Start here · Essential guide
Seed-Eating Birds and What Seeds They Prefer
Meet common seed-eating birds and the seeds each group tends to prefer, from sunflower and safflower to millet and Nyjer, plus tips for stocking feeders.
Feeding & Attracting Birds
What to Feed Birds
7 guides, starting with Seed-Eating Birds and What Seeds They Prefer.
Do Birds Eat Grass Seed?
Yes, many birds eat grass seed. Learn which birds take it, how much loss to expect, and practical ways to protect a newly seeded lawn without harming birds.
Do Wild Birds Eat Walnuts? What to Know Before You Offer Them
Wild birds can eat plain walnuts when they are fresh and chopped. See which birds eat them, safety rules about salt and mold, and how squirrels fit in.
Feeding Apples to Birds
Which birds eat apples, how to prepare and hang them, whether peels and seeds are safe, and how to deal with squirrels, wasps, and spoiled fruit.
Insectivorous Birds: A List of Insect Eaters
A list of insectivorous birds grouped by how they hunt, including swallows, flycatchers, warblers, and woodpeckers, plus ways to help insect eaters in your yard.
Is It Safe to Feed Birds Popcorn?
Plain, unsalted popcorn is usually considered acceptable in small amounts, but flavored popcorn is not. Learn which birds eat it, the risks, and better options.
Nyjer Seed: Which Birds Eat It?
Learn what Nyjer (thistle) seed is, which birds eat it, which feeders work best, how long it stays fresh, and why birds may ignore it at first.
Related topics
More in feeding & attracting birds
Attracting Birds 3 guides, starting with How to Attract Birds to Your Yard. Bird Feeders 6 guides, starting with What Is a Hopper Bird Feeder? How It Works and Who Uses It. Hummingbirds 6 guides, starting with Hummingbird Feeder Types Compared. Birdhouses 4 guides, starting with Bird House Hole Size by Species: A Practical Sizing Guide.