• Choosing the right seed is key to attracting a certain type of bird.bird feeder image by tomcat2170 from Fotolia.com
  
  With Missouri being home to so many species of birds, many people look to draw these birds to their homes with hopes of catching a glimpse of them. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, more than 400 species of birds have been spotted in Missouri, 150 of which nest there on a regular basis.
  
  

White-throated Sparrow

• The white-throated sparrow is a sparrow species that frequents home bird feeders. This large sparrow prefers to stay low to the ground and is known by its distinctive songs. White-throated sparrows are highly attracted to sunflower seeds, white and red proso millet and fine cracked corn. The white-throated sparrow's natural habitat is in woods and forests. Placing your bird feeder near a tree line or wooded area would provide a more natural setting for the birds.
  
  

White-crowned Sparrow

• This sparrow is a large bird with a small bill and fairly long tail. It is known by its distinctive whistle and is a frequent visitor to Missouri backyards. White-crowned sparrows prefer black and hulled sunflower seeds and peanut hearts. You will often see the white-crowned sparrow foraging on the ground and more often during winter.
  
  

American Goldfinch

• This bright-colored, small finch is another common visitor to Missouri, where it thrives in orchards and backyards. American goldfinches are known by their very distinctive yellow and black markings. The American goldfinch frequents bird feeders year-round but more so in the winter months. It prefers niger thistle, black sunflowers and hulled sunflowers.