Finding the right bird food for cardinals and finches can be frustrating. You want to attract these beautiful birds, but not all mixes work well, and some just end up feeding the squirrels. If you’ve struggled with this, you’re not alone—many bird lovers face the same challenge every season.
The good news is, with the right blends and feeders, you can create a backyard haven full of vibrant songbirds.
If you want the best bird foods for cardinals and finches in 2026, choose energy-rich blends that feature black-oil sunflower, safflower, millet, and nuts. Look for resealable bags, easy-to-clean feeders, and formulations tailored to cardinals, finches, and songbirds.
Popular picks include Audubon Park Cardinal Blend and Kaytee’s All American and Ultimate Birder’s blends, plus safflower-heavy mixes to deter squirrels. Larger bags reduce refills, but store them properly to keep seeds fresh—you’ll discover more options as you keep exploring.
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Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Fo...
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Kaytee All American Wild Bird Food Seed ...
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Kaytee Ultimate Birder's Blend Food, Wil...
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Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Bird Seed, 4-Pound Bag
- Contains no fillers – just 100% sunflower and safflower seed
- Black oil sunflower seeds for wholesome energy
- Safflower is rich in oil and disliked by squirrels
- Attracts cardinals, titmice, chickadees, finches, grosbeaks, and...
- For use in hopper, tube, or platform feeders
Bring vibrant wildlife to your backyard with the Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Bird Seed, a thoughtfully crafted mix designed to attract cardinals and other seed-loving birds. This blend stands out by offering a clean, energy-rich feeding option without fillers, ensuring birds get the nutrition they need.
The seed mix contains 100% sunflower and safflower seeds, including black oil sunflower seeds known for their high energy content. This combination supports the active lifestyles of many bird species while reducing waste and mess around feeders.
Safflower seeds play a crucial role by naturally deterring squirrels, so your feeders stay stocked for the birds you want to attract. This feature helps maintain a peaceful feeding environment and reduces the need for constant refilling or cleaning.
Designed for use in hopper, tube, or platform feeders, the blend ensures easy access for a variety of birds such as titmice, chickadees, finches, and grosbeaks. This versatility makes it a practical choice for bird enthusiasts seeking consistent visitation.
Maintenance is straightforward since the absence of fillers minimizes leftover debris that often attracts pests or causes spoilage. Regular cleaning of feeders combined with this seed blend promotes a healthy feeding spot.
While this mix excels for seed-eating birds, it may not appeal to ground feeders preferring grains. Also, the safflower dominance might be less favored by some species, so using the right feeder type is important for best results.
Best for: Backyard bird watchers aiming to attract cardinals and other seed-loving birds with a clean, energy-dense mix that limits squirrel interference.
What We Like:
- Pure sunflower and safflower seeds for high energy and nutrition
- Safflower seeds help keep squirrels away naturally
- No fillers reduces waste and mess around feeders
- Suitable for hopper, tube, and platform feeders
- Supports a variety of birds including cardinals and finches
Specification:
| Specification Title | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 4 pounds (1.81 kg) |
| Seed Composition | 100% sunflower and safflower seeds |
| Special Ingredient | Black oil sunflower seeds for energy |
| Intended Feeder Types | Hopper, tube, and platform feeders |
| Target Bird Species | Cardinals, titmice, chickadees, finches, grosbeaks |
| Squirrel Deterrent | Contains safflower seeds to reduce squirrel visits |
| Fillers | None |
Kaytee All American Wild Bird Seed Blend (5 lb)
- Blend of Wild Birds' favorite seeds and grains
- Packaged at one of five manufacturing facilities located...
- Rich with black oil sunflower
Discover the joy of attracting a variety of wild birds to your backyard with Kaytee All American Wild Bird Seed Blend (5 lb). This thoughtfully crafted seed mix blends grains and seeds favored by many bird species, such as the black oil sunflower, to bring vibrant cardinals, blue jays, and finches right to your feeder.
Designed with versatility in mind, this blend is suitable for small to mid-sized wild birds and supports all life stages. Whether you’re a casual feeder or a budding bird enthusiast, this mix offers a reliable way to enhance your outdoor birdwatching experience.
Maintaining seed freshness is key to attracting healthy birds. After each use, reseal the bag and store it in a cool, dry place or airtight container to prevent insect infestation. Regularly clean and refill your feeders, and discard any old seed to avoid mold growth, especially in humid environments.
Produced across five U.S. facilities, this blend emphasizes domestic sourcing to ensure quality and support local production. While it suits a wide range of birds, keep in mind that specific dietary needs or regional preferences might require alternative seed choices.
Best for: Bird enthusiasts seeking a versatile, domestically produced seed mix that attracts a broad range of backyard birds.
What We Like:
- Contains black oil sunflower, highly attractive to many wild birds
- Made in the USA with an emphasis on quality and domestic sourcing
- Suitable for a variety of small and mid-sized bird species at all life stages
- Helps create a lively backyard bird environment with minimal effort
Specification:
| Specification Title | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Wild Bird Seed Blend |
| Weight | 5 pounds (2.27 kg) |
| Key Ingredients | Black oil sunflower, assorted grains and seeds |
| Intended Bird Size | Small to mid-sized wild birds |
| Suitable For | All life stages of birds |
| Manufacturing Location | Five facilities across the United States |
| Storage Recommendations | Reseal after use; store in cool, dry place or airtight container |
Kaytee Ultimate Birder’s Blend Bird Seed (10 lb)
- FORMULATED BY BIRD ENTHUSIASTS to attract a variety of colorful...
- MADE WITH Safflower, Peanuts, Striped Sunflower and Millet
- CONTAINS A HEALTHY BLEND of sunflower seeds, safflower seeds and...
- ATTRACT MORE SONGBIRDS by placing a feeder near trees and a water...
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED IN THE USA & trusted by experts for over 150...
Looking to attract a variety of vibrant songbirds to your yard? Kaytee Ultimate Birder’s Blend Bird Seed (10 lb) offers a nutrient-rich mix designed to keep birds energized and coming back for more. This blend combines safflower, peanuts, striped sunflower, and millet to provide a balanced diet packed with protein, fat, and fiber.
Its carefully curated ingredients support long-lasting energy for birds like cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, and blue jays. By offering this blend in your feeder, you create an inviting environment that encourages diverse feathered visitors. Position your feeders near trees and water sources to further enhance their appeal.
Maintaining your bird feeder with this seed is straightforward. The mix is designed to stay fresh and nutritious, but replenishing it regularly ensures your local bird population stays well-fed, especially during peak seasons. Keep an eye out for which species are drawn in, as some may prefer particular seeds more than others.
Crafted in the USA, Kaytee leverages over 150 years of experience, making this blend a trustworthy choice for bird enthusiasts. Its versatility makes it easy to cater to a wide range of songbirds without switching products.
Best for: Bird lovers wanting a high-protein, all-in-one seed blend that attracts diverse songbirds including cardinals and finches.
What We Like:
- Provides balanced nutrition with protein, fat, and fiber
- Attracts a broad variety of songbird species
- Made in the USA with a strong heritage of quality
- Easy to maintain with regular refills during busy seasons
Specification:
| Specification Title | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Seed Composition | Safflower, peanuts, striped sunflower, millet |
| Nutritional Focus | High protein, fat, and fiber |
| Recommended Use | Outdoor bird feeders near trees and water |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Suitable Bird Types | Cardinals, finches, woodpeckers, blue jays, grosbeaks, nuthatches |
| Brand Heritage | Over 150 years of experience |
Kaytee Essentials Bird Seed: Black Oil Sunflower Mix
- Contains no milo filler to help reduce uneaten seed creating a...
- Great for attracting cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, juncos,...
- Made with ingredients birds naturally enjoy for a dependable,...
- Crafted with care by experts for everyday wild bird feeding
- Contains Black Oil Sunflower, a high calorie ingredient which is...
Bring more life to your backyard with Kaytee Essentials Bird Seed: Black Oil Sunflower Mix. This blend is designed to attract a variety of wild birds, making your outdoor space vibrant and lively. It offers a clean, natural feeding option that helps keep your yard tidy.
The mix features Black Oil Sunflower, Cracked Corn, and Millet, avoiding milo fillers. This means less wasted seed on the ground and fewer messes to clean up. Feeding becomes easier and more enjoyable, with less maintenance needed.
Birds naturally prefer these ingredients, making this blend ideal for daily use. It supports a diverse range of species like cardinals, chickadees, finches, and woodpeckers. The high-calorie sunflower seeds provide energy that encourages healthy bird activity.
This bird seed is perfect for consistent feeding throughout the year. While it covers many species, some birds may require extra food during migration or harsh weather. The 9.5-pound bag size suits most backyard setups but might be large for very small spaces.
Overall, Kaytee Essentials offers a dependable and versatile seed mix that enhances your bird-watching experience. It balances variety and nutrition while making cleanup simpler for bird enthusiasts.
Best for: Backyard bird watchers seeking a clean, versatile seed blend that attracts multiple species with high-energy Black Oil Sunflower seeds.
What We Like:
- High-calorie sunflower seeds attract many bird species year-round
- No milo filler reduces seed waste and mess
- Balanced mix supports a wide range of backyard birds
- Suitable for everyday bird feeding routines
- Large bag size ensures longer-lasting supply
Specification:
| Specification Title | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Seed Types | Black Oil Sunflower, Cracked Corn, Millet |
| Weight | 9.5 pounds |
| Fillers | None (No milo filler) |
| Target Bird Species | Cardinals, Chickadees, Sparrows, Juncos, Finches, Jays, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Grosbeaks, Buntings |
| Intended Use | Daily feeding for diverse backyard habitats |
| Packaging | Resealable bag for easy storage |
Wagner’s 62032 Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food, 6-Pound Bag
- 60% Black Oil Sunflower Seeds, 40% Safflower Seeds
- Loaded with sunflower and safflower
- Mixture of high oil content seeds provides the necessary energy...
- Convenient velcro press-lok
- Made in the USA
Wagner’s 62032 Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food is designed to attract and nourish cardinals and finches with a high-energy seed mix. This blend combines 60% black oil sunflower seeds with 40% safflower seeds, providing essential nutrients that support vibrant plumage and active behavior. It’s an effective way to encourage frequent and lively visits to your backyard feeders.
The 6-pound bag features a velcro press-lok closure, which helps maintain seed freshness over time. This design simplifies storage and reduces waste, making it easy to keep the bird food in optimal condition between feedings. You won’t need to worry about spoilage or pests once the bag is opened.
Made in the USA, this blend is tailored to meet the dietary needs of wild birds while offering a reliable food source for your backyard wildlife. It’s especially useful for bird enthusiasts wanting to support healthy, energetic cardinals and finches throughout the seasons. The seeds are selected to promote steady activity and bright colors, enhancing your birdwatching experience.
However, this seed mix might not appeal to birds that prefer softer or insect-based diets. Because of the harder seed shells, smaller birds with delicate beaks might find it difficult to feed. Additionally, the blend could attract larger or non-target species, so it may not be ideal if you want to focus on specific bird types.
Best for: Backyard bird lovers seeking a USA-made, energy-rich seed blend to support cardinals and finches.
What We Like:
- High-energy mix with 60% black oil sunflower and 40% safflower seeds
- Supports bright feather coloration and active behavior
- Velcro press-lok closure preserves freshness and simplifies storage
- Made in the USA for quality assurance
Specification:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Wagner’s 62032 Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food |
| Seed Composition | 60% black oil sunflower seeds, 40% safflower seeds |
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Packaging | Re-sealable velcro press-lok bag |
| Intended Use | Feeding cardinals and finches in wild bird feeders |
| Country of Origin | USA |
Kaytee Wild Bird Finch Food Blend, 3 lb
- Sunflower chips and other small grains added to provide a...
- High-energy bite-sized seeds make this a perfect year-round diet...
- High oil content making it perfect for birds with smaller beaks...
- Special blend of three types of millet, Nyjer seed, canary seed...
- Kaytee Wild Finch Blend includes a wide variety of small seeds...
Attract and nourish your small-beaked wild birds with Kaytee Wild Bird Finch Food Blend, 3 lb. This specially crafted seed mix is designed to meet the unique dietary needs of finches, buntings, and similar species. Its bite-sized, high-oil seeds provide essential energy, promoting active and healthy birds in your yard.
The blend combines sunflower chips, several types of millet, Nyjer seed, and canary seed. This variety ensures birds receive a balanced diet full of nutrients they prefer. Easy-to-consume portions help small birds feed efficiently without waste or struggle.
Using this blend year-round supports the constant energy demands of small-beaked birds. It encourages consistent visitation to your feeders, enhancing your birdwatching experience. The mix’s design focuses on both nutrition and palatability, making it a reliable choice for wild bird enthusiasts.
Maintaining your feeding station is straightforward with this blend. Its seeds are clean and ready to serve, reducing the time and effort needed to prepare meals. You can easily refill feeders, keeping your feathered visitors happy and healthy.
One consideration is that this blend is less suitable for larger birds or those with different seed preferences. Some birds may selectively avoid certain seeds, so monitor your feeder to ensure the mix meets your local bird population’s needs.
Best for: finches, buntings, and other small-beaked birds that prefer high-oil, bite-sized seeds for year-round energy.
What We Like:
- High-energy, oil-rich seeds support small-beaked bird vitality
- Bite-sized seeds make feeding easy and efficient for finches and buntings
- Diverse seed blend offers balanced nutrition and appeals to varied tastes
- Ready-to-use mix simplifies feeder maintenance and refilling
Specification:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Kaytee Wild Bird Finch Food Blend |
| Weight | 3 pounds |
| Seed Types | Sunflower chips, millet varieties, Nyjer, canary seed |
| Target Bird Species | Small-beaked birds like finches and buntings |
| Seed Size | Bite-sized for easy consumption |
| Nutritional Focus | High-oil content for energy support |
| Usage | Suitable for year-round feeding |
Kaytee Songbird Seed for Various Birds, 7 lb
- IDEAL FOR WILD BIRDS such as Cardinals, Chickadees, Titmice,...
- CREATE A BACKYARD OASIS. This high energy wild bird food is...
- FORMULATED BY BIRD ENTHUSIASTS, this nutritious, premium food is...
- PREMIUM WILD BIRD FOOD BLEND ideal for attracting a variety of...
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED & TRUSTED by experts for over 150 years, Kaytee...
Bring your backyard to life with the Kaytee Songbird Seed, a thoughtfully crafted blend designed to attract a variety of lively songbirds. This 7-pound mix combines two types of sunflower seeds, peanuts, and millet, offering a high-energy formula that invites colorful visitors throughout the year.
The seed mix addresses common challenges bird enthusiasts face, such as attracting diverse species and maintaining their interest over time. Its balanced composition supports the health and activity of birds like cardinals, chickadees, titmice, and jays, helping you enjoy vibrant, frequent visits.
Maintenance is straightforward but important. To avoid spoilage and deter unwanted pests, store the seed properly and clean feeders regularly, especially in warm weather. This helps preserve the freshness and quality that birds rely on.
Ideal for various backyard songbirds, the product encourages a natural, lively environment. Its unique blend appeals to both common and less frequent visitors, enhancing your outdoor space with feathered friends.
Backed by Kaytee’s 150-year heritage, this reliable bird food offers consistent quality and performance. It’s a practical choice for anyone looking to support backyard wildlife with minimal hassle.
Best for: Backyard bird lovers wanting to attract and sustain visits from a broad range of colorful songbirds with a high-energy seed blend.
What We Like:
- Attracts a wide variety of songbirds with a balanced seed mix
- High-energy blend supports bird health and activity
- Easy to maintain with regular feeder cleaning and proper storage
- Trusted brand with a proven history of quality bird foods
Specification:
| Specification Title | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7 pounds (3.18 kg) |
| Seed Composition | Two types of sunflower seeds, peanuts, millet |
| Intended Use | Attracting and sustaining diverse backyard songbirds |
| Suitable Bird Species | Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, grosbeaks, jays, indigo buntings, junco |
| Storage Recommendations | Store in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage |
| Maintenance | Regular feeder cleaning recommended |
| Brand Heritage | Kaytee, with 150 years of quality bird food expertise |
Kaytee Cardinal Seed Cake, Wild Bird Food, 1.85 Pounds
- CARDINAL SEED CAKE packed with black oil sunflower and safflower...
- BLACK OIL SUNFLOWER AND SAFFLOWER specially chosen to attract...
- ATTRACT BRILLIANT RED CARDINALS along with other songbirds to...
- CONVENIENT AND ECONOMICAL with a long-lasting formula that fits...
- CAREFULLY CRAFTED & TRUSTED by experts for over 150 years, Kaytee...
Bring vibrant cardinals and other songbirds to your backyard with the Kaytee Cardinal Seed Cake, a thoughtfully designed feeding solution that keeps birds energized and your space tidy. This 1.85-pound seed cake offers a clean and mess-free feeding experience, specifically created to reduce waste and simplify refilling.
The seed cake is crafted from a protein-rich blend of black oil sunflower and safflower seeds, providing essential nutrients that support birds through all seasons. Its compact, firm shape fits perfectly in cake feeders, ensuring easy placement and minimizing seed spillage.
Maintenance is hassle-free since the seed cake’s long-lasting formula means fewer refills, helping you save time and avoid constant upkeep. This design also keeps the feeding area neat, preventing stray seeds from cluttering your yard.
While it excels in attracting cardinals and various songbirds, this seed cake works best with cake feeders and may not suit loose-seed setups. Also, it can draw a range of bird species, which might reduce focus on cardinals alone.
Crafted by Kaytee, a trusted name in wild bird nutrition for over 150 years, this seed cake balances convenience, nutrition, and cleanliness to enhance your birdwatching experience.
Best for: Backyard birdwatchers seeking an easy-to-maintain, long-lasting seed cake that attracts cardinals and other songbirds.
What We Like:
- Long-lasting formula reduces refilling frequency
- Clean feeding with minimal mess in cake feeders
- Protein-rich seeds support birds’ energy year-round
- Convenient ready-to-use shape fits standard cake feeders
- Trusted brand with extensive experience in bird nutrition
Specification:
| Specification Title | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Kaytee Cardinal Seed Cake |
| Weight | 1.85 pounds |
| Seed Type | Black oil sunflower and safflower seeds |
| Intended Use | Attracting cardinals and other songbirds |
| Feeding Method | Suitable for cake feeders |
| Nutritional Benefits | High protein content for year-round energy |
| Manufacturer | Kaytee |
| Packaging | Ready-to-feed seed cake, reduces waste and mess |
Pennington Pride Songbird Nut & Fruit Seed Blend
- INGREDIENTS BIRDS LOVE: This premium-quality Pennington wild bird...
- WILD BIRD SEEDS THAT ATTRACT A VARIETY OF SONGBIRDS: Watch your...
- BIRD-KOTE TECHNOLOGY: This Pennington bird food for outside...
- BIRD FEED MIX COMPATIBLE WITH MANY BIRD FEEDERS: This fruit and...
- CONTAINS: One (1) 10-lb. bag of Pennington Pride Songbird Wild...
Pennington Pride Songbird Nut & Fruit Seed Blend offers a reliable solution for backyard birders wanting to attract a variety of songbirds with ease. This blend combines nuts, fruits, and seeds in a nutrient-rich formula designed to support bird health and vitality. You’ll notice increased activity as cardinals, finches, and other favorites frequent your feeders.
The 10-pound bag provides ample supply for regular feeding, and the seed mix works well with hopper, gazebo, and tray feeders. This versatility simplifies setup and maintenance, allowing you to enjoy birdwatching without constant refills. The inclusion of Bird-Kote technology enhances the blend with essential vitamins, promoting stronger and healthier birds.
Using this seed blend helps solve common feeding challenges by appealing to multiple species with one product. It reduces the need for multiple seed types and caters to birds’ nutritional needs, supporting their energy through all seasons. However, due to its outdoor use, proper feeder management is necessary to avoid attracting unwanted wildlife.
Storage requires some space, and high-volume feeders might need more frequent replenishing due to the 10-pound size. Some birds may prefer different mixes depending on seasonal dietary changes, so this blend might not satisfy all preferences year-round.
Best for: Backyard birders seeking a versatile, nutrient-enhanced seed blend that attracts a wide range of songbirds, including cardinals and finches, with convenient compatibility for multiple feeder types.
What We Like:
- Contains 100% real fruit, nuts, and seeds for high-energy nutrition
- Attracts diverse songbirds, including indigo buntings and chickadees
- Bird-Kote technology adds vitamins to support bird health
- Compatible with hopper, gazebo, and tray feeders for ease of use
- Supports consistent birdwatching with a nutrient-rich formula
Specification:
| Specification Title | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Ingredients | Real fruit, nuts, seeds |
| Bird-Kote Enrichment | Added vitamins for bird health |
| Suitable Feeder Types | Hopper, gazebo, tray feeders |
| Target Bird Species | Cardinals, finches, indigo buntings, chickadees, pine siskins |
Wild Harvest Universal Blend For Small Birds 3 Pounds, Foritified Nutrition
- FOR SMALL BIRDS: This nutrient-rich universal blend food is ideal...
- IRRESISTIBLE BLEND: Contains premium seeds, like canary grass...
- IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS: Enriched with vitamins and minerals small...
- DAILY FEED: Fill bird’s seed cup daily with fresh seed; if...
- WILD HARVEST BRAND: Offers a full assortment of nutritional and...
Wild Harvest Universal Blend for Small Birds offers a balanced diet tailored to meet the nutritional needs of your feathered friends. It’s designed to support overall health with a blend of premium seeds and grains that small birds love. This blend goes beyond basic feeding by providing essential vitamins and minerals to keep your birds active and thriving.
Feeding multiple species like canaries, parakeets, and finches can be challenging. This universal mix simplifies your routine by catering to a variety of small birds in one convenient package. The fortified nutrition helps maintain their vitality without the need for additional supplements.
Maintaining your birds’ health is easier with this blend. Simply follow the label instructions for the latest formulation and offer fresh seed daily. This ensures your birds receive consistent nourishment and enjoy their meals, encouraging regular feeding habits.
The 3-pound bag size offers a generous supply, making it ideal for households with several small birds. Its thoughtfully balanced ingredients provide variety without overwhelming picky eaters, helping you avoid the hassle of mixing multiple feeds.
While this blend is excellent for many small species, birds with specialized dietary needs may require tailored options. Also, it may not suit larger parrots or birds outside the small bird category, so knowing your bird’s preferences is important.
Best for: owners feeding multiple small bird species like canaries, parakeets, and finches who want a convenient, fortified nutrition option.
What We Like:
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for daily bird wellness
- Includes a premium mix of canary grass seed and red/white millets
- Large 3-pound bag supports multiple small birds over time
- Simplifies feeding multiple species with one blend
- Promotes consistent feeding habits through nutritional enrichment
Specification:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Wild Harvest Universal Blend for Small Birds |
| Weight | 3 Pounds |
| Seed Types | Canary grass seed, red millet, white millet, whole grains |
| Nutritional Features | Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals |
| Intended Bird Species | Small birds: canaries, parakeets, finches |
| Feeding Instructions | Provide fresh seed daily, follow label guidelines |
| Packaging | Resealable bag for freshness |
Audubon Park Songbird Blend Wild Bird Food
- Bring a variety of colorful songbirds to your backyard with this...
- Attracts finches, nuthatches, sparrows, juncos, chickadees,...
- Premium blend; white proso millet, black oil sunflower seeds,...
- For use in hopper, tube or platform feeders
- Family owned, American made
Bring vibrant songbirds to your backyard with Audubon Park Songbird Blend Wild Bird Food. This thoughtfully crafted 14-pound mix attracts a wide variety of birds, including cardinals and finches, enhancing your outdoor birdwatching experience.
Its premium blend combines seeds like white proso millet, black oil sunflower, safflower, cracked corn, peanuts, and striped sunflower seeds. This variety supports different species’ dietary needs, encouraging more birds to visit and feed regularly.
Designed for use in hopper, tube, or platform feeders, this bird food offers flexibility to fit your preferred feeder style. The steady feeding it promotes helps maintain consistent bird activity around your yard.
Maintenance is straightforward: keep your feeder clean and refill regularly to ensure the birds have a fresh, reliable food source. The larger bag size is ideal for frequent feeders but requires enough storage space.
Produced by a family-owned American company, this blend supports local manufacturing and quality standards. While it’s versatile, the mix’s broad seed selection may not appeal equally to every species, so some birds might be less attracted.
Best for: Bird lovers seeking a versatile wild bird seed blend that attracts a wide range of songbirds to their backyard.
What We Like:
- Attracts many backyard songbird species
- Mix supports varied bird diets
- Compatible with multiple feeder types
- Made by a family-owned American brand
- Encourages steady feeding and activity
Specification:
| Specification Title | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14 pounds |
| Seed Types | White proso millet, black oil sunflower, safflower, cracked corn, peanuts, striped sunflower seeds |
| Suitable Feeders | Hopper, tube, platform feeders |
| Intended Use | Attracting diverse backyard songbirds |
| Origin | Family-owned, American-made |
| Packaging | Large resealable bag for storage |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bird Food for Cardinals and Finches
When choosing bird food for cardinals and finches, consider your preferred seed types and their oil content to boost energy and digestion. Look for blends that attract cardinals, deter squirrels, and stay fresh with proper storage.
Also weigh freshness, storage needs, and how each option supports seasonal energy needs across different cardinal species.
Seed Type Varieties
Seed type matters because cardinals and finches respond to seeds that meet their energy and flavor needs. You’ll attract them with high-oil varieties like black oil sunflower and safflower, which deliver robust energy. Safflower seeds are a smart pick if you’re dealing with squirrels, since they tend to ignore them, reducing competition at the feeder.
Mixtures containing millet, cracked corn, and small grains offer broader nutrition and draw a wider range of small songbirds. Nyjer (thistle) seed is especially favored by finches, helping diversify visitors. Consider blends that include nuts and dried fruits to boost appeal for both cardinals and finches while supporting their dietary needs.
Balance variety with seed quality to encourage steady, targeted visits rather than crowded feeding.
Oil Content Energy
Oil-rich seeds are a smart foundation for cardinals and finches, since high fat content fuels daily activities and winter resilience. You’ll want seeds with high oil content to supply essential energy for everyday foraging, flight, and cold-season endurance.
Black oil sunflower seeds stand out because their fat concentration is high and the shells are easy to crack, delivering a quick energy boost. Safflower seeds, also oil-rich, attract some species while helping deter certain pests like squirrels, making them a strategic option for feeders.
High-oil seeds support sustained activity during breeding and harsher months when energy demand rises. In blends, oil content directly links to nutritional value, promoting frequent visits and healthier, more active birds overall.
Attracts Cardinal Species
Cardinals are drawn to high-oil seeds and visually striking options, so choose varieties like black oil sunflower seeds and safflower that deliver energy and stand out in the feeder area. You’ll attract them by offering seeds rich in oil, since cardinals seek essential energy for nesting and winter.
Use bright, high-contrast varieties or seed cakes featuring safflower and sunflower to grab attention quickly. Include blends with nuts and high-fat ingredients, supporting their energetic needs without disrupting feeding patterns.
Provide seed varieties that mimic natural foods, like cracked corn and striped sunflower seeds, to encourage regular visits. Keep feeders stocked with fresh, high-quality seeds and minimal fillers to sustain interest and invite multiple cardinals to your yard over time.
Squirrel Deterrence Benefits
Squirrels can derail a good feeding plan, but choosing the right foods and setup can keep them out of the mix while still attracting cardinals and finches. To deter intruders, use safflower-based bird foods they dislike, and pair high-fat seeds like black oil sunflower to attract birds while discouraging squirrels due to texture differences.
Consider seed blends with shell-free or hardened seeds that are tough for squirrels to crack. Elevate feeders on metal poles and add baffles or place them out of reach to minimize access. Opt for mixes with ingredients less appealing to squirrels, such as certain oils or bitter-tasting seeds, to further reduce interference.
Combine these strategies for cleaner, more reliable cardinals and finches visits throughout the season.
Freshness And Storage
Freshness matters just as much as the mix itself: store seed in a cool, dry, airtight container to prevent mold, pests, and spoilage, and keep it out of direct sunlight. You’ll preserve nutrition by avoiding moisture exposure and heat. Re-seal packaging tightly after each use to minimize air, which can cause seed rancidity.
Rotate your stock periodically and buy smaller quantities if possible so you don’t store stale seed. Regularly check for clumps or off odors, and discard old or damaged seed promptly to keep feeding birds healthy. Keep seed away from high humidity and direct sun, and store in a location with stable temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Seed Blend Attracts Both Cardinals and Finches Best?
Mix sunflower hearts and hulled seeds with nyjer to attract both. You’ll see cardinals go for sunflower varieties while finches, especially goldfinches, plunge into nyjer and related mixes. Add a few safflower bits to reduce pests and disappointments.
Keep feeders stocked consistently, clean, and in a sheltered spot. Offer fruit or mealworms occasionally to spice things up. You’ll notice more activity as both species discover your yard.
Do These Mixes Include Waxy Seeds for Winter Weight Gain?
Yes, some mixes include waxy seeds like sunflower kernels or nyjer to help winter weight gain. You’ll want to check the label; look for waxy or high-fat seeds listed in the ingredients. If you don’t see them, you can add a separate high-fat supplement.
Picture a pantry brimming with energy for chilly days, keeping cardinals and finches plump and visiting more often as temperatures drop. Keep feeders stocked and refreshed daily.
Are There Any Artificial Preservatives in These Blends?
Yes, some blends use artificial preservatives. Look for labels that say no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and choose products with natural shelf-stable ingredients. If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer for a guaranteed analysis.
You’ll want blends that prioritize seeds, grains, and nuts over fillers. Check expiration dates and store in a cool, dry place. You’ll notice fresher mixes attract more birds and stay nutritious longer.
How Often Should You Replenish Feeders With Mixed Seed?
You should replenish feeders with mixed seed daily during peak feeding, and at least every 2–3 days in cooler or calmer periods. Keep fresh, dry seed on hand and clean the feeder weekly to prevent mold.
Rotate blends to avoid waste and spread, and refill before it’s completely empty. It’s a standing request you’ll hear from birds and fellow feeders alike, as steady refreshment keeps their visit rates up and your yard buzzing.
Sometimes, a little routine goes a long way.
Which Blend Is Most Affordable per Pound?
The most affordable blend per pound is plain, unseeded black-oil sunflower kernel mixes or generic mixed seeds with a high proportion of millet. You’ll save by buying in bulk and avoiding specialty blends with pricey nuts.
Compare per-pound prices and check for bulk discounts, seasonal sales, and store brands. If you feed both cardinals and finches, prioritize weight and value over fancy additives, and rotate ingredients to reduce waste.
Conclusion
If you’re feeding cardinals and finches, you’ve got solid options in these blends, each packing varied seeds, nuts, and fruits to attract different visitors. One interesting stat: cardinals can migrate locally and still return to the same feeders, a sign of strong site fidelity.
Choose a mix with black oil sunflower, millet, and fruit bits for broad appeal. Rotate brands for freshness, and clean feeders regularly to keep everyone healthy and returning for more.
When selecting the best bird food for cardinals and finches, these tips will help you create a welcoming and nutritious feeding station that attracts vibrant birds year-round.