Bird watching enthusiasts are constantly on the lookout for more economic wild bird food with mass appeal from birds. Mixed bird seeds are the most popular choice of most birdwatchers as it attracts several types of birds. But even though mixed seed is mostly actual seeds, a lesser portion is filler materials which birds tend to avoid.

Usually the seed portion of mixed seed contain black striped sunflower seeds, white sunflower seeds, black safflower seeds, shelled corn kernels, rapeseed, canary seed and niger seed. These bird seeds are quite well received by birds and bird watchers but only in situations where the seed portion is greater than the inedible filler portion. Good quality bird food suppliers follow the rules and keep the larger portion of the mixed seed bag edible while other options, which are often cheaper, offer more filler than actual seed.

Fillers are usually a mix of oats, golden and red millet, barley, sorghum and even flaxseed. Birds tend to eat the actual seed portion and leave the filler in a mess, scattered all over the bird tables. It is important for bird watchers to make sure that they receive a good product with more edible components than waste. Uneaten seeds left all over your backyard can make it quite undesirably messy and difficult to clean up as the seeds begin to decompose.

Apart from actual seeds and seed filler, most quality mixed birdseed packages contain a portion of dried fruits and berries to attract even berry eating birds. Since the purpose of mixed bird seed is to attract as many birds as possible, it does a good job by serving cherries, currants, berries and raisins to fruit consuming birds.

The exact composition of mixed bird seed varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some add components such as vitamins and minerals as well as algae extracts while others add squirrel components such as chemical capsaicin which is known to create a burning sensation on the tongue of squirrels but has virtually no effect on birds. Others add mineral oils, dextrose and folic acid as well as additives to enhance the taste.