If you want to attract more birds into your garden, choosing the right bird seed makes all the difference. Different species prefer different foods, so by offering a variety of seeds, you can turn your garden into a haven for British wildlife.
In this guide, we’ll show you which bird seed attracts which UK garden birds, so you can get the most from your feeders.
Take a look at our Bird Food guide, Bird Feeder Guide and How to attract more birds guide for more.
Sunflower Seeds – The Best All-Round Choice
Sunflower seeds are the number one choice for attracting the widest range of birds.
Attracts:
- Blue tits, great tits, coal tits
- Goldfinches, greenfinches, chaffinches
- House sparrows
- Nuthatches
Why they work:
Sunflower seeds are rich in oil and calories, making them ideal for year-round feeding.
👉 Top tip: Use sunflower hearts (no shells) to avoid mess and attract even more birds.
- Simple design makes refilling quick and mess-free.
- Easy to clean, helping keep birds healthy.
👉 Great for beginners and low-maintenance feeding
Nyjer (Niger) Seed
Best for finches
Attracts:
- Goldfinches (main target)
- Siskins
- Redpolls
- Greenfinches
Why
Especially effective if you want more colour in your garden
Tiny, oil-rich seeds loved by finches
Works best in a specialist feeder
Peanuts (Whole or Kibbled)
High-energy favourite
Attracts:
- Blue tits, great tits
- Woodpeckers
- Nuthatches
- Sparrows
- Starlings
Why:
Use in mesh feeders for safety
Very high in fat (great for winter feeding)
Millet Seed
Best for ground-feeding birds
Attracts:
- House sparrows
- Dunnocks
- Collared doves
- Pigeons
Why:
Ideal for ground feeders
Small, soft seeds
Often included in seed mixes
Mixed Seed Blends
Best for variety
Attracts:
- Sparrows
- Finches
- Tits
- Dunnocks
Why:
- Combines multiple seeds to attract more species overall
- Good general-purpose option
👉 Tip for your site: recommend high-quality mixes (low filler grains)
Cracked Corn (maize)
Cracked Corn (also known as maize) is a popular and affordable option for attracting larger, ground-feeding birds to your garden.
Attracts:
- House Sparrows
- Collared Doves
- Pigeons
- Blackbirds
Why:
Cracked corn provides a good source of energy and is easy for birds to eat, especially when scattered on the ground or placed on a bird table. Its commonly included in many UK seed mixes and is ideal for attracting birds that dont typically use hanging feeders.
👉Top Tip: Use in moderation and avoid overfeeding, as uneaten corn can attract unwanted pests.
Simple Summary Table
| Seed Type | Birds Attracted |
|---|
| Sunflower seeds | Tits, finches, sparrows, nuthatches |
| Nyjer seed | Goldfinches, siskins, redpolls |
| Peanuts | Tits, woodpeckers, nuthatches, sparrows |
| Millet | Sparrows, dunnocks, doves |
| Mixed seed | Wide variety of garden birds |
| Cracked Corn (Maize) | Sparrows, doves, pigeons, blackbirds |
Pro Tips
- The more variety you offer, the more birds you attract
- Use different feeders (tube, ground, mesh) for different species
- Sunflower hearts + nyjer = best combo for beginners
- Avoid cheap mixes with lots of wheat (often wasted)
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