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Bird food

Safflower seed

A white, bitter-tasting seed that cardinals, chickadees and titmice take readily – and that many squirrels, grackles and starlings leave alone.

  • 25 of 98common feeder birds eat it (Project FeederWatch)
Tufted Titmouse – one of the birds that eat safflower seed
Photo iNaturalist, CC0

Who eats it

Which birds eat safflower seed?

Feeder birds that Project FeederWatch lists for this food – shown here with a species guide where we have one.

  1. Black-capped Chickadee at a feeder

    Black-capped Chickadee

  2. Black-crested Titmouse at a feeder

    Black-crested Titmouse

  3. Blue Jay at a feeder

    Blue Jay

  4. Boreal Chickadee at a feeder

    Boreal Chickadee

  5. Carolina Chickadee at a feeder

    Carolina Chickadee

  6. Chestnut-backed Chickadee at a feeder

    Chestnut-backed Chickadee

  7. Common Grackle at a feeder

    Common Grackle

  8. Dark-eyed Junco at a feeder

    Dark-eyed Junco

  9. Downy Woodpecker at a feeder

    Downy Woodpecker

  10. Golden-crowned Sparrow at a feeder

    Golden-crowned Sparrow

  11. Great-tailed Grackle at a feeder

    Great-tailed Grackle

  12. Hairy Woodpecker at a feeder

    Hairy Woodpecker

The essentials

What to know

  • Safflower resembles a white sunflower seed and attracts cardinals and other big-billed birds, but in FeederWatch's experience most birds prefer sunflower over safflower. (Project FeederWatch)
  • Mass Audubon: safflower is favored by cardinals and sparrows and unpalatable to most squirrels – though squirrels can adapt; the hard shell limits its appeal to some species. (Audubon)
  • Audubon's Mixology article: safflower and milo appear in 'bird-excluding' blends because starlings don't prefer them, but using different feeder types is more effective for excluding birds. (Audubon)
  • Safflower is enjoyed by many songbirds but is less attractive to blackbirds, starlings, grackles and squirrels; House Sparrows, starlings and squirrels have developed a taste for it in some areas. (All About Birds)
  • Birds & Blooms: squirrels don't like safflower; it is high in protein and fat, slightly smaller than sunflower, with a hard, white, somewhat bitter shell. (Birds & Blooms)

How to

How to offer it

  • Works in hopper, platform and tube feeders. (Duncraft)

Storage

Storage and freshness

  • Same rules as all seed: cool, dry, rodent-proof metal can; don't carry seed over from one winter to the next. (Audubon)

Squirrels

Squirrels

  • Squirrel deterrence is partial: 'unpalatable to most squirrels (though they can adapt)'. Pair with baffles/pole placement. (Audubon)
  • Pole feeders about 5 ft high with a cone baffle at least 17 in wide, at least 10 ft from shrubs/trees/structures. (Audubon)

Mistakes

Common mistakes

  • Expecting safflower to attract as many species as sunflower – most birds prefer sunflower. (Project FeederWatch)
  • Relying on safflower alone to stop squirrels – they can adapt. (Audubon)

What to buy

Safflower seed to buy

5 lbWagner's 57075 Safflower Seedmaker: discourages grackles, starlings; squirrels dislike bitter taste (maker claim)12 lbLyric Golden Safflowergolden (NutraSaff-type) variety5 lbKaytee Safflower Seed5 lbWagner's Safflower Seed15 lbPennington Select Safflower Seed5 lbHappy Wings Safflower Seed

Shop links may earn us a commission. The price stays the same for you. Prices as seen on 30 Sep 2026; Amazon prices are not shown.

Questions

Safflower seed: questions

Do squirrels eat safflower seed?

Most squirrels don't like it, but some learn to eat it. Combine safflower with a baffle or a well-placed pole for real squirrel protection.

Which birds eat safflower?

Cardinals, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, grosbeaks, doves and house finches among others – about 25 of 98 common feeder birds, according to Project FeederWatch.

Can I mix safflower with sunflower?

Yes, but squirrels and grackles will then come for the sunflower. To use safflower as a deterrent, offer it on its own.

More bird food

Other feeding guides