Types of Bird Food Sunflower Seed Black Oil Black oil sunflower seed is abundantly available and attracts the most species. Cardinals, finches, nuthatches, and others love this seed.
Peanuts Peanuts are high in protein and calories for birds. Many species appreciate them, while different birds prefer in-shell peanuts. "Smaller birds like chickadees and titmice will prefer unshelled peanuts
Mealworms Mealworms, darkling beetle larvae, attract bluebirds year-round. They're sold live or freeze-dried in bird and garden supply stores. To ensure quality and garden compatibility, buy mealworms from a North American source.
Nectar The Adirondack Council says hummingbirds eat half their body weight in bugs and nectar daily. You can buy hummingbird nectar at a bird or garden supply store or create it with sugar and boiling water.
Fruit Leave leftover fruits outside for birds. "Some birds like chickadees, bluebirds, and waxwings particularly love berries like juniper, blueberries, and raspberries," Farr.
Suet Suet cakes contain rendered beef fat, seeds, fruit, and other bird-friendly ingredients. Many animals appreciate these high-calorie, high-protein treats. "Suet attracts insect-eating birds like woodpeckers, wrens, nuthatches, and titmice," adds Farr.
Feeder Placement Many species of ground feeders rarely visit deck feeders. The Audubon Society says "sparrows, juncos, and towhees usually feed on the ground, while finches and cardinals feed in shrubs
Whole Environment Even with a feeder, make sure the setting is bird-friendly. This includes providing enough water, nesting materials, plants, and other bird-friendly elements.
Clean Feeders Regularly Bird feeders must be clean to keep birds happy and healthy. "If you don't regularly clean your bird feeders, disease are more likely to spread and harm birds all around your community