How do I attract different birds to my bird feeder?

Is there some food that appeals to different types of birds?


I put a feeder outside my girls window but all we've seen is some black plain looking birds which is ok too, its great to see them come around every day,but more color variety would also be niceHow do I attract different birds to my bird feeder?
Most birds don't bother with feeders in the summer months, its the Autumn onwards when you need to put supplementary feed out for them at this time of year there is plenty of natural food around.





Perhaps buy a purpose built bird table, one you can hang feeders off maybe? In the Autumn put the feeders up and site them away from the window as the birds will feel more secure away from the house. They might also fly into the window by mistake if they are frightened. Feeders should be sighted near a tree or shrub so the birds have cover to hide from predators, they feel safer this way and are more likely to use the feeder.





2 or 3 different feeders will attract different species. Some birds eat seed, some prefer peanuts some prefer fat cakes. Feed good quality peanuts and feeder seed, don't store it for too long or it loses its nutritional value and peanuts can go mouldy which can kil the birds.How do I attract different birds to my bird feeder?
If you buy a general bird seed mix, you can attract many different types of birds to your birdfeeder. It all depends on the types of birds you want to attract. I live in the Midwest and have many different types of wild birds at my feeder all year long. I have a platform feeder and attract plenty of cardinals, blue jays, robins, finches, sparrows, and more.





Cardinals and many other birds enjoy black oil sunflower seeds. Sunflower hearts and chips and safflower seeds will attract them, too. If you want to attract orioles, put out sugar water nectar at the feeders. They also enjoy suet, fruits such as oranges and berries, and bread dipped in milk. They will even eat doughnuts. As for hummingbirds, they are attracted to the orange and red colors, so I'd advise getting a feeder of that color. They enjoy eating nectar from a hanging feeder. They will also eat plenty of insects.





All birds are attracted to water, so keep a water source close by their food source. That way they can bathe and drink the water.





Make sure you have trees, bushes, or shrubs near your feeders and water so the birds can easily hide from predators.





Try out these different types of foods and you should soon see much more of a variety of birds in your yard.
I find the best seed to attract a good variety of birds is black oil (sunflower) seeds. I also used crack corn to attract blue jays, mourning doves, sparrow species, blackbirds, etc. I go through about 500 pounds of seed a year. Lots of birds to feed!