Feeding the birds is part of the joy of life. A few handfuls of seed in a bird feeder, and the garden rings with wings and song. But the seeds are not created equal. Sunflower, millet, peanuts, and thistle each have their detractors. One seed, however, fascinates many people: safflower.
The question is an old one Which birds enjoy safflower seed? The list includes some of the most popular treats of the garden. Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, grosbeaks, and finches are fans. Mourning doves and nuthatches are part of the party too. Starlings, grackles, and squirrels disapprove. That is the reason why safflower is a hoot for people who want color but not bugs.
This guide dives deep into safflower feeding. You’ll learn which birds eat it, why they like it, how to offer it, and what to expect in different seasons. We’ll also look at safflower for pet birds, myths about the seed, and conservation benefits.
What Birds Like Safflower Seeds?
Northern Cardinals
Fewer birds find safflower more appealing than cardinals. Their strong, heavy beaks can crack the shells with ease. The males, scarlet flashes against snow or leaves of summer, will proudly sit atop safflower feeders. Females, dull brown tinged with reddish tones, join them too. Cardinals have a desire for some privacy too and like to bring seeds into nearby bushes before eating them.
Chickadees
Chickadees are tiny, bold, and curious. Chickadees steal a safflower seed, take off to a branch, and peck open the seed shell with their beaks. They consume one seed at a time, returning time and time again. Their pleasant “chick-a-dee-dee” song graces the banquet with its tune.
Tufted Titmice
Titmice are chickadee relatives. Both like safflower better. They look soft gray and debonair crest and zip into the feeders, grab a seed, and scoot away to eat. They’re frequent visitors to woodlots.
House Finches
Finches are adaptable. Sunflower, millet, and fruit are on the menu—sausage is a treat, as well—but safflower is also offered. Red-headed males, streaked brown females: house finches are readily found. They come in flocks, chirping as they forage.
Grosbeaks
Rose-breasted grosbeaks, to whom their attractive red chest patches belong, like safflower. Evening grosbeaks that occur in northern latitudes eat it on migration and during winter as well. Their big conical bills enable them to break open shells.
Nuthatches
Nuthatches are acrobats. They climb the tree trunk headfirst. They’ll steal a safflower seed, take flight, and hide it in the cracks between the bark. They’ll return and eat the cache. White-breasted and red-breasted nuthatches both enjoy safflower.
Mourning Doves
Soft, quiet-cooing mourning doves feed on the ground. Mourning doves swallow whole safflower seed, so crops can digest the seeds. Broadcast safflower in the vicinity of bushes, and doves are among the first birds to arrive.
Why Birds Prefer Safflower Seeds
Safflower offers:
- Energy: Oil-seeds-packed warm and energized birds.
- Size: Small enough for finches but tough enough for grosbeaks.
- Taste: Birds accept the slight bitterness, but squirrels don’t.
- Challenge: The hard shell likes strong-beaked birds, which deters weak beaks.
This balance makes safflower perfect for those who prefer to select their companions.
Birds That Rarely Eat Safflower
Not all birds like safflower.
- Starlings: Detest bitter flavor.
- Grackles: Flocks seem to exclude safflower.
- Blackbirds: Will usually take sunflower or corn.
- Sparrows (some): Will sample but don’t expect it.
This makes safflower an excellent seed when flocks of nuisance birds control feeders.
Feeding Safflower Seeds in Your Yard
Best Feeders
- Tube feeders: With perches for small birds.
- Hopper feeders: Perfect for cardinals and titmice.
- Platform feeders: Perfect for grosbeaks and finches.
- Ground trays: Perfect for doves.
Don’t use mesh feeders. Seeds fall out.
Placement Suggestions
Cardinals prefer feeders placed close to shrubbery for cover. Chickadees and titmice use feeders in primarily open areas. Doves calmly consume when seed spills on ground.
Adding to Other Seeds
Use safflower on its own to be selective. Or mix with millet and sunflower to attract a broader choice. Safflower needs to be introduced slowly so birds can get accustomed to it if they haven’t already.
Seasonal Safflower Feeding
- Spring: Parent birds need energy for nesting behaviors. Cardinals and chickadees will readily consume safflower to power the breeding process.
- Summer: Insects are plenty, but birds enjoy safflower anyway. Finches especially eat in summer.
- Autumn: Migration increases foraging. Grosbeaks and nuthatches hoard safflower before long-distance migration.
- Winter: Safflower excels in winter. Warming oil is its character. Cardinals, titmice, and chickadees visit daily at feeders. Safflower is that seed that lights up cold winter mornings for thousands of birders.
Safflower vs Other Seeds
Sunflower is the preference. But safflower holds certain exclusive perks.
- Sunflowers attract a wide range of spectrum with undesired insects, as well.
- Safflower attracts less spectrum but likes the desired ones.
- Squirrels steal sunflowers but despise safflower.
For those who want cardinals and no squirrels, safflower is the answer.
Table: Birds That Enjoy Safflower Seeds
| Bird Species | Preference Level | Comments |
| Northern Cardinal | High | Strong beak, eats safflower |
| Chickadees | High | Keeps backing up for seeds |
| Tufted Titmouse | High | Drops seeds, hide on limbs |
| House Finch | Medium-High | Ate safflower but sunflower preferred |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak | High | Especially fall migration |
| Evening Grosbeak | Medium | Winter visitor |
| Mourning Dove | Medium-High | Ground feeding preferred |
| Nuthatches | Medium | Hides seeds in tree bark |
Pet Bird Safflower Seeds
Pet bird owners query whether safflower is safe. The reply is yes.
- Cockatiels: Like safflower, but it must be used in a mix.
- Parakeets (Budgies): Will eat some, but millet remains the favorite.
- African Greys: Will accept safflower in small quantities.
- Amazons and Macaws: Will eat safflower but must also have fruits, vegetables, and pellets.
Safflower is also present in commercial parrot foods. Safflower is not as fat but less rich than sunflower and is thus a suitable replacement for fat birds.
Myths About Safflower Seeds
- Myth 1: Birds will not eat safflower.
- Myth: Some won’t, but others will take some time to acclimate.
- Myth 2: Cardininals only will eat safflower.
- Truth: Chickadees, titmice, finches, and grosbeaks eat just as much.
- Myth 3: Safflower is useless.
- Truth: Fed frequently, birds will learn to consume it and waste is negligible.
- Truth: Fed frequently, birds will learn to consume it and waste is negligible.
Regional Differences
In northern states, safflower is critical during winter when nutrition is limited. In the southern region, it’s beneficial year-round to feed cardinals and discourage grackles. In city backyards, safflower suppresses pigeon competition. In country settings, safflower attracts songbirds through color without overwhelming flocks.
Disadvantages of Safflower
Few are the disadvantages of safflower, but be ready for:
- Shell on feeders.
- Some birds shunned it at first.
- Sporadic uptake if safflower is new.
Patience will correct these issues.
Safflower and Bird Fun Facts
- Safflower plants are part of the thistle family.
- Safflower seeds were first raised for oil and dye, not bird seed.
- Even Cardinals break open safflower shells later in the evening after other birds have left.
- Doves will consume dozens of safflower seeds at a sitting.
Safflower Feeding and Conservation
Feeding safflower helps birds survive in tough seasons. Oil-rich seeds support warmth and flight. Backyard feeders reduce competition from aggressive species. For humans, safflower feeding strengthens the connection to nature.
By providing safflower, you’re not just feeding birds—you’re shaping which species thrive in your yard.
FAQs About What Birds Like Safflower Seeds
Q1. What birds eat safflower seeds the most?
Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, finches, grosbeaks, doves, and nuthatches.
Q2. Will squirrels eat safflower?
They won’t eat them, except for some persistent birds that will acclimate to them.
Q3. Can I use safflower seeds by themselves?
Yes. That is the best way of attracting certain species.
Q4. Are sunflower seeds less than safflower?
They are less oily, so they are perfect for wild as well as domestic birds.
Q5. Will starlings and grackles eat safflower?
Few birds, hence why safflower is grown to discourage them.
Which birds therefore consume safflower seeds? Most of the most common backyard birds do. Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, finches, grosbeaks, doves, and nuthatches all adore safflower. The seeds are oil-nourished, nutritious, and picky. They add color without inviting nuisance birds such as starlings and squirrels.
Safflower feeding is offered all year round. Safflower feeds parent birds in spring. Safflower is active during summer. Safflower is migratory in autumn. Safflower keeps the birds warm during winter. Safflower can even be taken as a regular diet by pet birds.
To humans, safflower is simply a seed. It’s a functional item. It instructs your landscape, invites your preferred species in, and aids birds’ survival. Every seed planted forms a connection between people and the wild song outside their windowpane.
