder in a quiet and sheltered spot, preferably near trees or shrubs where the birds can seek refuge when needed.
It’s important to note that chickadees are social birds and tend to feed in flocks. By providing multiple feeders with safflower seeds, you can increase the chances of attracting a larger group of these charming little birds to your yard.
Other Birds that are attracted to Safflower Seeds
Safflower seeds are not only loved by chickadees but are also a favorite of other backyard birds. Here are some other species that you may attract with safflower seeds:
- Cardinals: Cardinals are known for their vibrant red plumage, and they are particularly fond of safflower seeds. They have strong beaks that can easily crack open the seeds, making them a frequent visitor to safflower-filled feeders.
- House Finches: These small, colorful birds are also attracted to safflower seeds. They have a sweet, melodious song and will bring joy to any garden.
- Nuthatches: Nuthatches are unique birds that can climb down a tree headfirst. They are fond of safflower seeds and will visit your feeders regularly if you provide them.
By offering safflower seeds in your backyard, you can attract a diverse range of birds and create a lively and vibrant environment. Enjoy watching these feathered friends visit your feeders and bring life to your garden!
Other Birds That Like Safflower
Doves
Doves are gentle birds that are often found in residential areas. They are known to enjoy safflower seeds as part of their diet. By offering safflower seeds in your bird feeder, you can attract these peaceful birds to your backyard.
Doves are ground feeders, so make sure to scatter some safflower seeds on the ground as well as in the feeder to accommodate their feeding preferences.
Grosbeaks
Grosbeaks are colorful and vibrant birds that are fond of safflower seeds. Their strong beaks allow them to easily crack open the hard shells of the seeds, making them an ideal choice for these birds. By providing a bird feeder filled with safflower seeds, you can entice grosbeaks to visit your yard.
These birds are known for their beautiful songs, so attracting them can bring both visual and auditory joy to your outdoor space.
Nuthatches
Nuthatches are small, agile birds that have an affinity for safflower seeds. They are known for their unique feeding behavior, which involves wedging the seed into a crevice and then using their sharp bills to break it open.
By offering safflower seeds in a feeder that has crevices or small holes, you can attract nuthatches to your yard. These industrious birds are fun to watch as they skillfully extract the seeds.
Conclusion
With its rich oil content, safflower is irresistible to a diverse range of backyard birds. Offering this nutritious seed can attract everything from lively chickadees to colorful woodpeckers outside your window.
Be sure to serve safflower in fine mesh feeders to make the seeds accessible. Then sit back and enjoy the show as a feathered frenzy flock to feast!
