Black Sunflower
These seeds are among the most versatile of all bird foods. Small and easily cracked, the seeds have a high fat content that many birds seek. Chickadees, nuthatches, finches, blue jays and cardinals will all come out in number for black sunflower seeds.
Cracked Corn
Attracting a different type of bird, cracked corn is ideal for drawing in large, ground-based birds. Starlings and quail are two species that adore cracked corn. Of course, cracked corn is also suitable for domestic birds, such as chickens and turkeys.
Millet
These small, yellow pellets are popular fills in bird seed mixes because of their versatility. Millet will be eaten by a large variety of species, including wrens, sparrows and doves.
Peanuts
Shelled peanuts are good additions to a custom mix. While not a main source of food, a number of bird species are attracted by peanuts. Woodpeckers, crows and mockingbirds are especially fond of peanuts, but smaller species, such as titmice, nuthatches and finches will also pursue peanuts on occasion.
Safflower
With its thick shell, safflower is particularly well-suited to larger birds and those with tougher beaks. Offer safflower in open trays, so the birds will have room to crack open the tough outer casings. Safflower is popular with doves, sparrows and cardinals.
Thistle
These small and thin black seeds are so narrow they require special feeders. Imported form Asia, thistles have a specific use as a finch magnet. If you love finches, a thistle feeder will bring them out in great numbers.
