Gaining more popularity recently, Safflower is a nutritious option for Birders to put into their feeders. Safflower seeds are slightly smaller than Black Oil Sunflower seeds but, share a similar tapered shape. It also shares a high protein, fat, and fibre content, making it a superior snack.

It's best to introduce your backyard birds to Safflower gradually so they can become accustomed to the taste of Safflower, as the original plant is not from North America. It may take a little time for them to adjust, mixing Safflower seed with your pre-existing seed is a great way to ease into it. Because this seed holds a bit of a bitter taste, squirrels and other wildlife tend to leave it be, making it that much more appealing to Birders.

Offering Safflower in the same feeders you would Black Oil Sunflower seeds, allows your feathered friends a variety of different feeding options. Larger perching space is ideal for the larger birds that prefer this bitter seed variety. With hopper and platform feeders there is bound to be some fall out seeds, let them be and the ground-feeding birds will gobble the stray seed.

Birds that like Safflower seed...

• Black-Capped Chickadees
• Downy Woodpeckers
• Indigo Buntings
• Tufted Titmice
• Mourning Doves