Hansen suggests planting hollyhocks, columbine, begonias, dianthus, daylilies, morning glories and foxglove, to name a few. These are common plants available at most local nurseries. Matching birds to seeds Certain types of birds enjoy certain types of seed. Oil sunflower seeds, for example, will attract cardinals, chickadees, house finches, sparrows, goldfinches, woodpeckers, grackles and doves. The larger striped sunflower seeds attract birds large enough to break them open, such as blue jays, cardinals, evening grosbeak and grackles.
Barnes recommends oil sunflower seed because most kinds of birds like it and can eat it.
Niger seed, known as thistle, brings in goldfinches, house finches, sparrows, doves and purple finches. The Audubon Society suggests that sunflower seeds be separated from other seed. Since most birds prefer sunflower seeds, they'll pick through mixes and throw the smaller seed on the ground where a good percentage of it will rot. Sunflower seeds available at the grocery store will serve nicely. Common zinnias also are a bird magnet.