Minnesota’s diverse landscape and climates make it a haven for a wide variety of bird species. If you’re looking to bring these beautiful creatures to your garden, offering them their preferred seeds is a surefire way to do so. Let’s explore some of the local birds that frequent Minnesota and the seeds they love.
Black-Capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus):
This small, cheerful bird is a frequent visitor to Minnesota gardens. It enjoys black oil sunflower seeds and will readily visit feeders filled with them.
American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis):
The vibrant yellow plumage of the American goldfinch is a delightful sight. Their favorite seed is nyjer (thistle) seed, so consider offering a feeder filled with these tiny black seeds.
Dark-Eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis):
These ground-feeding birds are common in Minnesota during the winter. They prefer millet, which you can scatter on the ground or offer in a low platform feeder.
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis):
Cardinals are well-loved for their striking red color. They enjoy sunflower seeds, both black oil and striped varieties.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus):
House sparrows are adaptable and can be found throughout the state. They are particularly fond of white proso millet.
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Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata):
Blue jays are known for their striking blue plumage and their love for peanuts. Offer whole peanuts, either in the shell or out of it, to attract them.
Red-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis):
These acrobatic birds adore black oil sunflower seeds and can be seen crawling down tree trunks in search of them.
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura):
Mourning doves are often found feeding on the ground. They prefer white proso millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds.
Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers (Picoides villosus and Picoides pubescens):
These woodpeckers enjoy suet cakes and will visit feeders with suet blocks or feeders.
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis):
Bluebirds can be attracted with mealworms, which are a protein-rich treat for them.
It’s important to note that while these are preferred seeds for the mentioned birds, they may have other dietary preferences as well. To create a bird-friendly garden in Minnesota, consider offering a variety of seeds, using feeders appropriate for the bird species you want to attract, and providing a source of fresh water. With these efforts, you can transform your garden into a welcoming oasis for local birds.