best plants for producing bird feed

As the seasons change and you start noticing more birds visiting your yard, the importance of having a reliable bird feed becomes especially clear. Having tested a variety of seed blends myself, I can tell you that the key isn’t just attracting birds, but providing quality nutrition that keeps them coming back. A good seed mix can prevent messes, deter squirrels, and support a diverse array of backyard feathered friends.

From my experience, the Audubon Park Wild Bird Seed, 15 lb stands out for its premium ingredients—black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins, and sunflower chips—that attract a wide variety of birds year-round. It’s versatile enough for multiple feeders and offers the best value in nutrition and appeal, far surpassing simpler blends or shell-free options. Trust me, this blend brings the most lively, colorful visitors to your yard with minimal waste and fuss.

Top Recommendation: Audubon Park Wild Bird Seed, 15 lb

Why We Recommend It: This blend offers the most comprehensive mix of premium ingredients—black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, raisins, and striped sunflower seed—that attract a wide variety of birds like cardinals, finches, and juncos. Its versatility for different feeders and year-round appeal make it superior to simpler or shell-free options, delivering excellent value for attracting diverse backyard birds.

Best plants for producing bird feed: Our Top 5 Picks

• Audubon Park Cardinal Bird Seed, 4 lb – Best for Attracting Birds with Bright Colors
• Audubon Park Wild Bird Seed, 15 lb – Best for Supporting a Variety of Bird Species
• Morning Song Shell-Free Wild Bird Food, 10 lb – Best for Easy Consumption and Cleanliness
• Cool Birds All Birds Wild Bird Seed 10 lb. Classic Blend – Best for All-Season Bird Feeding
• Audubon Park Songbird Blend Wild Bird Food 14 lb – Best for Promoting Songbird Diversity

What Types of Plants Produce Bird Feed?

The best plants for producing bird feed provide seeds, fruits, and nectar that attract various bird species.

• Sunflowers: Sunflower seeds are a favorite among many bird species, including finches, cardinals, and chickadees. These plants produce large, seed-filled heads that can provide an abundant food source throughout the summer and fall.
• Sorghum: Sorghum is a hardy grain that produces a dense seed head rich in carbohydrates. Many birds, such as doves and sparrows, are attracted to its small seeds, making it an excellent choice for backyard bird feeding.
• Millets: Different varieties of millet, particularly proso and foxtail, produce small seeds that are high in energy and favored by many birds, including juncos and towhees. These plants thrive in warm climates and can be easily incorporated into gardens for natural bird feeding.
• Thistles: Thistle plants, particularly the common teasel, produce tiny seeds that are especially loved by goldfinches. The spiky seed heads provide a natural feeding station for many birds during late summer, when seeds are plentiful.
• Black-eyed Susans: These beautiful flowers produce seeds that attract a variety of birds, including goldfinches and sparrows. The seeds develop after the blooms fade, providing a late-season food source for birds preparing for winter.
• Native Berry Producers: Plants like elderberry, serviceberry, and chokecherry produce abundant fruits that are enjoyed by numerous bird species. These berries provide essential nutrients and energy for birds, especially during migration and winter months.
• Nectar Plants: Plants such as bee balm and salvia attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds. These vibrant flowering plants bloom throughout the growing season, providing a continuous food source for pollinators and birds alike.

Which Native Plants Are Most Effective for Attracting Birds?

Some of the best plants for producing bird feed include:

• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus): These vibrant flowers are not only a favorite among gardeners but also highly attractive to birds.
• Native Grasses: Grasses such as little bluestem and big bluestem provide seeds that many bird species enjoy, along with cover for nesting.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): This plant is excellent for attracting various birds and provides seeds late in the season when food sources are scarce.
• Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.): Known for their striking purple blooms, coneflowers produce seeds that are particularly popular with finches and sparrows.
• Thistle (Cirsium spp.): This plant is a magnet for birds, especially goldfinches, which love to feast on its seeds.
• Berry-producing shrubs (e.g., Serviceberry, Elderberry): These shrubs not only offer shelter but also produce an abundance of berries that are a favorite among many bird species.

Sunflowers are particularly effective because their large, edible seeds are a high-energy food source for birds, especially in late summer and fall, when many birds are preparing for migration. They also attract a variety of bird species, making them a great addition to any bird-friendly garden.

Native grasses, such as little bluestem and big bluestem, are essential for creating a natural habitat. These grasses provide seeds for birds and create nesting cover, encouraging a diverse range of bird species to thrive in your garden.

Goldenrod is a late-blooming plant that offers seeds during the autumn months, making it a crucial food source when other options may be dwindling. Its flowers also attract insects, which can further entice insect-eating birds to the area.

Coneflowers are not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly functional. Their seeds are highly sought after by goldfinches and other seed-eating birds, ensuring that your garden remains lively and vibrant throughout the growing season.

Thistle plants are particularly favored by goldfinches, which are known to strip the seeds from the plant. This makes thistle a must-have for bird enthusiasts looking to attract these beautiful yellow birds to their yards.

Berry-producing shrubs like serviceberry and elderberry provide both food and shelter for birds. The berries are a nutritious food source, while the dense foliage offers protection from predators, creating an inviting environment for various bird species.

What Grains and Seeds Should Gardeners Consider for Bird Feed?

Gardeners looking to produce bird feed should consider the following grains and seeds:

• Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower seeds are a favorite among many bird species, especially finches and cardinals. They are high in fat and protein, making them an excellent energy source for birds, particularly during the colder months.
• Sorghum: Sorghum is a drought-resistant grain that attracts various birds, including doves and quails. It is often used in birdseed mixes and provides a rich source of carbohydrates, essential for maintaining energy levels.
• Millet: Millet is a small, round seed that appeals to ground-feeding birds such as juncos and sparrows. It is easy to grow and harvest, making it a popular choice for home gardeners looking to create their own bird feed.
• Oats: Oats can be a nutritious option for birds, particularly when grown as a cover crop. They attract a range of birds and can be harvested for both human consumption and bird feed, providing versatility for gardeners.
• Canola Seeds: Canola seeds are not only great for producing oil but also serve as a nutritious food source for birds. They are high in protein and essential fatty acids, attracting a variety of species, including songbirds and larger birds like doves.
• Peanuts: Peanuts are an excellent source of protein and fat that many birds, especially woodpeckers and blue jays, enjoy. Gardeners can grow peanut plants in warmer climates, and the harvested nuts can be offered whole or crushed for easy feeding.
• Flax Seeds: Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are favored by many birds, including goldfinches. They can be easily grown in home gardens and attract birds while also providing health benefits due to their nutritional profile.
• Pumpkin Seeds: After the fall harvest, leftover pumpkin seeds can be offered to birds like chickadees and nuthatches. These seeds are packed with nutrients and can be a delightful treat for many bird species visiting your garden.

Why Are Sunflowers Considered the Best for Bird Feed?

Sunflowers are considered the best for bird feed primarily due to their high oil content and palatable seeds, which are particularly appealing to many bird species.

According to the National Audubon Society, sunflower seeds are a favorite among birds such as cardinals, finches, and chickadees, largely because they are rich in fats and protein, essential nutrients for birds, especially during the breeding season and colder months when food sources are scarce.

The underlying mechanism for this preference stems from the nutritional composition of sunflower seeds, which contain about 40-50% oil, making them an excellent energy source. Birds require substantial energy to maintain their body temperature and support their active lifestyles, particularly in colder climates. Moreover, the hard shell of sunflower seeds provides a natural mechanism for birds to exercise their beaks and maintain their health, while the act of shelling the seeds also helps refine their natural foraging behaviors. As a result, not only do sunflowers provide essential nutrients, but they also support the birds’ physical health and natural instincts.

Furthermore, the cultivation of sunflowers offers a practical advantage for attracting birds. Sunflower plants are relatively easy to grow in various climates, and they produce an abundant yield of seeds. The height and structure of sunflower plants also create a suitable habitat for birds, offering cover and a place to perch. This combination of accessibility, nutritional value, and habitat suitability makes sunflowers a top choice for bird feed production, confirming their status as one of the best plants for attracting and feeding birds in gardens and natural settings.

How Does Millet Attract a Variety of Bird Species?

Millet is a highly effective plant for attracting a diverse range of bird species due to its nutritional value and accessibility.

• Small Seeds: Millet produces small, nutritious seeds that are highly favored by many bird species, including finches, sparrows, and doves.
• Natural Habitat: Millet grows in open fields and weedy areas, which mimic the natural habitats of many birds, making it an appealing food source.
• Feeding Behavior: Birds are naturally inclined to forage on the ground for seeds, and millet’s growth habit allows for easy access to its seeds, attracting ground-feeding birds.
• Seasonal Availability: Millet can be grown in various climates and can produce seeds at different times of the year, providing a reliable food source during critical seasons.
• Diversity of Varieties: There are several types of millet, such as proso and foxtail, each offering different seed sizes and flavors, which can attract an even broader spectrum of bird species.

Small seeds produced by millet are an essential food source for many birds, particularly those with smaller beaks that are adept at cracking open tiny seeds. The high carbohydrate and protein content of millet seeds makes them particularly nutritious, enhancing their appeal to birds looking to build energy reserves.

The natural habitat of millet, which resembles fields and meadows, provides an inviting environment for birds that thrive in similar settings. This mimicking of their natural feeding grounds encourages birds to visit areas where millet is cultivated, leading to increased bird activity and diversity.

Birds typically exhibit ground foraging behavior, and millet’s low-growing structure allows birds to easily access its seeds without needing to navigate through dense foliage. This accessibility is particularly appealing to ground-feeding species, which may prefer to forage in open areas where they feel safe from predators.

Millet can thrive in a variety of climates and can be timed for harvest to align with the migratory patterns of birds, ensuring that food is available when they need it most. This seasonal availability makes millet an excellent choice for those looking to support bird populations throughout the year.

The diversity of millet varieties means that gardeners and bird enthusiasts can choose specific types that may best suit their local bird populations. Each variety has unique characteristics that can cater to different species’ preferences, further enhancing the likelihood of attracting a variety of birds to a feeding area.

What Role Do Native Shrubs Play in Bird Nutrition?

Native shrubs play a significant role in providing essential nutrition for birds through their fruits, seeds, and foliage.

• Berry-Producing Shrubs: These shrubs, such as serviceberry and elderberry, produce abundant berries that are a rich source of carbohydrates and vitamins for birds. They attract a variety of bird species, especially during migration periods when birds rely on high-energy foods for their journeys.
• Seed-Producing Shrubs: Shrubs like sunflowers and black-eyed Susans produce seeds that are highly nutritious and sought after by many birds, including finches and sparrows. These seeds provide necessary fats and proteins, making them an excellent food source throughout the year.
• Nectar-Producing Shrubs: Shrubs such as butterfly bush and honeysuckle attract hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding birds with their sweet, fragrant flowers. These plants not only offer energy-rich nectar but also serve as essential food sources during the breeding season when birds require extra nutrients for reproduction.
• Cover and Nesting Shrubs: Dense shrubs like dogwood and viburnum provide critical shelter and nesting sites for birds. This protective cover is vital for their survival, as it helps them evade predators and offers a safe environment for raising their young.
• Insect-Attracting Shrubs: Some native shrubs, such as wild cherry and hawthorn, attract insects, which are a primary protein source for many bird species. By supporting a healthy insect population, these shrubs indirectly contribute to the nutritional needs of birds, especially during the breeding season when chicks require high-protein diets.

How Can Gardeners Enhance Their Gardens for Bird Feed Production?

Gardeners can enhance their gardens for bird feed production by incorporating specific plants that provide seeds, fruits, and nuts that attract a variety of bird species.

• Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Sunflowers are one of the best plants for producing bird feed as they produce large, nutrient-rich seeds that many birds, including finches and chickadees, love to eat.
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): This vibrant plant not only adds color to the garden but also attracts hummingbirds with its tubular flowers, which provide a source of nectar, while the seeds can feed other birds.
• Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): Black Eyed Susans are hardy perennials that produce seeds that are favored by goldfinches and other seed-eating birds, making them a great addition to any bird-friendly garden.
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Goldenrod plants produce an abundance of seeds that attract a wide variety of birds, and their blooms also provide nectar for pollinators, creating a diverse ecosystem.
• Native Grasses (e.g., Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum): Native grasses are excellent for bird feed as their seeds are a primary food source for many birds, and they offer shelter and nesting sites as well.
• Berry-Producing Shrubs (e.g., Serviceberry, Amelanchier spp.): These shrubs produce delicious berries that are loved by many birds, including robins and cedar waxwings, and also support local wildlife by providing food throughout the seasons.
• Thistle (Cirsium spp.): Thistles are often overlooked but are highly beneficial for birds like American goldfinches, as their fluffy seed heads are a rich source of food during late summer and fall.
• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): While primarily known for attracting butterflies, milkweed also produces seeds that birds find appealing, and its flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators.

What Are the Characteristics of the Best Plants for Bird Feed?

The best plants for producing bird feed are characterized by their seed production, nutritional value, and ability to attract various bird species.

• Sunflowers: Sunflowers are highly favored for their large seeds, which are rich in oil and protein, making them an excellent food source for many bird species, including finches and sparrows. They thrive in sunny locations and are relatively easy to grow, providing a bountiful harvest of seeds once they mature.
• Millet: Millet is a small seed that is particularly appealing to ground-feeding birds such as doves and juncos. It is drought-tolerant and grows well in a variety of soil types, making it a reliable option for bird feed production.
• Sorghum: Sorghum produces dense seed heads that are not only nutritious but also provide a good source of energy for birds. This plant is hardy and adaptable, able to thrive in different climates, and is often used in birdseed mixes.
• Thistle (Niger seed): Thistle is a favorite among finches, particularly goldfinches, due to its small, nutritious seeds. The plant produces an abundance of seeds and can easily be grown in gardens, providing a natural food source for birds throughout the season.
• Pumpkin: While primarily grown for its fruit, pumpkin plants produce seeds that are highly nutritious and attract a variety of birds. The seeds can be left in the garden after the fruit is harvested, creating an additional food source for birds during the colder months.
• Bee Balm (Monarda): Bee Balm not only attracts pollinators but also produces seeds that are sought after by birds like goldfinches and sparrows. This plant thrives in sunny spots and can also add beauty to the garden with its vibrant flowers, making it a dual-purpose plant for both birds and aesthetics.
• Red Clover: Red Clover produces small, sweet seeds that are enjoyed by many birds, including sparrows and finches. It also enriches the soil with nitrogen, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem while serving as a food source for birds.

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