• Choose the right birdseed for your local species.bird image by Imre Forgo from Fotolia.com
  
  To attract birds the right kind of seed must be used. Different types of birds prefer different seeds. Because there are so many types of birdseed available, it is important to choose seeds that will attract a variety of bird species to your bird feeder. It is also vital to know which types of birdseed will attract less desirable species such as crows and blackbirds.
  
  

Sunflower Seeds

• Sunflower seeds are considered the best type of bird seed to attract the widest variety of birds. The two main types of sunflower seeds are black oil and striped. Black oil sunflower seeds have thin shells that are easily opened by nearly every bird species. The seeds are also high in fat content. Striped sunflower seeds have thicker shells that will attract larger birds instead of smaller species such as sparrows. Sunflower seeds can also be purchased without the husks so that unopened shells do not accumulate around the bird feeder.
  
  

Safflower Seeds

• Safflower seeds are white, shiny seeds that are a favorite of cardinals and doves. The seeds have tough outer hulls that are difficult for smaller birds to crack. If there are a lot of squirrels in your area, you may prefer to use safflower seeds as most squirrels will ignore safflower.
  
  

Peanuts

• Raw, unshelled peanuts are a favorite food of woodpeckers, chickadees, wrens, jays, nuthatches and titmice. If raw unshelled peanuts are not available, roasted unsalted peanuts are a fine substitute. Feed peanuts still in the shell, as unshelled peanuts often only attract crows which will scare away other bird species.
  
  

Millet

• Millet is used primarily for ground-feeding bird species such as sparrows, doves, juncos and cardinals. Millet is a small round seed that has a light husk and is easily broken by nearly all bird species. Millet should not be used in the presence of blackbirds and starlings because those are aggressive species that will drive away other birds. Millet also easily absorbs water and will quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus if it is not replaced regularly when used in a bird feeder.
  
  

Corn

• Raw, dried corn kernels are used to attract quail, pheasants and doves. Another kind of corn sold as birdseed is called cracked corn, because the kernels have been broken into smaller pieces. Cracked corn appeals to a wider variety of species because of the small pieces. Cracked corn will attract sparrows, titmice and other ground-feeding bird species.