Safflower seeds offer a distinct alternative in backyard bird feeding. These small, white, angular seeds are harvested from the safflower plant (Carthamus tinctorius), an annual resembling a thistle. While cultivated for oil and other products, its seeds are well-recognized for their specific appeal to certain avian species. They are a nutritious choice for birds, providing fat, protein, and carbohydrates essential for energy and overall health, particularly during colder months or breeding seasons.
Birds That Readily Eat Safflower
Many songbirds are attracted to safflower seeds, making them a popular choice for backyard feeders. Northern Cardinals are enthusiastic consumers of safflower, their strong beaks well-suited for cracking the hard shells to access the nutritious kernel inside. They often show a strong preference for safflower, making it an effective food for attracting them.
Rose-breasted Grosbeaks also readily consume safflower seeds, benefiting from the protein and fat content that supports their energy needs. Their large, powerful beaks are adept at crushing the hard shells, and they are frequent visitors. Chickadees, despite their small size, readily accept safflower seeds, often taking a single seed to a nearby perch to crack it open.
Tufted Titmice and various finch species, including house and purple finches, also enjoy safflower. Mourning Doves are ground feeders that consume safflower, often swallowing the seeds whole. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and blue jays can also be drawn to safflower for its nutritional value.
Birds That Avoid Safflower
One notable characteristic of safflower seeds is their ability to deter certain birds and animals that can be a nuisance at feeders. European Starlings, Common Grackles, and blackbirds generally avoid safflower due to its bitter taste and hard shell. While starlings might struggle to crack the hard shell, grackles often manage but typically dislike the taste, leading them to ignore safflower feeders.
House Sparrows also tend to avoid safflower, making it a useful option for reducing their presence at feeders. The bitter flavor of safflower is a primary deterrent for these species, which often prefer other seeds like sunflower. If other food sources are scarce, some of these birds might reluctantly consume safflower, though it remains far from their preferred diet.
Mammals like squirrels and raccoons are similarly deterred by the bitter taste of safflower seeds. This makes safflower a strategic choice for homeowners to feed songbirds without attracting common feeder pests. While some squirrels might consume safflower if no other food is available, it is generally not their preferred option, and many will ignore it entirely.
Optimizing Safflower Feeding
To optimize safflower’s effectiveness in attracting desired birds, consider feeder type and placement. Safflower works well in various feeder designs, including hopper, tube with larger ports, and platform feeders. Hopper and platform feeders are suitable for larger birds like cardinals and grosbeaks, providing ample space to perch and access the seeds comfortably.
For smaller birds like chickadees and finches, tube feeders are effective, especially those with mesh designs that allow birds to cling and extract seeds. When introducing safflower, offer it by itself rather than in a mix, as birds may otherwise pick out preferred seeds and leave the safflower untouched. Patience is important, as birds may take time to become accustomed to this new food source.
Proper storage of safflower seeds is important to maintain freshness and nutritional value. Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This prevents spoilage and contamination, ensuring a consistent and healthy food source for backyard birds.