Bird Feeders
Bring the outdoors to life with a bird feeder that turns your yard into a haven for feathered friends. Bird feeders attract everything from vibrant cardinals to curious chickadees, offering food and shelter for backyard birds year-round. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, the right feeder can help you create a lively and rewarding birding experience. Choose from different bird feeder styles to suit a variety of needs:
- Tube feeders: These silo-style feeders protect seed well, are usually easy to refill and clean, and can be used to hold many different types of seed.
- Hopper feeders: Often shaped like houses, these store and protect seed, automatically refilling their trays as birds eat for a plentiful supply.
- Platform feeders: Good for attracting a wide variety of birds, including ground-feeding species, these don’t protect seed as well from elements or raiders.
- Suet feeders: Designed specifically to hold suet cakes or paste, suet cages and holders provide a great way to feed birds in winter.
- Thistle and mesh feeders: Usually made of fine wire mesh or as hanging sock designs, thistle or Nyjer seed feeders attract finches and other small songbirds.
- Nectar feeders: Fill with sweet nectar to attract hummingbirds and orioles to your yard.
When shopping for the backyard bird feeders, look for weather-resistant materials like metal and plastic that stand up to outdoor conditions and protect your birdseed from the elements. Many feeders also include baffles or weight-sensitive features to deter unwanted visitors like squirrels. You can even get a smart feeder with a camera that lets you view feeding birds remotely. With the right feeder and food combination, you can easily turn your backyard into a birdwatching paradise!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bird Feeders
How do you feed wild birds?
Feed wild birds by setting up a wild bird feeder—or a few—in your yard. Choose a protected spot away from direct sunlight and access by predators, and fill your feeder with the right kind of seed to attract a variety of birds. You can find wild bird mixes made specifically for your region, or choose species-specific mixes to attract your favorite types of birds.
What kind of feeders work best for wild birds?
Tube feeders and hopper feeders often work best for wild birds overall, as they can hold many types of birdseed to attract a variety of feathered friends. They also offer easy feeding access and good protection for seed. However, other types of feeders may be better for attracting specific types of birds. Try a hummingbird feeder, a thistle feeder to attract finches, or a platform feeder to cater to ground-feeding bird species.
Do wild birds prefer high or low feeders?
Many wild birds prefer high feeders, while other bird species like to eat lower to the ground—but birds can usually adapt to eating at a variety of heights. A good rule of thumb is to hang or mount your bird feeder 5 to 6 feet off the ground. This will accommodate the widest variety of wild bird species, protect from many predators, and allow you easy access for refilling. However, if you’re trying to attract a specific type of bird, you may want to mount your feeder higher or lower to accommodate their preferences.
Where should you hang feeders for wild birds?
Hang feeders for wild birds where they will be easily accessible—for birds and you—but hard for predators and raiders like squirrels to reach. Put your feeder in a shaded spot to prevent food spoilage and protect birds from the elements, and be sure not to place it too close to windows to prevent the chance of collisions. Many experts recommend hanging your bird feeder 5 to 6 feet off the ground and 10 to 15 feet from the nearest tree or shrub, but still near areas where birds can easily fly to shelter.
How big should wild bird feeders be?
Wild bird feeders should be big enough to keep you from constantly refilling, but not so big that your seed will spoil by sitting in it for too long. Hopper and tube-style feeders can usually hold ample amounts of seed, any many feature easy-access designs that make refilling and cleaning easy. You should clean your bird feeder at least every 2 weeks for good hygiene—more often in hot or rainy weather—so try not to choose a feeder that holds too much, since you’ll want to refill it with fresh, clean seed every time.