Bird feed types explained

■ Straight seeds and nuts such as sunflower, niger, millet and peanuts will attract a particular species of bird – for example, niger seed is loved by finches and siskins, while millet is a favourite of sparrows. Feeding straight foods as well as mixes will help to attract a wider variety of bird species.

■ Premixed feed is a good way to attract a range of birds and ensure they are getting the right balance of food. Different mixes are available for feeders, tables, for ground-feeding and for different times of the year.

They can differ in content and quality as it’s quite easy for suppliers to bulk out a mix with cheaper ingredients that birds don’t particularly like. Good premixed feeds contain plenty of sunflower hearts, peanut nibs and cracked corn, and can also contain suet pellets, mealworms and fruit.

■ Live foods such as mealworms, waxworms and calci worms are all high-energy natural foods packed with protein, fibre and calories. Robins, blackbirds and sparrows love live mealworms and although dried mealworms aren’t as nutritious, they are easy to handle and store.

Soaking dried worms in warm water for a few minutes adds a little extra moisture and makes them easier for birds to digest. Live worms should store for two weeks if kept in a cool, dark place like the fridge.

■ Suet is great for birds all year round but is particularly beneficial during autumn and winter, when it gives hungry birds a much-needed energy boost. Available as balls, blocks, pellets and in halved coconut shells, this is usually beef or mutton fat mixed with seeds, berries or insects.

Always remove mesh bags around fat balls to prevent birds becoming tangled up. Cheaper brands may melt in warmer weather.