Safflower seed attracts far fewer squirrels than sunflower seed, and that is its main selling point. Squirrels, grackles, and starlings tend to dislike safflower’s bitter taste, while cardinals, chickadees, and finches eat it happily.
Sunflower seed pulls in more species overall, but it is also a magnet for the animals most backyard birders are trying to discourage.
What each seed does at the feeder
Black oil sunflower is the closest thing to a universal bird food. Its thin shell and high fat content draw a wide range of birds, which is why it anchors most seed blends.
Safflower has a thicker white shell and a bitter flavor. Many nuisance visitors reject it, so it works as a natural filter when squirrels have taken over. If squirrels are your main problem, pair safflower with the tactics in our guide on how to keep squirrels off bird feeders.
Cardinals in particular take to safflower well, which is handy since they are a bird many people build their whole setup around. Our piece on what bird seed cardinals prefer covers this in more detail.
Which one should you use
If you want maximum variety and do not have a squirrel problem, sunflower wins. It feeds more species and empties slower per bird because it is so nutrient dense.
If squirrels, blackbirds, or starlings are draining your feeder, switch to safflower. Expect a quiet week or two while your regulars adjust to the new taste, then traffic returns.
Many birders run both, using safflower in squirrel-prone feeders and sunflower where they can baffle the pole.
Making the switch
Transition gradually by mixing safflower into your sunflower over a week. An abrupt swap can make birds pause while they learn the new seed is food.
Store both in a cool, dry, sealed container to keep them fresh. For a full comparison across feeding goals, see our roundup of the best bird seed by budget and bird type.
