NIC recommends that you feed Nyjer (thistle) seed for the canaries and finches, and only small, black sunflower seeds for our native birds. In doing so, you waste nothing and you do not feed the NON-NATIVE starlings and house sparrows, both are a plague to out native, cavity nesting birds. Peanut Butter and suet are very important too - especially in the winter when they need the extra fat. In the spring, use high-calcium suet to help the birds produce strong eggs and the young build strong bones.