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Watching birds visit your yard can quickly become one of the most enjoyable parts of spending time outdoors. A well-stocked bird feeder not only brings more activity to your garden but also helps support local bird populations by providing a reliable food source.

While many people simply fill their feeders with basic birdseed, offering a variety of foods can attract a much wider range of birds. Different species prefer different foods, and adding a few extra options to your feeder setup can make your yard far more appealing to everything from finches and chickadees to woodpeckers and bluebirds.

If you want more birds to visit your yard, try adding some of these foods to your feeder.

red sparrow in bird feeder — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Cracked Corn

Cracked corn is an affordable and energy-rich food that many birds will eat. Ground-feeding species such as doves, quails, and pheasants are especially attracted to it.

It can be placed on platform feeders or scattered on the ground. While it may not attract as many songbirds, it still provides valuable energy for many birds.

Berries

Many bird species naturally feed on berries in the wild. Offering berries can attract birds such as robins, waxwings, and orioles. Berries provide important vitamins and nutrients that birds rely on during certain times of the year. Planting berry-producing shrubs nearby can also encourage more birds to visit your yard.

Mealworms

mealworms are a protein-rich food that closely mimics the insects birds eat in nature. Bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, and robins are especially attracted to them. They can be offered dried or live in a small feeder dish. Adding mealworms to your feeder setup can quickly increase bird activity in your yard.

Mixed Birdseed Blends

A high-quality mixed birdseed blend is one of the easiest ways to attract a variety of birds. These premixed seed blends often include sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn, which appeal to many common backyard species. Because they include several seed types, they can attract multiple birds at once. Choosing a good-quality blend helps ensure birds get the nutrition they need.

Black-Oil Sunflower Seeds

Black-oil sunflower seeds are considered one of the best foods for attracting backyard birds. They have a high fat content, which provides birds with plenty of energy. The shells are thin, making them easy for many species to crack open. Cardinals, chickadees, finches, and nuthatches are especially fond of these seeds.

Nyjer Seeds

Nyjer seed, often called thistle seed, is a favorite of finches and other small songbirds. These tiny seeds are rich in oils and nutrients, which makes them a valuable food source. Because they are so small, they require a special feeder designed for finch feeding. If you want to attract goldfinches, this is one of the best options.

Suet

Suet is a high-energy food made from animal fat and is especially helpful for birds during colder months. It attracts insect-eating species such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and wrens.

Suet cakes are usually placed in special cages or feeders to make them easier for birds to access. Many blends also include seeds or dried fruit for added nutrition.

Peanuts (Unsalted and Shelled)

Peanuts are packed with protein and healthy fats that birds need for energy. Larger birds like jays, titmice, and woodpeckers particularly enjoy them. Make sure the peanuts are unsalted and shelled to keep them safe for birds. Chopped or crushed peanuts can also help smaller birds eat them more easily.

Millet

Millet is a small seed that many ground-feeding birds enjoy. Sparrows, doves, and juncos often feed on millet scattered on platform feeders or on the ground. It’s also commonly included in mixed birdseed blends. Because it’s easy to eat, millet is a reliable option for attracting a variety of backyard birds.

Safflower Seeds

Safflower seeds are another nutritious option for bird feeders. Many birds, including cardinals, chickadees, and grosbeaks, enjoy them.

One advantage of safflower seeds is that squirrels and some nuisance birds tend to avoid them. This makes them a good choice if you’re trying to discourage unwanted feeder visitors.