Birdwatching brings us closer to nature’s wonders, but attracting these feathered creatures requires more than just putting out some seeds. In this guide, we discuss the best bird feeders available and tips for maintaining a safe and clean feeding environment.
Tube Feeders
Named for their cylindrical shape, these feeders come in various sizes and often have multiple feeding ports and perches, enabling several birds to dine simultaneously. Tube feeders are typically made from sturdy materials like plastic, metal, or glass and are designed to keep the birdseed dry and fresh.
Tube feeders attract a variety of small to medium-sized wild birds. The common visitors include finches, chickadees, titmice, juncos, redpolls, and sparrows. Even some larger species, such as jays and grosbeaks, may stop by if the feeder has a perch or tray that accommodates their size. Also, warblers, nuthatches, and towhees can be attracted with specific types of seeds.
Some tube feeders come with specific features designed to attract particular bird species. For instance, finch feeders are specially designed tube feeders with smaller holes to dispense thistle (or Nyjer®) seeds that finches love.
If you’re aiming for a squirrel-proof solution, select tube feeders with weight-sensitive perches that close the feeding ports when a squirrel lands on them.
Suitable for various seeds, but they work exceptionally well with sunflower seeds and mixed blends. Tube feeders are generally easy to fill, though the narrowness can sometimes make it a bit challenging. Regular cleaning is required to prevent seed mold, especially after rain.
Woodlink Tube Bird Feeder
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Songbird Essentials, Yellow Spiral Finch Tube Bird Feeder
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Audubon, 18" Dragonfly Tube Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeder
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Suet Feeders
Suet feeders are unique bird feeders designed to hold suet cakes, a high-energy, dense food made from animal fat, often mixed with seeds, grains, or fruits. These feeders offer a valuable source of nutrients, particularly during colder months when birds need additional calories to stay warm.
Specifically designed for suet, though some birds may pick off added seeds or fruits from the suet. These are straightforward to fill – you just pop a suet block in. However, during hot weather, the suet can melt and become messy, requiring more frequent cleaning.
They attract insect-eating birds that might not typically visit seed feeders, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, bushtits, wrens, and even curtain warblers.
Some are designed as simple cages that securely hold the suet block, allowing birds to cling to the feeder and peck away. Others include roofed designs to provide some weather protection or have additional features to deter squirrels or larger, less desirable birds.
Some suet feeder models even feature tail props, mimicking tree trunks and allowing birds to feed in a more innate manner. For those keen on a more naturalistic feeding experience, there are branch-derived feeders which accommodate suet plugs, which are especially popular among woodpeckers and nuthatches.
More intricate designs may include unique features such as upside-down configurations, which make it difficult for non-clinging birds like starlings to feed, hence deterring them.
Woodlink Double Suet Bird Feeder
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Songbird Essentials Suet Bird Feeder with Tail Prop
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Songbird Essentials Small Upside Down Suet Bird Feeder
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Wreath Feeders
Wreath feeders offer a fun and visually appealing way to feed your backyard birds. These feeders are designed to hold food items in a circular arrangement, mimicking the form of a wreath. Depending on the type of wreath feeder, you can fill it with various bird-friendly treats such as suet balls, whole peanuts, or pieces of fruit.
Filling varies based on what you’re adding – suet balls, peanuts, or fruit. The open design makes them easy to clean.
A peanut wreath feeder is excellent for attracting birds that love shelled peanuts, like jays, chickadees, nuthatches, flickers, and woodpeckers. Suet ball wreath feeders can lure in a variety of suet-loving species. Alternatively, a fruit wreath feeder holding fresh apple or orange slices can invite fruit-loving birds such as waxwings and robins into your yard.
Songbird Essentials Peanut Wreath Feeder
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Nectar Feeders
Nectar feeders are specialized feeders designed to hold and dispense a sweet nectar solution, replicating the sugary nectar found in certain flowers. These feeders are particularly popular for attracting hummingbirds, renowned for their vibrant colors and mesmerizing wing speed. Besides hummingbirds, nectar feeders can also attract orioles, tanagers, and some types of woodpeckers.
For hummingbirds, opt for feeders with bright red accents, as this color is known to attract them. Some models come with an ant moat to prevent ants from reaching the nectar. For orioles, choose feeders that incorporate orange elements, which these birds are naturally drawn to, and are equipped to hold not just nectar but also pieces of fruit or jelly.
If you are targeting orioles specifically, you can make a slightly stronger solution using a ratio of six parts water to one part sugar, as orioles prefer a less sweet nectar than hummingbirds. In addition to nectar, you can also offer orioles halves of fresh oranges or a small amount of grape jelly.
Maintaining cleanliness in your nectar feeders is critical for the health of your visiting birds. During hot weather, replace the nectar every 2-3 days to prevent fermentation and the growth of mold. In cooler weather, you can leave the nectar out for about a week.
Sweet-Seed, Sweet-Nectar Hummingbird Nectar Concentrate, 1.5 L
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Nature's Way, Mason Jar Hummingbird Feeder
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Big Gulp Hummingbird Feeder, 40 oz.
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Platform Feeders
Platform feeders, also known as tray feeders, are simple, flat platforms with a raised edge to contain bird food. They can be mounted on a pole, hung from a branch, or set on the ground, making them very versatile. These feeders allow for a variety of food types like seeds, suet, fruit, and mealworms.
They’re suitable for various food types like seeds, suet, and fruits. They’re very easy to fill and clean. However, due to birds sitting and grazing (and sometimes pooping), more regular cleaning is necessary.
Platform feeders attract a wide variety of bird species due to their open design, including jays, towhees, juncos, chickadees, and nuthatches. They’re also a favorite among large woodpeckers. They offer plenty of room for multiple birds to feed simultaneously.
Choose from simple trays to covered models that protect the food from weather elements. Some platform feeders even come with a built-in screen bottom to help drain rainwater and keep the food dry.
Songbird Essentials, Hanging Platform Bird Feeder
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Audubon 3-In-1 Platform Feeder, 3 lb.
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Hopper Feeders
Hopper feeders, also known as house feeders, are designed with a central reservoir that dispenses seeds into a tray at the bottom as birds eat. They have a protective roof and can hold varying amounts of food, depending on their size.
As such, they come in a variety of sizes, allowing bird enthusiasts to choose a size that targets specific bird type and reduces visits from less desirable birds like starlings. They require less frequent refilling compared to smaller feeders.
They’re perfect for seed blends with varying sizes, from millet to shelled peanuts. They’re fairly easy to fill due to their larger size. Cleaning can be a bit more involved due to the nooks and crannies.
Hopper feeders are popular among a wide variety of birds, including sparrows, finches, nuthatches, towhees, and thrush. Their spacious size can accommodate multiple birds at once, making them a great choice for a busy bird feeding station.
Audubon, Hopper Granary Bird Feeder
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Audubon Hopper Cafe Bird Feeder
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Songbird Essentials Recycled Plastic Hopper Bird Feeder, Large
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Mesh Feeders
Mesh feeders come in various mesh sizes for specific seed sizes, from finer ones meant for Nyjer® seed to larger holes designed for shelled peanuts or in-shell sunflower seeds.
These feeders, usually cylindrical in shape, have a wire or nylon mesh that holds the bird food. Their design is purposefully aimed to attract clinging birds, deterring non-clinging species like doves and pigeons.
Filling is straightforward, but the mesh needs regular checks to ensure it’s not clogged. Cleaning can be slightly more challenging due to the mesh design.
Popular among clinging birds, mesh feeders are particularly favored by nuthatches and small woodpeckers. They also draw in sparrows, finches, chickadees, and titmice. The species you attract may vary depending on what food you provide in the feeder.
Audubon Aluminum Finch Screen Tube Bird Feeder 13"
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Gold Crest, Petite Copper Finish Thistle Bird Feeder
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Block Feeders
Block feeders are designed to hold blocks of bird food, usually compressed seeds, suet, or mealworms. They are ideal for providing a significant food source that lasts for several days, reducing the frequency of refills.
Block feeders attract a broad range of bird species, including woodpeckers, jays, and flickers. Larger birds are especially attracted to block feeders due to the substantial food quantity.
They’re easy to fill with blocks of bird food. Cleaning frequency depends on how messy the food block gets.
Kaytee Bird Seed Song Bird Bell
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Songbird Essentials Bell Bird Feeder
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Finch Sock Feeders
Finch sock feeders are special feeders designed to hold small seeds like millet and Nyjer® thistle seeds, a favorite of finches. Made of soft, breathable fabric with small holes, these feeders allow finches to extract seeds while clinging to the sock.
Finch sock feeders are particularly attractive to finches, including American goldfinches and pine siskins. You may also attract the occasional redpoll. Their clinging feeding style is an entertaining spectacle for birdwatchers.
They’re easy to fill, but the fabric may require more frequent cleaning if it gets wet or soiled.
Nyjer Sack Feeder
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Window Feeders
Window feeders are bird feeders that attach directly to your window glass via suction cups, bringing the beauty of birdwatching up close and personal. These feeders come in various types, including hopper and nectar feeders, to cater to different species’ food preferences. They attract chickadees, nuthatches, and sparrows.
Depending on the design, they can be used for seeds, suet, or nectar. They’re typically easy to fill due to their smaller size. Cleaning is also straightforward. The challenge lies in ensuring the suction cups remain secure.
To install a window feeder, select a window that’s not in the direct path of intense sunlight, which could spoil the food quickly. It should also be in a relatively quiet area to minimize disturbances to the feeding birds. Clean the window and suction cups before installation to ensure strong adhesion.
Window Cafe Bird Feeder
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Gold Crest, Red Bird Window Hummingbird Feeder
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Ground Feeders
Ground feeders are a type of bird feeder designed to mimic the natural foraging habits of birds that typically feed on the ground. These include species like sparrows, juncos, towhees, thrush, and quail. It’s important to note that robins and doves, which can be seen as pests, may also be attracted to these feeders.
Ground feeders can be as simple as a tray placed on the ground or slightly elevated structures with roofs for weather protection.
Like platform feeders, they’re versatile, suitable for a range of seeds and other bird foods. These are simple to fill, and cleaning is easy, given the open design. However, as food is closer to the ground, it can attract pests or get dirty faster.
Ground feeders are excellent for attracting a variety of birds that might not visit hanging feeders. However, being low, they’re more accessible to ground predators like cats and raccoons. Also, food left on ground feeders can attract rodents, so monitor the amount of food left out and ensure it’s all consumed during the day.
Audubon 3-In-1 Platform Feeder, 3 lb.
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Choosing the Right Feeder
Selecting the ideal bird feeder for your garden isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about catering to the specific needs and preferences of the birds you hope to attract. Let’s explore the factors to consider when choosing the perfect feeder for your feathered friends:
Bird Species in Your Area
The first step is to identify which birds are common in your region. Are you aiming to attract hummingbirds, finches, woodpeckers, or a mix of different species? Different birds have different feeding preferences.
Feeder Type and Food Compatibility
- Tube Feeders: Perfect for small seeds and attract finches, chickadees, and titmice.
- Suet Feeders: Attract insect-eating birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and bushtits.
- Nectar Feeders: A must-have if you’re targeting hummingbirds or orioles.
- Platform Feeders: Versatile and attract a wide variety of birds, depending on the food offered.
- Mesh Feeders: Designed for clinging bird species like nuthatches and small woodpeckers, and suitable for larger seeds, peanuts, and nuggets.
- Block Feeders: Block feeders usually hold compressed seed blocks or suet blocks, making them suitable for a variety of bird species.
- Ground Feeders: Mimic natural foraging for ground-feeding birds like towhees, wrens, sparrows, and doves.
- Wreath Feeders: Depending on the design, they can be filled with suet balls, whole peanuts, or fruits, attracting a variety of birds.
- Finch Sock Feeders: Designed specifically for Nyjer® thistle seeds, they attract finches such as goldfinches and pine siskins.
- Window Feeders: Suitable for seeds, suet, or nectar, they provide an up-close bird watching experience.
- Hopper Feeders: Their larger size is suitable for a range of seeds and attracts birds like cardinals, sparrows, and finches.
Feeder Capacity
Consider how often you can refill the feeder. If you’re not available for daily refills, opt for a larger capacity feeder that can feed birds for several days.
Safety and Accessibility
Ensure the feeder design doesn’t have sharp edges or entrapment areas. For window feeders, choose designs that minimize the risk of bird-window collisions. Some feeders come with predator guards to keep larger birds, squirrels, or other animals at bay.
Durability and Maintenance
Opt for feeders made of durable materials like metal or high-quality plastic that can withstand weather changes. Additionally, choose a design that’s easy to clean, as regular maintenance is crucial for the health of your feathered visitors.
Location and Installation
Some feeders are designed to hang from trees, while others are better suited for poles or directly on the ground. Think about where you’d like to place the feeder in your garden and choose a design that complements that setting.
Budget
While it’s essential to get a high-quality feeder, there are options available for every budget. Sometimes, even a simple DIY bird feed solution can work wonders if it meets the birds’ needs.
Location and Safety of the Feeder
The placement of your bird feeder can significantly influence the success of your backyard bird-feeding hobby. Picking the right spot can mean the difference between a bustling bird hotspot and a feeder overrun with predators.
Choosing the Right Locations
- Visibility for Observation: Place the feeder where you can easily observe the birds from your favorite viewpoint, whether it’s from your living room window or your garden bench. This ensures you get the most enjoyment out of your birdwatching.
- Safety from Predators: Position the feeder at least 10-12 feet away from shrubs or places where cats and other predators might lurk. Additionally, consider the aerial threats. Placing feeders closer to windows can lead to collisions. If close to a window, use bird-safe window stickers or films to prevent accidents.
- Proximity to Natural Habitats: Birds will feel safer and more inclined to visit if the feeder is near trees or shrubs but not so close that it offers easy ambush points for predators.
Maintaining Your Feeder
- Cleanliness is Crucial: Birds are susceptible to several diseases that can spread at dirty feeders. Regular cleaning, at least once a month or more frequently during wet conditions, can prevent mold growth and the spread of diseases.
- Fresh Food: Ensure the seeds or other food items are fresh. Discard any wet, moldy, or old food. Remember, quality matters more than quantity.
Deterring Pests and Unwanted Guests
- Squirrel Proofing: These crafty creatures love bird seed. Use baffles (cone or dome-shaped barriers) above or below a hanging feeder. Also, consider feeders specifically designed to be squirrel-proof.
- Avoiding Rodents: Clean up spilled seed from the ground regularly, and consider a seed tray to catch any fallout from the feeder.
- Keeping Larger Birds at Bay: If larger, more aggressive birds are monopolizing the feeder, you might want to opt for feeders with smaller perches or use food that’s less appealing to them but loved by smaller birds.
Creating a Bird-Friendly Environment
No matter which feeder you choose from Wilco Farm Stores, the key to successful bird feeding is consistent care and maintenance. Ensuring clean, fresh food and a safe feeding environment will keep your feathered friends returning again and again.
