What is Beej Karad (Safflower Seeds):

Safflowers can be harvested during February. They grow on shrubby plants that produce purple flowers before the plant begins to bloom. The plant is also known for its thistle-like shape and scraggly foliage, which makes it an unattractive choice for decorative landscaping.

Safflower seeds are a useful but relatively uncommon type of birdseed, but because of their great nutrition and which birds eat them, they are gradually growing in popularity among backyard birders. Learning more about safflower seeds can help birders decide whether this seed would make a good addition to their feeding stations and how they can best incorporate it into their bird feeding menu.

Safflower oil is used as a cooking medium due to its low saturated fats content and high smoke point (220 degrees C). As a result, safflower oil has become more popular in recent years as a replacement for vegetable oils such as coconut oil or olive oil.

Bird owners who use safflower oil as part of their diet should be aware that it may cause digestive problems if ingested by birds who have been fed it directly or through their water supply.
The seeds, on the other hand, are ideal for birds, and safflower is cultivated as a crop in many areas, including the United States, Canada, India, Mexico, Ethiopia, China, Argentina, and Kazakhstan.

Other Names: Karad Seeds, Safflower Seeds, Kusum Beej, Dyer's Saffron

USES:

If you're looking to attract different species of birds to your backyard, safflower seeds may be the perfect solution. While safflower may not be the first seed choice for birds accustomed to more familiar fare, once the seed is introduced, they can grow fond of it.

Bird species that regularly feed on safflower seeds include: Black-capped chickadees, Black-headed grosbeaks, Blue jays, Carolina chickadees, Downy woodpeckers, Evening grosbeaks, House finches, Indigo buntings, Mourning doves, Northern cardinals, Purple finches, Red-bellied woodpeckers, Rose-breasted grosbeaks, Tufted titmice   White-breasted nuthatches   Rose-breasted grosbeaks  

Your local bird feeder should have a selection of these types of seed available at all times, but if not, try mixing in some safflower with your regular mix.