Attracting colorful and melodious birds like cardinals and bluejays to your backyard can be a rewarding experience for any bird enthusiast. Choosing the best bird seed for cardinals and bluejays is pivotal in ensuring these vibrant visitors frequent your feeders. This guide aims to explore the essentials of selecting the perfect bird seed that caters specifically to the dietary preferences of these beautiful birds.
Best Bird Seed for Cardinals and Bluejays: Top 5
Selecting the best bird seed for cardinals and bluejays is crucial for anyone looking to enjoy the vivid spectacle of these birds in their backyard. By choosing a high-quality seed mix that caters to their dietary needs, you can ensure these colorful visitors are regular guests at your feeders. Whether you prioritize nutritional value, seed variety, or cost-effectiveness, the options listed above offer something for every bird enthusiast’s needs.
Here’s a look at the top 5 bird seeds on Amazon, specifically suited for attracting cardinals and bluejays:
1. Best bird seed blend for cardinals and bluejays
Lyric Cardinal Premium Sunflower and Safflower Mix
[amazon box=”B0009ZENDG”/]
Key Features:
- Focused blend of black oil sunflower seeds and safflower
- No fillers or added grains
Pros:
- Specifically designed to attract cardinals, with appeal for bluejays
- Clean feeding with no waste
Cons:
- Limited variety might not attract the broadest range of bird species
- Pricier than basic seed mixes
Our Take: Ideal for those dedicated to seeing more cardinals and bluejays, Lyric’s blend offers high-quality seeds that these birds prefer.
2.Best Nutritious seeds for cardinals
Wagner’s Cardinal Blend
[amazon box=”B0031081MU”/]
Key Features:
- Primarily sunflower and safflower seeds
- Formulated to attract cardinals, but also popular with bluejays
Pros:
- High-quality, large seeds suitable for both cardinals and bluejays
- No fillers, ensuring less waste
Cons:
- Premium price
- May attract squirrels due to high sunflower content
Our Take: Wagner’s Cardinal Blend is an excellent choice for anyone looking to specifically attract cardinals and bluejays with top-tier seeds.
3. Best Premium bird feed mix
Audubon Park 12243 Critter Crunch Wild Bird and Critter Food
[amazon box=”B006GK4P0Y”/]
Key Features:
- Blend includes nuts, seeds, and corn
- Designed to attract birds, squirrels, and other backyard wildlife
Pros:
- Versatile and able to attract a variety of wildlife
- Good quantity for the price
Cons:
- Not specific to cardinals or bluejays
- The inclusion of corn and other grains may attract more squirrels
Our Take: For those who enjoy a bustling backyard, Audubon Park’s mix encourages visits from a range of wildlife, providing entertainment and interaction.
4. Best Nut and Fruit Blend Mix for Colorful Birds
Kaytee Nut & Fruit Blend
[amazon box=”B0055INY1Y”/]
Key Features:
- Includes a mix of nuts, fruits, and seeds such as peanuts and dried cherries
- Specially blended for woodpeckers, cardinals, bluejays, and other colorful songbirds
Pros:
- Diverse ingredients attract a wide variety of birds
- Rich in nutrients and energy
Cons:
- Higher price due to premium ingredients
- The fruity scent might attract pests
Our Take: Kaytee’s Nut & Fruit Blend stands out for its nutritional variety and appeal to a broad range of birds, making it a versatile option in any bird lover’s arsenal.
5. Best Wild Bird Food
Morning Song 11353 Deluxe Wild Bird Food
[amazon box=”B004G5YKNS”/]
Key Features:
- Large variety including sunflower chips, peanuts, and white millet
- Affordable and designed to attract both ground feeders and perching birds
Pros:
- Economical without compromising on variety
- Attracts a wide array of birds including cardinals and bluejays
Cons:
- Includes some filler seeds, which might not appeal to all bird types
- Bulk packaging may lead to storage issues
Our Take: Morning Song’s Deluxe Wild Bird Food is a budget-friendly option for those looking to attract a diverse bird population without breaking the bank.
Comparative Analysis of Best Bird Seed for Cardinals and Bluejays
To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparative analysis of the top bird seeds suitable for cardinals and bluejays:
| Product | Seed Types | Attractiveness | Price | Packaging | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wagner’s Cardinal Blend | Sunflower & Safflower | High | Premium | Bagged | Quality seekers |
| Kaytee Nut & Fruit Blend | Nuts, Fruits, Seeds | Very High | Higher | Bagged | Nutritional diversity |
| Lyric Cardinal Mix | Sunflower & Safflower | High | Higher | Bagged | Cardinal enthusiasts |
| Morning Song Deluxe | Mixed Seeds | Moderate | Economical | Bulk Bag | Budget-conscious buyers |
| Audubon Park Critter Crunch | Mixed with Corn | Low | Economical | Bulk Bag | Wildlife enthusiasts |
Why is Selecting the Right Bird Seed Important?
Cardinals and bluejays, though often seen together in backyards, have slightly different feeding preferences that can influence the type of bird seed you should offer. Cardinals are known for their love of sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, which are easy for them to shell with their strong beaks.
Bluejays, on the other hand, are fond of peanuts, corn, and large seeds. A mix that caters to the tastes of both these birds ensures that your feeder becomes a popular hub for avian activity.
How to Choose the Best Bird Seed for Cardinals and Bluejays
When selecting bird seed specifically for cardinals and bluejays, consider the following tips:
- Seed Variety: Look for a blend that includes black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, peanuts, and corn to appeal to both cardinals and bluejays.
- Freshness: Fresh, high-quality seeds are more likely to attract birds. Ensure the seeds are free from contaminants and fillers like hulls, which can deter birds from visiting your feeder.
- Nutritional Value: Choose seed mixes that are high in fat and protein to provide adequate nourishment to these birds, especially in colder months.
- Packaging Size: Depending on how often you feed and how many birds visit your yard, choose a size that ensures you keep offering fresh seeds.
Common questons about Seeds for Cardinals and Bluejays
How often should I refill my bird feeders?
- Refill your feeders when they are about halfway empty to maintain a consistent supply of fresh seeds, especially during peak feeding times like early morning and late afternoon.
How can I prevent squirrels from raiding my bird feeders?
- Use squirrel-proof feeders or add baffles and other deterrents to existing feeders. Placing feeders away from jump-off points like trees and buildings can also help.
Why do cardinals and bluejays prefer certain seeds?
- Cardinals and bluejays have strong beaks that are ideal for cracking open hard-shelled seeds like sunflower and safflower seeds. These seeds are also high in fat and protein, providing necessary energy.
Is it necessary to clean bird feeders?
- Yes, cleaning bird feeders regularly helps prevent the spread of disease and keeps the feeding area attractive to birds. Clean feeders every two weeks or more often if they appear soiled.
Can I mix different types of seeds to attract more cardinals and bluejays?
- Absolutely! Mixing different types of seeds can appeal to the preferences of various birds, increasing the likelihood of attracting cardinals, bluejays, and other species to your yard.