What to Feed Wild Birds

Reader Contribution by The National Audubon Society
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I want to feed the birds that visit my backyard, but I’m not sure what types of seed to set out. What do birds like best?

Different birds are attracted by different kinds of seed, so offering a variety will beckon a diverse mix of feathered friends. Just make sure the birdseed or food you choose is compatible with both the bird feeder and the birds you hope to attract.

Sunflower seeds. Many small birds prefer black oilseed, especially in northern latitudes. Large-beaked birds will eat striped sunflower seeds. Hulled sunflower seeds will appeal to the greatest variety: They will attract jays, red-bellied woodpeckers, finches, goldfinches, Northern cardinals, evening grosbeaks, pine grosbeaks, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and grackles.

Millet. Most small-beaked ground-feeding birds love white and red millet. Both will attract quail, doves, juncos, sparrows, towhees, cowbirds and red-winged blackbirds.

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