1. Home
  2. Wildlife
  3. Wild Birds

The Best Bird Feeders (And Feed!) for Different Species

Bring birds to your backyard, fast.
Janelle Leeson
By Janelle Leeson
Updated
May 20, 2025
a red cardinal sits on a bird feeder. learn about the best bird feeders.

Photo by doug4537/E+ via Getty Images

At any given time, there are probably at least a dozen different types of birds in your neighborhood. And if you put a feeder and feed out, birds will come, says Noah Perlut, Ph.D., ornithologist and assistant academic director of the School of Marine and Environmental Programs at the University of New England. 

One of the most exciting parts of attracting birds to your yard—besides getting to see feathered friends up close and personal—is that you have some control over which species show up.

Whether you have your sights set on colorful finches or something a little more elusive, there’s a feeder for just about every bird and backyard. Here are the best bird feeders for your ideal species.

Jump to section

  • Smart Feeders
  • Platform Feeders
  • Hopper Feeders
  • Tube Feeders
  • Thistle and Mesh Feeders
  • Suet Feeders
  • Nectar Feeders
  • FAQs About Bird Feeders

Smart Feeders


two colorful birds on a smart bird feeder

Photo by LagunaticPhoto/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Dr. Perlut says the magic of bird feeders is that they give us a chance to connect with birds in close proximity. But if you really want a front-row seat to the world of birds, a smart feeder, such as the Bird Buddy PRO Solar Smart Bird Feeder, may be your best choice.

Recommended Product

Bird Buddy PRO Solar Smart Bird Feeder, Blue
Bird Buddy PRO Solar Smart Bird Feeder, Blue
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
49Reviews
$311.25Chewy Price

With crisp videos and photos, you’ll catch every vibrant feather in true-to-life color and pick up on details you might otherwise miss, like the shape of a bird’s beak. That detail matters, Dr. Perlut says, because a bird’s beak can tell you exactly what kind of seed they eat.

For instance, add safflower (squirrels tend to not like the taste!) to your smart feeder to attract birds like:

  • Cardinals
  • Finches
  • Titmice
  • Buntings
  • Doves
  • Juncos
  • Woodpeckers
  • Wrens
  • Jays

Recommended Product

Morning Song Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food, 7-lb bag
Morning Song Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food, 7-lb bag
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
468Reviews
$9.99Chewy Price

Many smart feeders require a monthly subscription to unlock premium features. With the free version of Bird Buddy, you’ll have access to the live stream, but features like species identification, video storage, and high-resolution photo sharing are only available with a paid plan.

Platform Feeders


small finch eating from a platform bird feeder

Photo by Julija Kumpinovica/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

When choosing the best bird feeder, Dr. Perlut recommends considering how birds will interact with the feeder and how you’d like to observe them.

Take platform feeders, like this Nature’s Way feeder, for example. Also known as tray feeders, they have open and flat square or rectangular bases where birds can perch to eat. 

Recommended Product

Natures Way Bird Products Tray Bird Feeder, Cedar
Natures Way Bird Products Tray Bird Feeder, Cedar
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
118Reviews
$24.87Chewy Price

Because the birds sit to eat rather than grab and go, you’ll get longer viewing opportunities. But this also means seed hulls and droppings often end up in the feed, so you’ll want to clean this feeder often.

“Eating infected food can make birds and other animals sick,” says Amanda Martinez, habitat hero senior coordinator at Audubon Rockies. 

Platform feeders are a great pick if you want to experiment with different foods to see which birds stop by. Their wide, flat trays make it easy to offer everything from black oil sunflower seeds to fruit mixes, peanuts, or mealworms.

Recommended Products

Wagner's Four Season 100% Black Oil Sunflower Seed Wild Bird Food, 20-lb bag
Wagner's Four Season 100% Black Oil Sunflower Seed Wild Bird Food, 20-lb bag
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
1.9KReviews
$30.98Chewy Price
Wild Delight Nut N' Berry Wild Bird Food, 5-lb bag
Wild Delight Nut N' Berry Wild Bird Food, 5-lb bag
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
566Reviews
$14.99Chewy Price
Lyric Peanut Pieces Wild Bird Food, 5-lb bag
Lyric Peanut Pieces Wild Bird Food, 5-lb bag
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
474Reviews
$16.99Chewy Price
Kaytee Meal Worm Wild Bird Food, 3.5-oz bag
Kaytee Meal Worm Wild Bird Food, 3.5-oz bag
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
747Reviews
$7.42Chewy Price

Platform feeders can be hung or mounted on top of poles to attract:

  • Cardinals
  • Jays
  • Doves
  • Sparrows
  • Finches
  • Towhees
  • Pigeons
  • Grosbeaks
  • Blackbirds
  • Woodpeckers

You can also place a platform feeder on the ground to attract ground-feeding birds such as:

  • Juncos
  • Sparrows
  • Towhees
  • Mourning doves 

Hopper Feeders


cardinal sitting at a hopper bird feeder

Photo by doug4537/E+ via Getty Images

Unlike platform feeders, which leave seeds exposed to the elements, hopper bird feeders like the Perky-Pet Panorama Feeder have a covered central reservoir that stores birdseed and gravity-feeds it into a tray. The roof shields the seed from rain and snow, making it a great option for year-round use.

Recommended Product

Perky-Pet Panorama Bird Feeder, Copper
Perky-Pet Panorama Bird Feeder, Copper
Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
634Reviews
$19.98Chewy Price

“Bird feeders definitely help birds in the winter when food is scarcer,” Martinez says. But since birds tend to grab a quick snack without lingering at hoppers, you’ll likely get a shorter viewing experience.

The Perky-Pet Panorama Bird Feeder holds 2 pounds of seed, providing plenty of fuel for migrating birds in the spring and fall, as well as summer birds who need to keep their little ones fed. 

Hang your hopper feeder from a sturdy shepherd’s hook or pole mount, and add black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds to attract a wide variety of birds, including:

  • Cardinals
  • Finches
  • Jays
  • Sparrows
  • Chickadees
  • Nuthatches
  • Doves
  • Grosbeaks
  • Woodpeckers

Tube Feeders


birds eating from a tube bird feeder

Photo by LindaE/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Tube feeders don’t have a platform to perch on. Instead, they’re cylinder-shaped and feature multiple perches. Small tube feeders, like this one from Bird’s Choice, can be filled with nyjer to attract small birds, while deterring larger species like jays from taking over.

Recommended Products

Birds Choice Economy Tube Bird Feeder, 2 ports
Birds Choice Economy Tube Bird Feeder, 2 ports
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
11Reviews
$17.99Chewy Price
Wagner's Nyjer Seed Premium Wild Bird Food, 5-lb bag
Wagner's Nyjer Seed Premium Wild Bird Food, 5-lb bag
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
426Reviews
$14.98Chewy Price

Birds commonly drawn to small tube feeders include:

  • Chickadees
  • Finches
  • Siskins
  • Nuthatches
  • Titmice

If you don’t mind the jays, you can opt for a large tube feeder. These can hold a variety of seeds, nuts, or blends. Birds commonly attracted to large tube feeders include:

  • Cardinals
  • Jays
  • Sparrows
  • Grosbeaks
  • Blackbirds

Tube feeders can get messy, and they’re a favorite target for squirrels. “If you place your feeder 10 feet away from tree branches or structures, and then also have a baffle underneath your bird feeder,” Dr. Perlut says, “you’re in pretty good shape to have a relatively squirrel-free bird feeder.”

Recommended Product

North States Two-Way Squirrel Baffle, Large
North States Two-Way Squirrel Baffle, Large
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
367Reviews
$12.99Chewy Price

Thistle and Mesh Feeders


small birds eating from a thistle and mesh bird feeder

Photo by skhoward/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Unlike the more versatile feeders that can attract a wide range of birds depending on the seed you choose, a thistle or mesh feeder—also called a nyjer feeder—is more specialized. These feeders are designed specifically for clinging birds who love the tiny nyjer seed, such as:

  • Goldfinches
  • Pine siskins
  • Common redpolls
  • Indigo buntings
  • Chickadees

For the best bird-watching bang for your buck, go with a feeder that lets birds cling, perch, or even feed upside down—like the Audubon Brushed Copper Feeder. It can hold up to 5 pounds of nyjer and feed multiple birds at once thanks to its cylindrical screen.

Recommended Product

Audubon Brushed Copper Nyjer Wild Bird Feeder, 5-lb
Audubon Brushed Copper Nyjer Wild Bird Feeder, 5-lb
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
7Reviews
$51.62Chewy Price

Suet Feeders


A woodpecker sitting on a suet bird feeder

Photo by marcophotos/E+ via Getty Images

Suet is a high-energy bird food made from animal fat mixed with seeds, nuts, or other ingredients. It’s especially popular with birds in winter, but you can offer it year-round.

Place suet cakes in a wire basket–style feeder, like the C&S EZ Fill Basket, which holds the suet securely and makes it easy for birds to cling and feed.

Recommended Products

C&S Ez Fill Suet Basket Wild Bird Feeder
C&S Ez Fill Suet Basket Wild Bird Feeder
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
809Reviews
$1.98Chewy Price
C&S Peanut Delight No Melt Suet Dough Wild Bird Food, 11.75-oz tray, 1 count
C&S Peanut Delight No Melt Suet Dough Wild Bird Food, 11.75-oz tray, 1 count
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
3KReviews
$1.74Chewy Price

Suet feeders commonly attract:

  • Woodpeckers
  • Nuthatches
  • Chickadees
  • Titmice
  • Jays
  • Wrens
  • Starlings
  • Warblers
  • Bushtits
  • Cows
  • Robins
  • Sparrows

Nectar Feeders


hummingbird drinking from a red nectar bird feeder

Photo by Monica Garza Maldonado/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Nectar feeders are a fun way to enjoy views of flittering visitors like hummingbirds and orioles.

Simply fill your feeder with hummingbird nectar. Or, you can make a simple syrup made from white sugar and water (1:4 ratio)—no need for red dye or food colorings, Martinez says. As long as your nectar is fresh, you’re likely to get plenty of guests—even year-round if you live in the Pacific Northwest.

Recommended Product

Kaytee Electro Nectar Hummingbird Food, 16-oz bottle
Kaytee Electro Nectar Hummingbird Food, 16-oz bottle
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
271Reviews
$5.44Chewy Price

However, nectar feeders require a bit more upkeep than seed feeders. “Hummingbird feeders really need to be cleaned much more regularly—every day or two,” Dr. Perlut says. 

Without frequent cleaning, nectar can attract ants or grow mold, which can be dangerous to birds. Feeders made of glass and metal, such as the Nature’s Way Artisan Hummingbird Feeder, are a better bet than plastic ones because they’re less prone to bacterial buildup.

Recommended Product

Natures Way Bird Products Artisan Gravity Hummingbird Feeder, 28-oz, Blue & Red
Natures Way Bird Products Artisan Gravity Hummingbird Feeder, 28-oz, Blue & Red
Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4
67Reviews
$19.99Chewy Price

Even if the feeder is labeled dishwasher safe, handwashing is best. “Avoid dish soaps and detergents because they can leave harmful residues behind,” Martinez says. “After that, you should soak the feeder in a 50/50 solution of water and vinegar, which helps sanitize it.”

FAQs About Bird Feeders


How often should I clean my bird feeder?

“Clean your seed and suet feeders at least every other week, and more frequently in humid or hot weather,” Martinez says. If you notice wet seed, heavy feeder use, or signs of sick birds, clean your feeder more often.

Nectar feeders, on the other hand, need more frequent cleaning, every two to five days. “If the nectar becomes cloudy or you spot any mold, dispose of the solution immediately and clean the feeder,” Martinez says.

What bird feeders work best?

You really can’t go wrong when purchasing any backyard birdfeeder, Dr. Perlut says. Whether you choose a platform, tube, hopper, suet feeder, or another style, you’re likely to attract birds—it just depends on the kind of experience you want.

Some feeders offer longer viewing windows, others require less upkeep, and some include clever features like bird identification. So don’t stress too much about picking the “right” feeder—just getting started is enough to bring feathered visitors your way.

What bird seed should I use in my feeder?

If you’re ever unsure what kind of seed to use in your feeder, Dr. Perlut says the packaging on most feeders includes a guide to help you choose. And if it’s not on the feeder, it’s on the food bags.

Just keep in mind that bird species vary by region, so for less specialized feeders, the packaging may overestimate which birds you’ll actually see.

Attributions


Janelle Leeson

Janelle Leeson

Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer, where she shares her home with her fiancé, two adventure cats, a flock of urban
Related articles
  • What Do Hummingbirds Eat?
    What Do Hummingbirds Eat?

  • Why Do Birds Migrate, and When? What To Know About Bird Migration
    Why Do Birds Migrate, and When? What To Know About Bird Migration

  • Feed for Birds: 7 Backyard Bird Food Options That Aren’t Seeds
    Feed for Birds: 7 Backyard Bird Food Options That Aren’t Seeds

  • Attracting Birds to Your Garden With Bird Feeders
    Attracting Birds to Your Garden With Bird Feeders
  • Our experts are available 24/7:We're here 24/7:
  • 1-800-672-4399
  • United States
  • About
  • Investor Relations
  • Affiliates
  • Jobs
  • FAQs
  • Learn
  • Give Back
  • Gift Cards
  • Sell on Chewy
Download iOS appDownload Android app
Go to ACHC pharmacy accreditationLegitscript ApprovedCompounding Pharmacy Approved
  • Copyright © 2025, Chewy, Inc.
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy (Updated Oct 8, 2024)
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Accessibility
  • California Supply Chains Act
  • Vendor Compliance
Download phone image
Get the Chewy app
Download iOS appDownload Android app
We're here 24/7
1-800-672-4399
United States
Copyright © 2025 Chewy, Inc.
Terms-Privacy (Updated Oct 8, 2024)-Accessibility
California Supply Chains Act-Vendor Compliance
About-Investor Relations-Jobs-Learn
Give Back-Gift Cards-Sell on Chewy
Skip to searchSkip to main content
Not in the U.S?

Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

Continue to Canada site
Use App
24/7 HelpHelp
Get help from our experts 24/7
1-800-672-4399
    • Track Order
    • -
    • FAQs
    • -
    • Contact Info
    AccountAccount
    Sign InNew Customer? Start here
    • Account
    • Orders
    • Manage Autoship
    • Favorites
    • Buy Again
    • Prescriptions
    • Pet Portal
    • Connect with a Vet
    • Pet Insurance Dashboard
    • My Rescues
    • Create a Pet Profile
    CartCart
    Your cart is empty.
    Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
    Not in the U.S?

    Not shopping in the U.S. or plan on shipping to a Canadian address?

    Continue to Canada site
    Use App
    24/7 Help
    Get help from our experts 24/7
    1-800-672-4399
      • Track Order
      • -
      • FAQs
      • -
      • Contact Info
      AccountAccount
      Sign InNew Customer? Start here
      • Account
      • Orders
      • Manage Autoship
      • Favorites
      • Buy Again
      • Prescriptions
      • Pet Portal
      • Connect with a Vet
      • Pet Insurance Dashboard
      • My Rescues
      • Create a Pet Profile
      CartCart
      Your cart is empty.
      Something missing? Sign in to see items you may have added from another computer or device.
      Food
      • Dry Food
      • Wet Food
      • Fresh Food & Toppers
      • Veterinary Diets
      • Shop by Health Condition
      • Puppy Food
      Treats
      • Bones, Bully Sticks & Naturals
      • Soft & Chewy Treats
      • Dental Treats
      • Biscuits & Cookies
      • Long-Lasting Chews
      • Jerky Treats
      • Freeze-Dried & Dehydrated
      Toys
      • Plush Toys
      • Chew Toys
      • Fetch Toys
      • Treat Dispensing Toys
      • Puzzle Toys
      • Rope & Tug Toys
      Supplies
      • Crates, Pens & Gates
      • Beds
      • Leashes, Collars & Harnesses
      • Bowls & Feeders
      • Clothing & Accessories
      • Carriers & Travel
      • Training & Behavior
      Dog DealsNew Dog SuppliesPet Parent SuppliesShop all Dog
      Grooming
      • Brushes & Combs
      • Shampoos & Conditioners
      • Grooming Tools
      • Paw & Nail Care
      • Ear Care
      • Skin Care
      Cleaning & Potty
      • Pee Pads & Diapers
      • Poop Bags & Scoopers
      • Cleaners & Stain Removers
      • Vacuums & Steam Cleaners
      Health & Pharmacy
      • Flea & Tick
      • Anxiety & Calming Care
      • Allergy & Itch Relief
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Heartworm & Dewormers
      • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
      • DNA Testing Kits
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Purina Pro Plan
      Hill's
      Blue Buffalo
      Frisco
      Royal Canin
      Bark
      Elevate your puppy's diet. Get adventure-ready with ORIJEN puppy. Shop now.
      Food
      • Wet Food
      • Dry Food
      • Everyday Favorites
      • Shop by Health Consideration
      • Veterinary Diets
      • Highest Quality Food
      • Food Toppers
      Litter
      • Clumping
      • Scented
      • Unscented
      • Natural
      • Lightweight
      Treats
      • Crunchy Treats
      • Lickable Treats
      • Soft & Chewy Treats
      • Dental Treats
      • Catnip & Cat Grass
      Toys
      • Interactive & Electronic Toys
      • Teasers & Wands
      • Balls & Chasers
      • Catnip Toys
      • Plush & Mice Toys
      Cat DealsPet Parent SuppliesShop all Cat
      Supplies
      • Litter Boxes & Accessories
      • Cat Tech & Smart Home
      • Beds
      • Carriers & Travel
      • Bowls & Feeders
      • Collars, Leashes & Harnesses
      • Grooming
      Trees & Scratchers
      • Trees & Condos
      • Scratchers & Scratching Posts
      • Wall Shelves
      • Window Perches
      Health & Pharmacy
      • Flea & Tick
      • Anxiety & Calming Care
      • Allergy & Itch Relief
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Urinary Tract & Kidneys
      • Pharmacy & Prescriptions
      • Test Kits
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Tiny Tiger
      Shop Blue Buffalo
      Shop litter robot
      Shop Temptations
      Shop Hill's Science Diet
      Shop Purina Pro Plan
      Help support their urinary health with Royal Canin Urinary nutrition. Shop now.
      Horse
      • Feed
      • Treats
      • Health & Wellness
      • Vitamins & Supplements
      • Fly Control
      • Prescription Medications
      • Vaccines
      Chicken
      • Feed
      • Treats
      • Nesting & Egg Supplies
      • Coops & Runs
      • Feeders, Waterers & Deicers
      Farm Animal
      • Cattle
      • Goat
      • Pig
      • Sheep
      • Llama & Alpaca
      Wild Bird & Wildlife
      • Wild Bird
      • Squirrel & Critter
      • Duck & Waterfowl
      • Deer
      Small Pet
      • Rabbit
      • Guinea Pig
      • Hamster
      • Ferret
      Pet Bird
      • Food
      • Treats
      • Toys & Perches
      • Litter & Nesting
      • Cages & Accessories
      Fish
      • Tanks & Aquariums
      • Food
      • Filters & Media
      • Decor & Substrate
      • Water Care
      Reptile & Amphibian
      • Live Feed
      • Food & Treats
      • Tanks & Terrariums
      • Heating & Lighting
      • Substrate & Bedding
      Gift Cards
      Popular Brands
      Shop Buckeye
      Shop Animed
      Shop Cosequin
      Chewy Chick Days deals. Save on feed & supplies for every life stage. Shop now.
      Prescriptions
      Order your pet's prescription items.
      How it works
      Shop all Pharmacy
      Health Services
      Chewy Vet Care
      Chat free with our vet team
      CarePlus Insurance & Wellness Plans
      Compounded Medications
      Choose from a variety of flavors, strengths, and forms for your pet or horse.
      Learn about compounding
      Dog
      • Flea & Tick
      • Heartworm
      • Pain Relief & Arthritis
      • Antibiotics
      • Allergy Relief
      • Anxiety & Calming
      • Ear & Eye Care
      • Diabetes Care & Insulin
      Cat
      • Flea & Tick
      • Dewormers & Parasiticides
      • Ear & Eye Care
      • Antibiotics
      • Allergy Relief
      • Urinary Tract & Kidneys
      • Pain Relief & Arthritis
      • Diabetes Care & Insulin
      Horse
      • Anti-inflammatory & Musculoskeletal
      • Vitamins & Electrolytes
      • Skin & Coat Care
      • Antibiotics
      • Metabolic & Endocrine
      • Allergy & Immune
      • Behavioral Support & Sedatives
      • Reproductive Care
      Expert Health Tips
      • PetMD
      Connect with a Vet
      Free chat or live-video advice from our licensed veterinary team.
      Learn more
      CarePlus Insurance & Wellness Plans
      Give your pet the best possible health coverage with wellness and insurance plans.
      Learn more
      Chewy Vet Care
      Exceptional in-person routine and urgent care from our compassionate veterinary teams.
      Schedule a visit
      Learn
      How We Give Back
      We've donated more than $100M in products to rescue animal centers.
      Learn more
      Donate to a Rescue
      You can help us make an impact by donating items to your local shelter.
      Find a Rescue
      Find Pets to Adopt
      Search thousands of pets from shelters and rescues in Chewy's network.
      Find Pets
      Join Our Network
      Join our network to access benefits and resources that’ll help more pets.
      Join Now
      Today's Deals