There are many types of bird feeders. Each one is developed to hold different types of foods. Each one has pros and cons. Each one attracts different species.
Which one is right for you?
Let’s find out.
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Choosing The Best Feeder
Bird feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes which look nice in your backyard but also serve a distinct purpose.
The differences in feeders are because they are designed to hold a specific type of bird food. Some are more all-purpose such as the tray and can hold a variety. Some like the hummingbird feeder are designed for liquid nectar.
One important quality to consider is the ease of cleaning. Birdfeeders must be cleaned on a regular basis to protect the health of the birds. Plastic and metal feeders are the easiest to clean.
If you are new to feeding backyard birds you may be overwhelmed by the variety. Start small with a hopper feeder and some quality mixed seed. You can add bird feeders as you notice what species are coming to your yard.
Left - suet feeder with round suet. Top right - a mixed style feeder for small spaces with holders for seeds, suet, and sunflower seeds.
Top Ten Bird Feeders
Fruit
Some feeders are made with small pegs that will hold fruit. Oranges or apples can be cut in half and mounted on the pegs.
Many songbirds such as orioles and robins love fresh fruit.
Ground
Sometimes articles will tell you to just toss some cracked corn or mixed seed on the ground around your landscaping. This is not the best idea for several reasons.
If the ground is wet the seeds go bad quickly. You can purchase feeding trays with feet to set on the ground.
You will attract a variety of wildlife such as raccoons and skunks so just be prepared. If you wish to attract wildlife I recommend you read my article Feeding Wildlife in Winter: How To Do It Right.
Hopper
Similar to the Tray feeder, the Hopper feeder typically has a smaller platform that may discourage the larger birds. In addition, many of them are squirrel-proof.
A wide range of birds fed at hopper feeders such as buntings, cardinals, chickadees, finches, jays, grosbeaks, sparrows, and titmice.
Nectar
Nectar is fed as a liquid for hummingbirds. These feeders are specially designed to hold the nectar and have specialized spouts that the birds drink from.
It is very important to clean them daily! Bacteria quickly builds up in a hummingbird feeder which can harm these beautiful birds.
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Suet
Suet is a specialized type of bird food that is typically sold (or made) in a square shape. The suet feeder is a metal cage made to hold the suet.
Chickadees, Crow, Robins, Nuthatches, Orioles, Wrens, and Woodpeckers all love suet.
Tray
Typically just a shelf with a covered feeder sitting on it. The feeder holds seeds that come out of the bottom. The tray makes it easy for a variety of species to just land and eats the seeds.
The tray feeder is often made of plywood that is treated against water. However, this feeder is prone to water damage and dirt from the birds. It needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.
Thistle/Nyjer
Similar to the tube feeder this feeder is designed to hold nyjer or thistle seeds. It has mesh sides with small openings and perches.
These are grand central station for finches!
Left - wire feeder with peanuts. Top right suet feeder for square suet cakes. Lower left - birds eye view with a window feeder.
Tube
The tube feeder is a plastic tube with alternating openings. Each opening has a small perch. They can feed a number of birds at the same time and come in a variety of sizes.
Tube feeders are often filled with sunflower or safflower seeds but are great for mixes as well. They are nice for smaller species such as chickadees, finches, grosbeaks, sparrows, and titmice.
Easy to clean and attractive!
Window Feeders
These acrylic feeders have large suction cups so that they stick to the glass. The birds will come right up to your window and are easy to watch.
Wire Mesh
Wire mesh feeders are made of heavier wire with larger holes than thistle feeders. They are designed to put in whole nuts such as peanuts or insects such as mealworms.
Feeder Placement
Where you put the feeder is important. Here are some tips for getting it right.
Place feeders near shelters such as bushes or trees. A good rule of thumb is 10 feet from a tree, bush, brush pile, or building.
Use a variety of feeder mounting structures such as poles, metal holders, fence posts, or hanging from a tree.
Separate different styles of birdfeeders to reduce bird fighting.
Place hummingbird feeders near flowers.
Keep cats indoors so they don’t hunt and kill your feathered friends. However, there is nothing wrong with giving your cats an indoor vantage point to watch the birds outside.
My cat Pixie loves her cool window shelf and enjoys watching the comings and goings of the birds, squirrels, and humans.
How do I Keep Birds From Colliding With Windows?
Windows can be a source of danger for birds. They reflect the sky and trees and birds think they can fly through them to the reflection.
Unfortunately, this means they collide into the glass which can cause injury or even death.
To prevent collisions from bird feeders either place the feeders 30 feet or 3 feet from the home’s windows. Close by puts them close enough to recognize the house and thirty feet away helps them to avoid the home.
If this isn’t possible you can purchase a translucent window film for the windows, cover them tape in a cross-hatching pattern, or have outdoor window screens.
Read my article Stop Birds From Hitting Windows to learn more strategies on how to keep birds from flying into them.
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Feeder Cleaning and Maintenance
Bird feeders naturally get dirty. Weather such as rain and snow can cause the seed to get wet.
Birds will poop in and around feeders.
If you are unwilling or lack the time to clean feeders then having them may not be for you.
Birds can die if they eat moldy food and diseases such as XX spread quickly around dirty feeders.
How Often Should I Clean My Birdfeeders?
Clean seed feeders once a week. More if you are having a period of wet weather.
Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned at least every three days.
Use a wire brush to get old food off the feeder.
A bottle brush can be used to clean hard-to-reach places.
Feeders can be cleaned with soap and water.
A bleach solution of 1 part bleach to ten parts water can be used to disinfect them. Grapefruit Seed Extract is also a good disinfectant.
Some bird feeders are made to be dishwasher safe although some scientists feel this is not safe for humans.
Let dry completely and refill with fresh seed.
Don’t neglect cleaning outside around the feeders. Sweep up and dispose of any fallen food and shells so they don’t become a bacteria haven.
Ame Vanorio, is the founder and director of Fox Run Environmental Education Center. She loves sitting with her cats and watching the birds out the windows!
There are many types of bird feeders. Each one is developed to hold different types of foods. Each one has pros and cons. Each one attracts different species.
Which one is right for you?