Birds, Mammals and Wildlife Gardening – Bird seed mixtures

Different bird food mixtures are formulated for feeders and for different kinds of feeding, such as from tables or the ground. Some mixes, like those containing chunks or whole nuts are suitable for winter feeding only as these foods can choke fledglings. Avoid seed mixtures that have split peas, beans, dried rice or lentils as only the large species of birds can eat them dry – check contents lists carefully as these bulk ingredients are added to some cheaper mixes to bulk them up and check mixtures visually for chunks of dog biscuit, as this food can only be digested by birds when thoroughly soaked.

Small seeds like millet attract sparrows, dunnocks, finches, reed buntings and collared doves, while flaked maize is taken readily by blackbirds. Wheat and barley grains are often included in seed mixtures, but they are only popular with pigeons, doves and pheasants, ground feeders who rapidly increase in numbers, and may deter smaller species.

• Black sunflower seeds are an excellent year-round food, the oil content is higher in black seeds than striped ones.
• Niger seeds are small and black with a high oil content. They need a special type of seed feeder for distribution or they just pour out of normal ones, and are particular favourites with finches.
• Peanuts are very rich in fat and are popular with tits, greenfinches, house sparrows, nuthatches and woodpeckers – these nuts, when crushed or grated nuts attract robins, dunnocks and even wrens and nuthatches and coal tits may hoard peanuts – as, of course, may squirrels who find them irresistible. Peanuts can be high in a natural toxin, fatal to birds, so buy from a reputable dealer who will guarantee they are free from aflatoxin. Salted or dry roasted peanuts should not be used they are highly dangerous to birds.
• Fat balls and other fat-based food bars are widely available, and are excellent winter food. If they are sold in nylon mesh bags, always remove the bag before putting the fat ball out because the mesh can trap and injure birds.
• Cooked rice, brown or white (without salt added) is beneficial and readily accepted by all species during severe winter weather. Uncooked rice may be eaten by birds such as pigeons, doves and pheasants but is less likely to attract other species.

Birds, mammals and wildlife gardening birdseed photograph by kaatje85, used under a creative commons attribution licence

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