Birds

Millet. Millet is the predominant seed that you will find in any birdseed mix. It is a small round seed that is an ivory color. Millet can be put into tube feeders, scattered on the ground or put on platform feeders. Birds that are attracted to millet include: sparrows, juncos, doves, cardinals and bobwhites.

Thistle. Thistle is also called niger seed, and is not actually from the thistle plants that you find growing along roadsides. These needlelike black seeds actually come from India or Africa. You will need a specialized feeder for thistle seeds. They can be either a box or tube feeder with narrow openings for the seeds to be plucked out by the birds. Thistle seeds are more expensive, so a specialized feeder can also limit the types of birds that will eat this seed. Birds that are attracted by thistle include: siskins and finches. The thistle seeds are really the favorite of the goldfinches, and the specialized feeders allow the goldfinches to hang upside down when they eat.

Safflower. Safflower seeds are a larger seed similar in size to sunflower seeds. Many people use safflower seeds, as they are less likely to be eaten by squirrels than other types of sunflower seeds. The seeds can be put in any type of feeder, or sprinkled on the ground. Birds that are attracted to safflower seeds include: cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches, finches and bluejays.

Sunflower. There are several types of sunflower seeds that you can offer. Striped sunflower seeds are a very large seed with a black and white striped shell. However, the shell can be difficult for some birds to open. Black oil sunflower seeds are a bit smaller than the striped, and the seed shells are much easier for birds to crack. You can offer the seeds in any type of feeder or sprinkle on the ground. If you don't like the mess associated with the seeds in shell, you can purchase sunflower seeds that have already been shelled. Often referred to as a 'no mess' bird seed. Birds that are attracted to sunflower seeds include: cardinals, finches, nuthatches, chickadees, jay-birds and titmice.

Cracked corn. While technically not a seed, many birds love cracked corn. This is basically dried corn kernels which have been very coarsely ground. You can put cracked corn in any type of feeder, or scatter on the ground. Birds that enjoy cracked corn include: grackles, jays, doves, quail, sparrows and blackbirds.

You can either place individual feeders of each type of seed out for your birds, or you can purchase (or make your own) seed mix. If you only want to purchase one type of seed, it should be the black oil sunflower seed. This is the one that will appeal to the widest variety of birds. Try to offer at least two types of feeders, one hanging and one platform to accommodate many different types of birds. Fill the feeders and watch the birds flock to your yard.