Common Backyard Birds and their Favorite Foods

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• American Goldfinch - Nyjer (thistle) seed, sunflower chips/hearts, oil-type sunflower
  Tip: Tube feeders work especially well.

• Northern Cardinal - Sunflower seeds (all types), safflower, cracked corn, millet, unsalted nutmeats, raisins
  Tip: Prefer platform or hopper feeders.

• Black-capped Chickadee - Oil-type sunflower, unsalted nutmeats, safflower

• Dark-eyed Junco - Millet, finely cracked corn, sunflower chips, unsalted nutmeats.
  Tip: Ground feeders — scatter seed or use low trays.

• Mourning Dove - Millet, cracked corn, safflower, sunflower seeds, wheat
  Tip: Prefer feeding on the ground or large platforms.

• Native Sparrows - White or red proso millet, cracked corn, sunflower chips, some safflower
  Tip: Best attracted with ground or low feeders.

• Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers - Suet, seed logs, sunflower seeds, unsalted peanuts
  Tip: Cling feeders or suet cages work best.

• Red-bellied Woodpecker - Suet, seed logs, peanuts, sunflower seeds, seed blends

• White-breasted Nuthatch - Sunflower seeds, peanuts

• Blue Jay - Peanuts (in-shell or shelled), corn, sunflower seeds
  Tip: Larger feeders or platform feeders preferred.

• House Finch - Sunflower chips, nyjer, safflower

• Purple Finch (seasonal) - Sunflower seeds, nyjer

• Tufted Titmouse - Sunflower seeds, peanuts

• Baltimore Oriole (spring/summer) - Orange halves, grape jelly, nectar.

• Rose-breasted Grosbeak (spring migration) - Sunflower seeds, safflower.

 

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.