BIRD FEEDING BASICS

About Audubon Audubon Guide At least 53 species of NECTAR LOVERS The National Audubon Society saves birds and their habitats throughout the Americas using science, North American birds Small birds, big appetites advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. to Attracting Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, drink nectar—the naturally Hummingbirds and other nectar eaters are some of the and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that most intrepid migrants—they can travel thousands of reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, Hummingbirds occurring sweet liquid miles each year. To accomplish these remarkable feats, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. they rely on the abundant supply of nectar usually Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in produced by plants. found within flowers that have co-evolved with nectar which people and wildlife thrive. and Orioles eaters over thousands of years. Although hummingbirds Hummingbirds and orioles are the tiniest of vertebrates, they have the largest brain and greatest appetite of all birds their size. Humming- are the main nectar birds must eat once every 10 to 15 minutes and visit Visit Audubon online for between 1,000 and 2,000 flowers per day to sustain more information and tips on drinkers, but mockingbirds, their supercharged metabolisms. Like other migrants, nectar-drinking birds are also vul- creating a bird-friendly yard. grosbeaks, tanagers, and nerable to extreme weather, disease, and predators. In addition, climate change and development are causing www.audubon.org several warblers also enjoy habitat loss, and the birds are threatened by collisions with windows and cell towers. sweet drinks from flowers Backyard gardens, large and small, provide sanctuary for resident and migrating nectar-eating birds. Sugar and tree sap. You can bring water feeders provide nourishment, but they are most helpful as a supplement to the natural nectar obtained these nectar-loving birds from flowers. It’s best to create gardens that provide real flower nectar as part of a complete habitat that to your home with a few offers shelter, nesting places, and water.

easy steps. Once they start It may take weeks after you’ve set out flowers and 225 Varick Street feeders before nectar-loving birds discover your new New York, NY 10014 visiting your garden, it’s garden. But if you’re lucky, they’ll show up much faster— 844.428.3826 sometimes within moments!

Written by Stephen W. Kress, PhD. likely some will stay the Cover, clockwise from top left: Mike Fernandez/Audubon; Paintbrush entire season and even (Castilleja), Photo: vkbhat/iStock; Rufous Hummingbird. Photo: birdiegal/ Adobe Stock; Mike Fernandez/Audubon; return the following year. Baltimore Oriole. Photo: Steve Byland/ Dreamstime; Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis). Photo: Grafissimo/iStock. Inside, bottom left: Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea). Photo: Tamara Kulikova/ iStock. Inside, center: Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Bee Balm (Monarda). Photo: mtruchon/Adobe Stock BIRD FEEDING BASICS

CHOOSE PLANTS WITH RED, PINK, OR ORANGE Creating a hummingbird- FLOWERS, AND WITH A TUBULAR SHAPE Nectar plants for Tubular flowers contain nectar at the bottom, which encour- and oriole-friendly yard ages these long-beaked birds to probe for their sweet meal. northern gardens In general, flowers that rely on fragrance to attract insect Flowers, feeders, perches, insects, and water are the pollinators are not good nectar sources, as most birds have a Bearded Tongue (Penstemon spp.): perennial key ingredients to a healthy yard that will attract these poor sense of smell. Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa, Monarda didyma): amazing jewels. Since hummingbirds and orioles naturally perennial with purple, pink, or red flowers frequent openings in the forest and forest edges, they are SOFT LININGS ARE IMPORTANT Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): perennial; readily drawn to suburban and rural gardens that offer Hummingbirds usually line their nests with soft plant fibers, requires moist soil, partial shade a mix of tall trees, shrubs, meadow, and lawn. During so grow cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), which has Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis): perennial with migration, they frequent parks and urban yards planted fuzzy stems, and pussy willow (Salix discolor), which has orange-yellow flowers with bright flowers. fuzzy flowers. If your yard contains thistle Cirsium( spp.) and Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea): compact perennial dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), allow some to remain— with small red flowers START WITH A SKETCH OF YOUR YARD their fluffy seeds provide nesting material. Jewelweeds (Impatiens spp.): annual Indicate the location of your home and outbuildings. Madrone (Arbutus menziesii): northwestern tree Include trees, shrubs, flower beds, and other features that SELECT PLANTS THAT BLOOM AT DIFFERENT TIMES Manzanitas (Arctostaphylos spp.): low shrubs and may benefit hummingbirds and orioles. Use your sketch This provides nectar throughout the growing season. This groundcovers to determine the best location for your nectar gardens. is especially important in early spring when migrants first Paintbrushes (Castilleja spp.): annuals and perennials Hummingbird gardens need not be large—even a window return, exhausted from their long travels. Hyssops (Agastache spp): perennial herbaceous box or hanging planter will do. Salvias (Salvia spp): perennials and annuals PLANT PATCHES OF THREE OR MORE INDIVIDUAL PLANTS OF THE SAME SPECIES Solomon’s-seal (Polygonatum biflorum): perennial THINK VERTICALLY This will provide larger quantities of nectar. Also, prune the Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens): well Grow a cascade of nectar-rich plants by securing a trellis PROVIDE TREES AND SHRUBS tips of flowering plants to encourage more flowers. behaved vine with orange flowers to your house and planting trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera Hummingbirds and orioles use trees for perching and Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans): orange or yellow sempervirens) beneath it. Trees and garden sheds can also nesting. Large tree trunks may also provide a source of AVOID PESTICIDES flowers on large vine requiring substantial support support sturdy trellises for trumpet vine (Campsis radi- lichens, which many hummingbirds attach to the outsides Nectar eaters also benefit from eating protein-rich insects. Twinberry (Lonicera involucrata): low-growing, cans). Layer herbaceous or lower-growing plants (see plant of their nests with spider silk for camouflage. Humming- Birds can ingest poisons when they eat contaminated shrubby vine selections, opposite) in front of vines. Then add window birds usually nest in the forks of small, stiff tree branches; insects, and systemic herbicides can make their way into boxes, tubs, or ceramic pots to create a terraced effect and orioles favor the drooping branches of maples, poplars, flower nectar. Let birds be your natural insect control. provide growing places for a variety of nectar plants like willows, and conifers. If your garden does not include trees Hamelia patens, cigar plant (Cuphea spp.), and justicias. or shrubs, a dead branch with small perching twigs makes a Nectar plants for good substitute. Locate these perches near your garden or Using feeders southern gardens* PROVIDE A WATER FEATURE sugar water feeders. (Erythrina herbacea): southern shrub or Like most birds, hummingbirds frequently bathe in This will help attract the birds until your garden flowers are Coral Bean LEARN WHEN TO EXPECT YOUR LOCAL HUMMINGBIRDS small tree shallow water, and may preen or flit through the droplets flourishing and lure birds up close for better viewing. To prepare This will help you select plants that bloom when hum- (Calliandra eriophylla): southwestern generated by garden misters, drip systems, and small a sugar water solution, mix one part white sugar with four parts Fairy Duster mingbirds are most likely to visit and determine when to shrub, blooms year-round pump-fed waterfalls. Orioles also prefer shallow water— water. Bring the mixture to a boil to sterilize it and dissolve all put out hummingbird feeders. Don’t worry that leaving (Silene virginica): bright red flowered no more than two inches deep. of the sugar. Store any unused mixture in a refrigerator. Clean Fire Pink feeders up too long will prevent hummingbirds from perennial feeders every two or three days under hot running tap water, migrating on time; migration is triggered mainly by day (Spigelia marilandica): bright red scrubbing them with a bottlebrush to eliminate fungus. Like- Indian Pink length rather than food availability. In regions where win- flowered perennial wise, do not use honey in feeders, as this can grow mold. Also ter freezes are rare, some hummingbirds and orioles may (Aesculus pavia): small southeastern avoid red food coloring—it is unnecessary. Red Buckeye stay through winter. native tree with bright red flowers Standing Cypress (Ipomopsis rubra): southern FAVOR NATIVE PLANTS To help attract hummingbirds to new feeders, tie a cluster of biennial or perennial Learn which native plants hummingbirds feed on in nearby plastic red flowers over the feeder entrance. Lure orioles and natural areas, and include these in your garden. Native plants tanagers up close by offering halved oranges on spikes or and nectar-eating birds have a long association. grape jelly in special feeders or small bowls. *Check with local nurseries to determine tolerance for temperature extremes. BIRD FEEDING BASICS

Bird feeders are an About Audubon The National Audubon Society saves birds and their Audubon Guide excellent way to attract habitats throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. a bevy of birds to your Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, to Bird Feeders and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that property. There are a reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. variety of feeders to Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. accommodate specific types of birds and their Visit Audubon online for diets. Birds usually feed more information and tips on at different heights, and creating a bird-friendly yard. having multiple feeders www.audubon.org will not only attract a variety of species, it will also help avoid feeder congestion. When placing feeders close to windows so that you can enjoy the action, be aware that large picture windows may result in collisions. Here are 225 Varick Street Audubon’s picks for six New York, NY 10014 feeders, and a little advice 844.428.3826

Written by Stephen W. Kress, PhD on where to hang them. Photography by Mike Fernandez/Audubon BIRD FEEDING BASICS Six bird feeders every home should have

GROUND FEEDERS SUNFLOWER SEED SUET FEEDERS HOPPER FEEDERS NYJER® (THISTLE) NECTAR AND FRUIT These simple screen- TUBE FEEDERS Suet is popular with titmice, Hopper feeders will keep FEEDERS FEEDERS bottomed trays typically sit If you are going to put out chickadees, nuthatches, several pounds of mixed Especially designed to Nectar feeders will help several inches off the ground just one feeder, this is your and woodpeckers. Wrens, seed dry and ready for dispense Nyjer® seed, also attract hummingbirds, or your deck and help to best choice. Be sure to creepers, and warblers will hungry birds. Birds hopping known as thistle seed, these orioles, and other nectar- keep grain or seeds and bird select a model with metal also occasionally peck at on the feeder trigger the feeders have tiny holes that eating birds to your garden droppings from coming in ports around the seed suet. While you can hang release of the seeds. Hopper make the seed available only until your garden flowers contact with each other. dispensers to protect the suet chunks in a mesh onion feeders should be positioned to small-beaked finches such are flourishing. To prepare a Some feeders have covers feeder from House Sparrows bag, you can also purchase on a pole about five feet as goldfinches, redpolls, and sugar water solution, mix one to keep out snow; others and nibbling squirrels. Hang cage feeders. Some people off the ground, or hung Pine Siskins. Thistle-seed- part white sugar with four have wire mesh to keep out the feeder at least five feet like to make their own suet from a tree branch. They dispensing bags are not parts water. Bring the mixture squirrels and large birds off the ground and try to “puddings” by grinding will draw all the species recommended, since squirrels to a boil to sterilize it and like crows. Ground feeding position it near a window the suet and adding seeds, that tube feeders attract, can easily tear holes in them dissolve all of the sugar. Clean tables should be placed in where you can enjoy the and create homemade suet along with larger birds like and waste this expensive feeders every two or three open areas at least 10 feet visitors, which are likely to feeders by packing the jays, grackles, Red-winged seed. Hang your thistle days under hot running tap from the nearest tree or include chickadees, titmice, mixture into the crevices Blackbirds, and cardinals. feeder from a tree or place water, scrubbing them with shrub to give birds a chance nuthatches, goldfinches, of large pine cones. Suet it on a five-foot pole near a bottlebrush to eliminate to flee predators. Doves, siskins, and Purple and feeders can be hung from other feeders, taking care to molds or fungus. Tie a cluster juncos, sparrows, towhees, House Finches. Reduce the trees, from poles near other protect it from squirrels with of plastic red flowers over goldfinches, and cardinals risk of bird collisions by feeders, or from a wire a special baffle. the feeder entrance to help are all likely to visit ground placing the feeder less than stretched between trees. attract hummingbirds to feeders. Avoid using ground three feet from a window Also available for warm new feeders. Lure orioles feeders if cats are apt to or more than 30 feet away. weather suet feeding are and tanagers by skewering pounce from nearby shrubs. “no melt” suet cakes. halved oranges onto a spike. BIRD FEEDING BASICS

About Audubon Audubon Guide While most wild birds QUICK TIPS The National Audubon Society saves birds and their habitats throughout the Americas using science, rely on wild foods for the How to attract birds to advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, to Bird Feeding bulk of their meals, more your feeders and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, than 100 North American LIKE US, BIRDS NEED FOOD, WATER, AND SHELTER and unite diverse communities in conservation action. To keep birds coming back to your feeders, provide Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in species supplement natural them with three essential elements: the right variety of which people and wildlife thrive. quality seed, a source of fresh water for drinking and foods with birdseed, suet, bathing, and ample cover, preferably provided by native plants. Native plants also provide potential nesting sites fruit, and nectar obtained and a source of natural food. Bird feeders can present Visit Audubon online for some risks, potentially increasing the chances of win- more information and tips on from feeders. Bird feeding dow collisions, predation, and exposure to disease. LOCATE FEEDERS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS creating a bird-friendly yard. can benefit birds while Sparrows, juncos, and towhees usually feed on the ground, while finches and cardinals feed in shrubs, and www.audubon.org also providing pleasure chickadees, titmice, and woodpeckers feed in trees. To avoid crowding and to attract the greatest variety of for people throughout the species, provide table-like feeders for ground-feeding birds, hopper or tube feeders for shrub and treetop year. Feeders benefit birds feeders, and suet feeders well off the ground for wood- peckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.

most during the winter, OFFER DIFFERENT SEEDS IN DIFFERENT FEEDERS A variety of seeds will attract the greatest variety of birds. when natural food supplies To avoid waste, offer different seeds in different feeders. Black-oil sunflower seed appeals to the greatest number are scarce. However, of birds. Offer sunflower seeds, Nyjer® (thistle) seeds, and peanuts in separate feeders. When using blends, choose additional species visit mixtures containing sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn—the three most popular types of birdseed. Birds 225 Varick Street feeders during spring and that are sunflower specialists will readily eat the sun- flower seed and toss the millet and corn to the ground, New York, NY 10014 to be eaten by ground-feeding birds such as sparrows 844.428.3826 fall migrations, and some and juncos. Mixtures of peanuts, nuts, and dried fruit are attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and titmice. Written by Stephen W. Kress, PhD nesting birds utilize feeders Relatively few species prefer milo, wheat, and oats, which Cover, clockwise from top left: Camilla Cerea/Audubon; Northern Cardinal. are featured in less expensive blends. Photo: chas53/Adobe Stock; Mike during the summer. Fernandez/Audubon; Camilla Cerea/ Audubon; Mike Fernandez/Audubon; Tufted Titmouse. Photo: chas53/Adobe Stock. Inside: Tufted Titmouse. Photo: Steve Byland/Adobe Stock BIRD FEEDING BASICS

Homemade recipes to Keep feathered visitors safe Bird feeding FAQs add to your bird feeders LOCATE FEEDERS TO REDUCE WINDOW COLLISIONS DOES FEEDING BIRDS PREVENT THEM FROM In the United States, approximately one billion birds die MIGRATING ON TIME? from flying into windows each year. Reduce the risk of bird Seasonal changes in the length of days, rather than an SUET FEEDING collisions by placing feeders less than three feet from a abundance of food, determine when birds will begin Suet (beef fat) attracts insect-eating birds such as window or more than 30 feet away. Mobiles, opaque deco- to migrate. Migrations begin in the fall as days shorten woodpeckers, wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice. rations, and fruit tree netting outside windows also helps to (when natural food is still abundant) and commence Place the suet in special feeders or net onion bags at deflect birds from the glass. again in the spring as days lengthen. least five feet above the ground to keep it out of the reach of dogs, squirrels, etc. Although suet is particularly DISCOURAGE SQUIRRELS FROM CONSUMING WILL BIRDS SUFFER IF FEEDERS GO EMPTY? helpful during cold weather and migration, when birds FEEDER FOODS Natural food supplies are typically exhausted during need extra fat reserves, “no melt” suet cakes are now Squirrels are best excluded by placing feeders on a pole in winter, as birds consume all the seeds and fruits at available for use in warmer weather. an open area. Pole-mounted feeders should be about five one location before moving on to the next. Similarly, feet off the ground and protected by a cone-shaped baffle if backyard feeders go empty while homeowners are MIX PEANUT BUTTER AND CORNMEAL (at least 17 inches in diameter) or a similar obstacle below on vacation, birds will look elsewhere for food. If your Peanut butter is a good substitute for suet in the summer. the feeder. Locate pole-mounted feeders at least 10 feet neighbors are also providing food, birds from your Mix one part peanut butter with five parts cornmeal and from the nearest shrub, tree, or other tall structure. Squirrel feeders will likely spend more time feeding at their stuff the mixture into holes drilled in a hanging log or into feeders stocked with blends that are especially attractive to feeders. Since feeders only supplement natural foods, the crevices of a large pine cone. This all-season mixture squirrels and chipmunks can reduce competition for high- most species will not suffer if feeders go empty for attracts woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, and occasion- priced foods offered at bird feeders. Locate squirrel feeders days or even weeks at a time. ally warblers. far from bird feeders to further reduce competition. HOW SOON WILL BIRDS FIND NEW FEEDERS? Storing seed and cleaning It may be a matter of hours before birds discover new PROVIDE FRUIT FOR BERRY-EATING BIRDS KEEP CATS INDOORS feeders—or a matter of weeks. The variation depends Fruit specialists such as robins, waxwings, bluebirds, Cats kill hundreds of millions of birds annually in the United your feeders on the distance to bird habitat, the density of near- and mockingbirds rarely eat birdseed. To attract these States, often pouncing on ground-feeding birds and those by feeders, and the kinds of birds that might chance birds, soak raisins and currants in water overnight, then dazed by window collisions. Responsible and caring cat STORE SEED IN SECURE METAL CONTAINERS on the new feeder (chickadees, titmice, and House place them on a table feeder, or purchase blends with Store seed in metal garbage cans with secure lids to pro- owners keep their cats indoors, where they are also safer Sparrows are especially quick to locate new feeders). a dried fruit mixture. To attract orioles and tanagers, tect it from squirrels and mice. Keep the cans in a cool, dry from traffic, disease, and fights with other animals. Outdoor If there are many feeders in your neighborhood, birds skewer halved oranges onto a spike near other feeders, location; avoid storing in the heat. Damp seeds may grow cats are especially dangerous to birds in the spring, when may find new feeders more readily, as they already or provide nectar feeders. mold that can be fatal to birds. Overheating can destroy the fledglings are on the ground. Bells on cat collars are usually associate feeders with an easy meal. If birds are slow nutrition and taste of sunflower seeds. For these reasons, ineffective for deterring predation. to find your feeders, scatter sunflower seeds on top PROVIDE NECTAR FOR HUMMINGBIRDS it’s best not to keep seed from one winter to the next. Make a sugar solution of one part white sugar to four of the feeders and on nearby surfaces such as bare parts water. Boil briefly to sterilize and dissolve sugar CLEAN FEEDERS, COLLECT SPILLED GRAIN AND HULLS soil. Bird decoys may help to lure the first visitors, and crystals (no need to add red food coloring). Feeders must Uneaten seed can become soggy and grow mold. Empty and other birds will soon notice the new food source. be washed every few days with very hot water and kept clean feeders twice a year (spring and fall)—more often if scrupulously clean to prevent the growth of mold. they are used during humid summers. Using a long-handled WHAT ARE THE BEST TIMES AND WEATHER CONDITIONS TO WATCH FEEDERS? bottlebrush, scrub them with dish detergent and rinse with a Birds visit feeders most often in the early morning, and powerful hose; then soak them in a bucket of 10 percent non- again just before dusk. They use feeders less often in chlorine bleach solution, rinse well, and dry in the sun. In early the afternoon and during rainy weather. In contrast, spring, rake up spilled grain and sunflower hulls. snow-covered ground forces sparrows and juncos to congregate at feeders as these species typically feed on bare ground. BIRD FEEDING BASICS

About Audubon Audubon Guide More than 100 North QUICK TIP The National Audubon Society saves birds and their American bird species habitats throughout the Americas using science, Offer a variety of seeds advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. to Birdseed Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters, supplement their natural A variety of seeds will attract the greatest variety of birds. and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that To avoid waste, offer different seeds in different feeders. reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, diets with birdseed, Black-oil sunflower seed appeals to the greatest number and unite diverse communities in conservation action. of birds. Offer sunflower seeds, Nyjer® (thistle) seeds, and Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in suet, fruit, and nectar peanuts in separate feeders. which people and wildlife thrive. obtained from feeders. When using blends, choose mixtures containing sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn—the three most popular Bird feeding can benefit types of birdseed. Birds that are sunflower specialists will Visit Audubon online for readily eat the sunflower seed and toss the millet and corn to the ground, to be eaten by ground-feeding birds such more information and tips on birds and also provides as sparrows and juncos. Mixtures of peanuts, nuts, and dried fruit are appealing to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and creating a bird-friendly yard. great birdwatching in your titmice. Relatively few species prefer milo, wheat, and oats, which are featured in less expensive blends. www.audubon.org own backyard. Different birds are attracted by different kinds of seed, so try offering a variety in separate feeders. Just make sure that the seed is compatible with both the feeder and the birds you hope to attract; homemade recipes offer 225 Varick Street New York, NY 10014 even more options. 844.428.3826

Written by Stephen W. Kress, PhD Photography by Camilla Cerea/Audubon BIRD FEEDING BASICS

PEANUTS Best bird seed for Whole and crushed peanuts attract woodpeckers, jays, Quick reference seed chickadees, titmice, bushtits, nuthatches, Brown Creepers, wrens, kinglets, Northern Mockingbirds, Brown Thrashers, backyard birds starlings, and Yellow-rumped and Pine Warblers. Provide and food chart these in tube-shaped, metal mesh feeders. SUNFLOWER SEEDS PREFERRED SEED/FOOD Black-oil sunflower seed is preferred by many small feeder MILO, WHEAT, OATS birds, especially in northern latitudes. Striped sunflower seed These agricultural products are frequently mixed into low- is also readily eaten, especially by large-beaked birds. Hulled priced birdseed blends. Most birds discard the uneaten seed sunflower seed is eaten by the greatest variety of birds; it in favor of other food, which leaves it to accumulate under SUNFLOWER SEEDS MILLET attracts jays, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, goldfinches, Northern feeders, where they may attract rodents. In the Southwest, Cardinals, Pine Grosbeaks, titmice, nuthatches, and grackles. however, milo attracts pheasants, quail, and doves.

MILLET White millet is the favorite food of most small-beaked

ground-feeding birds; red millet is also readily eaten. Millet Homemade recipes to SPECIES Sunflower Black-oil Sunflower Striped Hearts Sunflower Nyjer (Thistle) Peanuts Nuts Tree Fruit Millet Safflower Milo Corn Cracked Cakes Suet attracts quail, doves, juncos, sparrows, towhees, cowbirds, Bluebirds • • • and Red-winged Blackbirds. add to your bird feeders Buntings • • • CRACKED CORN PEANUT BUTTER PUDDING Cardinals • • • • • • • • • • Medium cracked corn attracts many kinds of ground-feeding Peanut butter is a good substitute for suet in the summer. Mix birds, but it is prone to rot, since the interior of the kernel one part peanut butter with five parts cornmeal and stuff the Chickadees • • • • • • • CRACKED CORN SAFFLOWER SEEDS readily soaks up moisture. Feed small amounts, mixed with mixture into holes drilled in a hanging log or into the crevices Doves • • • • • • millet, on feeding tables or from watertight hopper feeders. of a large pine cone. This all-season mixture attracts wood- Avoid fine cracked corn, since it quickly turns to mush; coarse peckers, chickadees, titmice, and occasionally warblers. Goldfinches • • • • • cracked corn is too large for small-beaked birds. Cracked corn Grosbeaks • • • • • attracts quail, doves, jays, juncos, and towhees. FRUIT FOR BERRY-EATING BIRDS Fruit specialists such as robins, waxwings, bluebirds, and House Finches • • • • • • SAFFLOWER SEEDS mockingbirds rarely eat birdseed. To attract these birds, Jays • • • • • • • • • • • Safflower seed is readily eaten by cardinals, grosbeaks, soak raisins and currants in water overnight, then place sparrows, and doves; starlings, House Sparrows, and squir- them on a table feeder, or purchase seed blends with a Juncos • • • • • • rels usually find it less appealing than sunflower seed. dried fruit mixture. To attract orioles and tanagers, skewer Mockingbirds • • halved oranges onto a spike near other feeders, or provide NYJER® (THISTLE) Nuthatches • • • • • • • • NYJER (THISTLE) SUET A preferred food of American Goldfinches, Lesser Goldfinches, nectar feeders. House Finches, and Common Redpolls, Nyjer® is sometimes Purple Finches • • • • NECTAR FOR HUMMINGBIRDS called “black gold,” because it can be expensive compared Make a sugar solution of one part white sugar to four parts Quail • • • with other birdseed. Do not confuse it with prickly thistle, a water. Boil briefly to sterilize the mixture and dissolve the Siskins • • • • pink-flowered weed used by goldfinches to line their nests. sugar crystals (there’s no need to add red food coloring). Feeders must be washed every few days with very hot water Sparrows • • • • • • SUET AND BIRD PUDDINGS (BEEF FAT AND SEED) This mixture attracts insect-eating birds such as woodpeckers, and kept scrupulously clean to prevent the growth of mold. Tanagers • • wrens, chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice. Place the suet in Titmice • • • • • • • • special feeders or net onion bags at least five feet above the ground to keep it out of the reach of animals. Although suet is Towhees • • particularly helpful during cold weather and migration, when PEANUTS MILO, WHEAT, OATS Woodpeckers • • • • • • birds need extra fat reserves, “no melt” suet cakes are now available for use in warmer weather. Squirrels • • • • • • •