Food entry
Safflower
Cardinals eat it; squirrels and grackles mostly don’t.
At a glance
| Brings | Northern Cardinal · House Finch · Mourning Dove · Black-capped Chickadee |
|---|---|
| Feeder | Hopper feeder · Platform feeder · Tube feeder |
How to offer it
Safflower’s bitter-tasting white seed is the classic workaround feed: cardinals, house finches, doves, and chickadees take it readily, while squirrels and bully flocks of grackles generally leave it alone. If your sunflower feeder is being mobbed, switching that feeder to safflower often resets the guest list.
What to skip
Skip expecting an overnight switch — birds used to sunflower may take a week or two to accept safflower. Mix it in gradually rather than swapping cold turkey.
FAQ
Which birds does safflower attract?
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, Mourning Dove, Black-capped Chickadee. Cardinals eat it; squirrels and grackles mostly don’t.
What feeder should I put safflower in?
Hopper feeder or Platform feeder or Tube feeder. Safflower’s bitter-tasting white seed is the classic workaround feed: cardinals, house finches, doves, and chickadees take it readily, while squirrels and bully flocks of grackles generally leave it alone. If your sunflower feeder is being mobbed, switching that feeder to safflower often resets the guest list.
What should I avoid with safflower?
Skip expecting an overnight switch — birds used to sunflower may take a week or two to accept safflower. Mix it in gradually rather than swapping cold turkey.