Friendly guide by Nature’s Hangout
Best Foods to Use in Your Window Bird Feeder
Choosing the right food is one of the most reliable ways to attract more birds to your window. Even a well-designed feeder won’t get much attention if the seed inside isn’t appealing. Birds pay close attention to the quality and type of food offered, and when they find a dependable source, they return regularly and often bring others with them. With a few smart choices, you can turn your window into a lively feeding spot throughout the year.
Why the Right Food Matters
Birds are naturally cautious. They look for food that provides energy, is easy to eat, and feels safe to access. Window feeders give you the advantage of offering food right where you can watch it, but the seed has to be high quality for birds to commit to visiting. Once they discover a reliable feeder, activity tends to increase quickly.
If you’re using a sturdy and clear feeder—such as the one from Nature’s Hangout, which mounts securely with suction cups—your food will stay visible and fresh. This alone helps birds notice it sooner. The feeder I personally recommend is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YSU3WG2/
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Black oil sunflower seeds remain the most popular choice for attracting the widest range of species. Birds prefer them because the shells are thin and easy to crack, and the kernels offer a high level of nutrition. Chickadees, finches, sparrows, cardinals, titmice, nuthatches, and even blue jays all respond quickly to sunflower seed. If you’re just starting out or trying to draw birds to a new feeder, this is often the fastest way to get results.
Sunflower Hearts and Chips
Sunflower hearts, which are simply sunflower seeds without the shells, are ideal for window feeders because they create almost no mess. They also provide more calories per ounce since the shells have already been removed. Nearly every seed-eating bird will take them, and they’re especially useful if your feeder sits above a patio, balcony, or frequently used outdoor area.
Chopped Peanuts
Peanut pieces are another high-energy option that many birds appreciate. They are rich in protein and fat, making them particularly helpful in winter or during breeding season. Woodpeckers, chickadees, cardinals, jays, and nuthatches are all known to seek out peanuts. It’s best to use unsalted, unseasoned, chopped peanuts so that they’re easy for birds to manage.
Nyjer (Thistle) Seed
Nyjer seed is a favorite among finches. It’s lightweight, oil-rich, and perfect for birds with smaller beaks. American goldfinches, purple finches, and pine siskins tend to show up quickly when nyjer is offered. Because the seeds are tiny, it helps to use a feeder that keeps them contained, such as one with a divided tray or a designated seed section.
Mealworms
Mealworms attract insect-eating birds that don’t always visit seed feeders. Bluebirds, wrens, robins, woodpeckers, and chickadees all eat them readily. Dried mealworms work especially well for window feeders because they don’t spoil quickly and can be mixed with other foods. Even adding a small handful to your usual seed blend can bring in new species.
Fruit Options
Some birds prefer fruit over seed. Orioles, tanagers, and catbirds are known for seeking out fresh, sweet foods. You can offer small quantities of orange slices, grapes, apple pieces, or soaked raisins to appeal to these species. Fruit should be replaced daily, especially in warm weather.
Foods to Avoid
Not everything sold as bird food benefits birds. Many inexpensive seed mixes contain filler ingredients such as milo, wheat, or oats, which most birds simply scatter onto the ground. Bread, salted nuts, processed foods, and anything moldy should also be avoided. Keeping the menu simple and high-quality encourages healthier feeding and keeps your feeder cleaner.
Seasonal Food Recommendations
Birds’ needs change throughout the year.
During winter, they benefit from calorie-dense foods like sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet pellets.
In spring, when nesting and raising young, high-protein items such as sunflower hearts and mealworms are especially valuable.
In summer, it’s best to use foods that resist spoilage, such as sunflower hearts, nyjer, and carefully managed fruit offerings.
In fall, birds preparing for migration appreciate foods rich in fat and energy, including peanuts and sunflower seeds.
Keeping Your Seed Fresh
Window feeders can warm up faster since they’re often in full sun, so keeping seed fresh is important. Clean your feeder every one to two weeks and refill it with only a small amount of food at a time. Look for clumps caused by moisture, and empty the feeder after rain if necessary. A feeder with a removable tray and drainage holes makes this process much simpler. The Nature’s Hangout feeder includes these features, which helps maintain food quality and attract more birds:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YSU3WG2/
A Simple Mix That Attracts More Birds
If you want a reliable blend that appeals to many species, try combining black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, chopped peanuts, and a small amount of mealworms or nyjer. This mix covers a wide range of preferences and keeps birds coming back.
Final Thoughts
Offering high-quality food is one of the easiest ways to turn your window feeder into a lively and dependable gathering spot for birds. When you choose good seed, keep it fresh, and maintain your feeder regularly, you’ll see more activity, greater variety, and more opportunities to enjoy birdwatching up close.