Choosing the right bird seed can make the difference between attracting colorful songbirds—or feeding a crowd of seed-hogging bullies. Learn which seeds bring in cardinals, finches, woodpeckers and more.

Feeding wild birds is rewarding, but certain foods—like bread, cheap seed mixes, and processed snacks—do more harm than good. This guide explains what to avoid and what to offer instead to keep birds healthy in your backyard.