The variety of bird seeds and mixtures on the market is staggering. In most locations, however, the best all-around attractant is black-oil sunflower seed. This seed has a high meat-to-shell ratio; it is high in fat; and its small size and thin shell make it easy for small birds to handle and crack. (Stripped sunflower seeds are larger and have thicker seed coats).

Try starting with sunflower seeds, then experiment with other seeds or mixtures.