Safflower seeds deter squirrels and bully birds, but many beloved songbirds will still come to your backyard bird feeders.

They commonly contain various seed combinations. With their high meat-to-shell ratio, "black-oil sunflower ... feeders, which are nylon mesh tubes filled with nyjer, are used for smaller birds ...

The Audubon Society says bird feeders should include a variety of seeds. Black oil sunflower seed appeals to the greatest number of birds. When using blends, choose mixtures containing sunflower ...