Looking to attract a particular bird? A great article from National Audubon Society pretty much covers it!
Black-oil Sunflower Seed: This will attract the widest variety of species, including: Chickadees, titmice, cardinals, and nuthatches.
White Millet: Ground-feeding species, such as juncos and sparrows favor this food.
Red Milo: Western Species, like jays, enjoy red milo.
Cracked Corn: Scattering cracked corn over the ground will invite doves to the area.
Mixed Seed: Sprinkling mix seed on the ground or onto platform feeds is the best option. Mixed seed usually contains high quantities of millet, preferred by ground-feeding birds. Many feeder birds will not take miller. Likewise, ground-feeding birds that favor millet will not have access to it if it’s in a feeder.
Nyjer Seed (Thistle): Attracts chickadees and finches, including goldfinches, siskins, and redpolls. There are feeders specifically designed for thistle seed.
Safflower: Usually a more expensive seed than sunflower, it is not proven to be more preferred. Some reports do claim that squirrels dislike it.
High-energy suet cake: Attracts nuthatches, chickadees, woodpeckers, and titmice. You can hand this in a mesh bag, but it won’t be as protected from raccoons that might help themselves. You may want to purchase a sturdy suet feeder.
Fruits: Fruits, such as raisins, bananas, currants and sliced apples may attract mockingbirds, robins, bluebirds, and waxwings. Oranges are a favorite of orioles.
