Mealworms Insect-eating birds find these beetle grubs irresistible. Great spotted woodpecker feeding on peanuts Seed dispenser Thistle seeds are popular with birds such as the house finch, American goldfinch, and indigo bunting. Bird feeders should be cleaned at least once a month. Perching post Niger seeds Fat and seed ball Commercial “bird pudding” Loose seed Mixtures of loose seed contain nutritious oil and fats. Bread Brown bread makes a far better bird food than white. Seed cakes Oils and fats are a rich source of energy for garden birds. Loose seeds can be pressed together with oil or fat to make a solid lump. Hunger sometimes forces birds to become particularly tame in winter. Acrobatic blue tits enjoy fresh coconut.