Best Bird Seed of 2025

Darin Boyd Avatar
Darin Boyd
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Bird seed is an essential item for bird lovers who want to attract a variety of feathered friends to their backyard. This product is made up of a blend of seeds and grains that are specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of different bird species. Some popular ingredients include sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. Bird seed comes in different varieties, such as no-mess blends that are designed to reduce waste and prevent unwanted growth beneath bird feeders. Additionally, some blends are formulated to attract specific types of birds, such as finches or hummingbirds. Whether you are a seasoned bird watcher or just starting out, bird seed is a must-have item for any backyard bird enthusiast.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Wagner's 53002 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food Cover #TOP 1
Wagner's 53002 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Wagner's 53003 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food Cover #TOP 2
Wagner's 53003 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed Cover #TOP 3
Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bird Seed

Wagner's 53002 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food

53002
Wagner's 53002 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food Cover
Wagner's 53002 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food with Cherry Flavor, 10-Pound Bag

Wagner's 53002 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food with Cherry Flavor is a value-priced mix that attracts a wide variety of backyard birds. It contains general purpose seeds including sunflower, and is suitable for use in hopper or tube feeders. Customers have reported that their birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons all love it, and that it has a pleasant fruity scent. The only criticism is that it took 9 days to deliver within Canada.

What We Like
Attracts a variety of birds
Unique cherry flavor
High-quality seed blend
Sturdy, resealable packaging
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Bag lacks a zip closure
#TOP 2

Wagner's 53003 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food

53003
Wagner's 53003 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food Cover
Wagner's 53003 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food with Cherry Flavor, 20-Pound Bag

Introducing Wagner's 53003 Farmer's Delight Wild Bird Food, a value priced mix that attracts a wide variety of backyard birds. This bird food contains general purpose seeds including sunflower, which are loved by many bird species. Whether you have a hopper or tube feeder, this bird food is suitable for both. The highest quality grains are used in blending this mix, ensuring the best nutrition for your feathered friends. Made in the USA, Wagner's Bird Food is a great choice for bird enthusiasts looking to attract and nourish a diverse range of birds in their backyard.

What We Like
Birds love the seeds
Fresh and high-quality product
Less mess compared to others
Affordable and convenient
Good variety of bird visitors
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent delivery from Amazon
Some birds may not prefer it
#TOP 3

Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed

100539482
Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed Cover
Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed For Cardinals, Finches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Woodpeckers, Grosbeaks, Juncos and Other Colorful Songbirds, 9.75 Pound

Kaytee Wild Bird Ultimate No Mess Wild Bird Food Seed is a mix of peanuts, sunflower hearts and chips, and no hulls, making it 100% edible. It is designed to attract a wide range of birds, including cardinals, finches, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, grosbeaks, and Juncos. It is compatible with hopper, gazebo, and tube style bird feeders, and leaves no messy leftovers under feeders, in yards and flowerbeds, and on patios. Customers have found that this mix is less messy than other blends, but that the birds don't seem to like it as much.

What We Like
No mess, clean feeding
High-quality seed blend
Attracts various bird species
Great value for money
Packaging keeps seed fresh
What We Don't Like
Some small seeds fall out
Bag contains more air than seed
#TOP 4

Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food

13008
Original Version
Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food Cover
Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food, 10 lb Bag

Wagner's 13008 Deluxe Wild Bird Food is a moderately priced valued blend that attracts perching and ground birds. It contains sunflower and general purpose seeds, and is made with the highest quality grains. Customers have reported that this bird food attracts a wide variety of birds, including doves, ravens, sparrows, wax wings, and finches. The 10 lb bag is the perfect size for backyard birds.

What We Like
Attracts a variety of birds
Fast consumption by birds
Good mix of seeds
Great value for money
Highly recommended
What We Don't Like
Small seeds may create mess
#TOP 5

Wagner's 52003 Wild Bird Food

52003
Wagner's 52003 Wild Bird Food Cover
Wagner's 52003 Classic Blend Wild Bird Food, 6-Pound Bag

Wagner's Wild Bird Food is a premium blend designed to attract a variety of birds to your backyard. Featuring high-quality grains like millet, milo, cracked corn, and sunflower, this mix caters to the tastes of many feathered friends. It's perfect for use in tube, hopper, or platform feeders, making it convenient for you to set up. You can feed these seeds all year round, ensuring that birds have a reliable food source during winter, as well as supporting hatchlings in spring and summer, and energizing migrating birds in autumn.

What We Like
Easy to open with scissors
Birds enjoy the food
Good blend for various birds
Stays open and upright
What We Don't Like
Not all birds interested
Some birds prefer previous food
#TOP 6

Wagner's 62006 Midwest Regional Blend Wild Bird Food

62006
Wagner's 62006 Midwest Regional Blend Wild Bird Food Cover
Wagner's 62006 Midwest Regional Blend Wild Bird Food, 20-Pound Bag

Wagner's 62006 Midwest Regional Blend Wild Bird Food is a 20-pound bag of bird seed that is designed to attract many beautiful perching and ground feeding Midwestern birds. It contains seeds that Midwest songbirds desire including sunflower and safflower, and can be fed in a tube, hopper, or platform feeders. Customers have reported that it attracts a variety of birds, squirrels, rabbits and chipmunks, and that it is a good value for the money.

What We Like
Attracts a variety of birds
High-quality seed mix
Good value for money
Convenient resealable bag
Minimal dust and debris
What We Don't Like
Price could be cheaper
#TOP 7

Pennington Classic Wild Bird Feed 20lbs

515830
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Pennington Classic Wild Bird Feed 20lbs Cover
Pennington Classic Wild Bird Feed -20lbs

Pennington Bird Feed is designed to attract a diverse range of wild birds, including favorites like Cardinals, Chickadees, and Finches. The blend of wholesome grains is carefully crafted to match the preferences of wild birds, making it a reliable choice for year-round feeding. Enriched with Bird Kote technology, this feed ensures that your feathered friends benefit from added vitamins and minerals for optimum health. Additionally, it works well with various feeder types, such as gazebo and tube feeders, making it convenient for you to provide nourishment to your backyard visitors.

What We Like
High quality materials
Easy to use
Great customer service
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Limited color options
#TOP 8

Pennington Pride Songbird Blend

100537115
natural
10 lb
Pennington Pride Songbird Blend Cover
Pennington Pride Songbird Nut & Fruit Blend, Wild Bird Seed for Outside Feeders, Advanced Nutrition Formula for Bird Health, 10-lb. Bag

Pennington Songbird Blend is a premium bird seed designed to attract a variety of beautiful songbirds to your backyard. With 100% real fruit, nuts, and seeds, this blend provides high-energy nourishment that birds love. You can enjoy watching a range of songbirds, including indigo buntings and cardinals, come to your feeders. This product also features Bird-Kote technology, which enriches the seeds with essential vitamins and nutrients for optimal bird health. Plus, it works well with various feeder types, making it easy to use in your outdoor space.

What We Like
High-energy ingredients
Attracts diverse songbirds
Nutrient-enriched formula
Compatible with various feeders
What We Don't Like
Some small seeds not favored
Minor mess from certain ingredients
#TOP 9

Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Wild Bird Food

76027
Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Wild Bird Food Cover
Wagner's 76027 Black Oil Sunflower Wild Bird Food, 25-Pound Bag

Wagner's Black Oil Sunflower Wild Bird Food is perfect for bird enthusiasts as it attracts the widest variety of birds with its high energy content. The thin shelled sunflower makes it easy for small beaked birds to open, and it is made with the highest quality grains in the USA.

What We Like
Great price for large quantity
Birds love the seeds
Fresh and free of debris
Convenient home delivery
Long-lasting supply
What We Don't Like
Some dust present
Occasional debris in seeds
#TOP 10

Armstrong All Season Bird Seed Blend

Armstrong Bird Food
40lbs
Armstrong All Season Bird Seed Blend Cover
Armstrong Wild Bird Food All Season Bird Seed Blend, 40 Pounds - with Cut Corn, Wheat, White & Red Millet, Black Oil Sunflower Seeds for Blue Jays, Dark-Eyed Juncos and Mourning Doves

The Armstrong Bird Seed Blend is a versatile 40-pound bag of premium bird food designed for year-round use. It features a mix of cut corn, wheat, and various millet seeds, making it appealing to a wide range of birds. The blend is packaged in a sealed barrier bag to ensure freshness, so you can feel confident in the quality of the food you're providing. For best results, use it with a large port tube feeder, hopper feeder, or platform feeder, allowing you to attract birds like Blue Jays and Mourning Doves to your yard.

What We Like
Good value for money
No unpleasant smell
High-quality seed
Birds enjoy various seeds
Large quantity in one bag
What We Don't Like
Too much millet content
Excessive dust in bag
Buying Guide Image

A Buyer's Guide to Bird Seed

Importance of Choosing the Right Bird Seed

When it comes to attracting and feeding wild birds, the type of bird seed you choose can make all the difference. Not only does the right seed provide essential nutrients for birds, but it can also determine which species visit your backyard.

Consider the Birds in Your Area

Before purchasing bird seed, it's important to consider the types of birds that live in your area. Different species have different dietary needs, so choosing a seed blend that caters to the birds in your region will ensure that they have access to the foods they need.

For example, if you live in an area with a large population of finches, opt for a seed blend that is high in small, fine seeds like nyjer or thistle. These tiny seeds are a favorite among finches, and they will be attracted to your feeders in droves.

On the other hand, if you live in an area with a lot of woodpeckers, suet cakes may be a better option. These dense, high-fat snacks are a favorite among woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds.

Avoid Seeds with Fillers

When shopping for bird seed, it's important to avoid blends that contain a lot of filler seeds. Fillers, like millet and cracked corn, are cheap and widely available, but they provide very little nutritional value for birds.

Birds will often pick through seed blends and discard the filler seeds, leaving them uneaten on the ground below your feeders. Not only is this wasteful, but it can also attract unwanted pests like rats and mice.

Instead, opt for seed blends that are made with a high percentage of premium seeds, like sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and peanuts. These seeds are packed with essential nutrients and fats, and they will provide the fuel birds need to thrive.

Invest in Quality

When it comes to bird seed, it's important to invest in quality. Cheap, low-grade seeds may seem like a good deal, but they often contain a lot of fillers and low-quality seeds.

In addition to providing poor nutrition for birds, cheap seed blends can also contain mold, mildew, and other harmful contaminants. This can make birds sick and even cause death, so it's important to choose a reputable brand and pay a little extra for high-quality seeds.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bird seed is an important part of attracting and feeding wild birds. By considering the birds in your area and opting for high-quality seed blends, you can provide the essential nutrients they need to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should you not put out bird seed?

Some people choose not to feed birds in the spring and summer when there is abundant natural food available. However, it is important to consider your local wildlife, such as bears, before leaving feeders up during warmer months.

2. How often should you put bird seed out?

To prevent mold, bacteria, or bugs in the feeders, it is recommended to change the seed in a dry seed feeder every 5-7 days. Additionally, it is advisable to wash your hands after handling bird supplies and feeders.

3. Should I put out bird seed?

Bird feeding is most helpful when birds require additional energy, such as during temperature extremes, migration, and late winter or early spring when natural seed sources are scarce. In the summer, most birds do not rely heavily on bird feeders for their sustenance.

4. Can you just throw bird seed on the ground?

Yes, one simple way to feed ground-feeding birds is by tossing ground feeding mix, which usually contains plenty of millet, onto the ground. It is best to throw the seed in a visible area where you can easily observe the birds. During winter, it can be helpful to toss seed onto a cleared patio or spot in your yard.

5. Should I throw away bird seed with bugs?

If you notice any webs or larvae in your bird seed, it is advisable to immediately remove the bag or container and isolate it from the rest of your seed. If the trash is your only means of disposal, wrap the seed in a large plastic bag before throwing it away.

Editor's Notes

During our bird seed research, we found 24 bird seed products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 396,794 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bird seed list. We found that most customers choose bird seed with an average price of $16.28.

The bird seed are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bird seed, including Wagner's, Kaytee, Pennington, Armstrong Bird Food. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Darin Boyd Avatar

Darin Boyd runs a small pest control business in Texas, and he is a regionally renowned pest control expert. His areas of expertise include pest control, gardening and outdoor gear. He is willing to share some practical tips on how to protect plants and vegetables from pests.

Bird Seed Comparison Table

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Brand Wagner's Wagner's Kaytee Wagner's Wagner's Wagner's Pennington Pennington Wagner's Armstrong Bird Food
Item Form Seeds Seeds, Grains Flake Granule, Pellet, Seeds Grains Granule Seeds Seed Seed Granule
Specific Uses For Product Wild Bird Feeding Bird Feeding Wild Bird Feeding Wild Bird Feeding, Garden Bird Watching Feed birds Wild Bird Feeding Outdoor Bone Health Wild Bird Food Nutrition for backyard birds.
Item Weight 10 pounds 20 pounds 9.75 pounds - 6 pounds 20 pounds 20 pounds 4.5 pounds 25 pounds -
Age Range (Description) All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages - All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages - All Life Stages
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 17.01 x 10.47 x 3.74 inches 22.75 x 15.86 x 3.23 inches 17.76 x 10.9 x 4.96 inches - 13.15 x 9.69 x 2.52 inches 23 x 16 x 3.5 inches 22 x 13 x 2 inches 16.65 x 13.62 x 5.75 inches - -
Item Dimensions LxWxH 16.25 x 9 x 4.5 inches 22 x 13 x 3 inches 2.5 x 11 x 19.5 inches - 15 x 8.88 x 3.25 inches 22 x 13 x 3 inches 21 x 12 x 3.5 inches 2.5 x 13 x 20 inches - -
Brand Name Wagner's Wagner's Kaytee - Wagner's Wagner's Pennington Pennington - -
Target Audience Keyword birds unisex-adult, birds birds - birds unisex-adult, birds Outdoor Living; wild bird food; bird feed; Pennington Classic; outdoor birds; Wild bird feed Outdoor Living; Pennington Pride Songbird Nut & Fruit Blend Bird Food Pennington Pride Nut & Fruit Blend Bird Food Bird Seed Songbird Wild Birds Outdoor birds - -
Directions Feed birds This general purpose mix is great for attracting all birds, especially ground feeders. Great for birders who wish for an economical option. Reseal package and store in a cool dry place, preferably in a sealed container. This will protect against insect infestation that can naturally occur with any whole grain seed product.. Reseal package and store in a cool dry place, preferably in a sealed container. This will protect against insect infestation that can naturally occur with any whole grain seed product. - Feed birds Open the bag of wild bird food. Pour the seed into a bird feeder. Clean the feeder regularly to maintain bird health. Reseal package and store in a cool dry place. This will protect against insect infection that can naturally occur with any whole grain seed product.. Place bird seed into feeder and hang feeder approximately five feet above ground. Pennington Pride Songbird Nut & Fruit Blend attracts a wide variety of native songbirds to your feeders. This appealing, premium mix of healthful seeds, grains, nuts and fruit pieces is fortified with nutrients. This high energy blend is ideal for year-round feeding. - -
Size 10 Pound (Pack of 1) 20 Pound (Pack of 1) 9.75 Pound (Pack of 1) - 96 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) 20 Pound (Pack of 1) 1 Count (Pack of 1) 10 lb - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.7
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