While sunflower seeds remain the most popular for feeding the birds, there are other kinds of seeds that are great for attracting different types of birds. Nyjer is a small, thin birdseed that's high in oils and fats, making them particularly great for winter bird feeding. These small seeds are well-loved by goldfinches, purple finches, redpolls, pine siskin, and quails. Because of their small size, they are prone to blowing around in strong winds. Choose a mesh style or sock feeder to hold this seed for feeding birds.
Millet is another common birdseed and a common component of many birdseed mixes. This is great for different kinds of bird feeders and is loved by doves, sparrows, juncos, quails, wild turkeys, and buntings. While it often comes in birdseed mixes, you can also buy it all on its own.
Safflower seeds are large with a thick shell that require a big sturdy beak for eating. This is a popular seed choice for those with a squirrel problem as squirrels aren’t a fan of this seed. It's perfect for use in many kinds of feeders such as hoppers, tubes, or platform feeders. Safflower seeds are great for attracting larger birds such as cardinals, nuthatches, jays, woodpeckers, and house finches.
Cracked corn is an affordable and easy option for feeding birds. Loved by sparrow, jays, towhees, grouse, quail, doves, blackbirds, ducks, and wild turkeys, cracked corn is great for both ground feeding, hoppers, and tray feeders. While it’s typically added as a carbohydrate filler for many bird feeds, it can also be used all on its own.