Common Backyard Birds and their Favorite Foods

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• American Goldfinch: Niger thistle seeds, broken sunflower hearts, oil-type sunflower seeds.

• Northern Cardinal: Sunflower seeds of all types, safflower, cracked corn, millet, other seeds, unsalted nutmeats, raisins.

• Black-capped Chickadee: Oil-type sunflower seeds, cracked unsalted nutmeats, safflower, suet.

• Dark-eyed Junco: Millet, finely cracked corn, oil-type sunflower seed, unsalted nutmeats.

• Mourning Dove: Oil-type sunflower seeds, millet, safflower, cracked corn, wheat, other seeds.

• Native Sparrows: Red or white proso millet, oil-type sunflower seeds, cracked corn, some safflower.

• Woodpeckers: Suet and seed logs, unsalted nutmeats, sunflower seeds, cracked corn.

• Nuthatches: Sunflower seeds, nuts and suet

• Blue Jays: Peanuts, corn and seeds.

 

Seeds and their Value to Birds

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• Sunflower – High in protein and fats

• Black Sunflower – High in oil.

• Sunflower Kernel – High in energy.

• Cracked Corn – Carbohydrates, grit to grind seeds.

• Safflower – High in oils, but only specific birds will eat it.

• Peanut Kernels – High in fat and calories

• Thistle (Nyger) -  High in oil.

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Suet vs. Seed Logs

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Seed Logs​​​

• Seed logs are a dense, long-lasting food source made from compressed seeds (and sometimes fruit or nuts). Because they’re tightly packed, birds can cling to them and feed steadily without the food falling apart quickly.

  • They’re important because:

    • High energy: They provide concentrated calories, which birds especially need in colder months.

    • Longer feeding time: Unlike loose seed that empties quickly or suet cakes that can crumble and melt, logs last longer and reduce waste.

    • Attract variety: Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, and even some finches love them.

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Suet

• Suet is basically a high-energy fuel block for birds. Primarily animal fat (usually beef fat) mixed with seeds, fruit, or insects.

  • They're Important because:​

    • High energy: Fat is one of the most energy rich foods, assisting with nonstop activity. It can also provide extra calories early spring for egg production and feeding hungry hatchlings.

    • Winter survival: When temperatures drop or food is limited, it can make a real difference in their ability to survive and thrive.

    • Attract variety: Woodpeckers, wrens, and nuthatches flock to these.

  • A con of suet: It will soften or melt in warmer weather (unless labeled “no-melt”)

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So which one should you choose? The short answer: Both. Seed logs provide a long-lasting, versatile feeding option, while suet delivers concentrated energy boost when birds need it most in the colder months. Offering a mix of both can help you attract a wider variety of birds and support them throughout the seasons.