Attracting Different Birds with the Right Feed

  January 05, 2025

One of the joys of feeding birds is seeing a variety of species visit your garden. But did you know that different types of bird food can attract different kinds of birds? Whether you’re hoping to bring in colourful finches, curious robins, or playful tits, the right food can make all the difference.

Here’s a quick guide on which types of feed are best for attracting specific birds, and how you can tailor your feeding stations to suit their preferences.

1. Sunflower Seeds

A favorite among many bird species, sunflower seeds are perfect for attracting finches, sparrows, and tits. The high oil content provides essential nutrients, and their versatility means they can be served in a variety of feeders. Blackbirds and woodpeckers also enjoy sunflower seeds, especially when offered in suet cakes.

2. Nyger Seeds

Nyger seeds are particularly attractive to finches, especially the vibrant goldfinch. Their small size makes them ideal for finches, who feed by using their specialized beaks to extract the seeds. If you’re hoping to see goldfinches or siskins in your garden, nyger seeds are a great choice!

3. Mealworms (Dried)

Mealworms are loved by a wide range of birds, including robins, blackbirds, and blue tits. They’re an excellent protein source, especially beneficial during breeding season when birds need extra energy. If you’d love to see robins hopping around your garden, mealworms are a must-have.

4. Suet Cakes

Suet cakes are rich in fats and provide essential energy for birds during the colder months. These are especially attractive to woodpeckers, starlings, and tits. Suet cakes with added ingredients, like berries or mealworms, can attract even more variety to your feeders, bringing in different species seeking a delicious treat.

5. Berries and Fruit

For species like thrushes, blackbirds, and robins, offering fruit like apples, pears, or berries is a great way to attract them. They love the sweetness and nutritional boost, particularly during the winter months when fresh fruit is harder to come by.

6. Peanuts

Peanuts, whether offered in a mesh bag or crushed, attract birds like squirrels, woodpeckers, and tits. They’re a great source of fat and protein, making them especially useful during colder weather when energy needs are higher.

Which Birds Would You Like to See?

Now that you know which foods attract different birds, it’s time to think about your garden visitors. Do you have a favorite bird you’d like to see more of? Would you like to attract more colourful finches, or perhaps you’re hoping for the cheerful visits of a robin?

Let us know what birds would you like to see in your garden, and what’s your favorite bird food to offer them?

Feeding birds is a wonderful way to connect with nature and support local wildlife. By offering the right food, you can create a haven for all kinds of beautiful birds in your garden!