What type of seed attracts the most birds?
Offer a variety of seed for a variety of birds. Different types of birds eat different types of birdseed. Birds with big, strong bills can crack the shells of large seeds, like striped or black oil sunflower. Birds with smaller bills eat smaller seeds, like milo or safflower seed. The American Goldfinch, our state bird, eats tiny seeds called Niger (or thistle) seed. Mixed seed in a feeder can attract a variety of different birds, from Northern Cardinals, to the beautiful gray Tufted Titmouse, to the chattery little Carolina Chickadee. Offering other types of food increases the variety of birds you attract. Half an orange may attract the attention of a passing Baltimore Oriole, while a block of suet, rendered beef fat, attracts woodpeckers, nuthatches and Blue Jays.
