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The best bird feeders include a variety of styles to accommodate different types of seeds and species.
Heath Outdoor Products; Amazon; More Birds/Amazon
If you want to attract beautiful cardinals, finches, or hummingbirds to your backyard, you can get started with one of the best bird feeders. Beyond helping you connect with nature, feeders can give birds a good source of food during scarce times, like winter, says Charles van Rees, a conservation scientist, naturalist, and founder of Gulo in Nature.
Different bird species have individual preferences for seeds and feeder styles. To better understand the types of birds a feeder can attract, we consulted avian experts from the Audubon Society, Cornell University's Project FeederWatch, and the Odum School of Ecology. We combined their expertise with extensive research to recommend the best bird feeders. Our top pick is the Droll Yankees Onyx Clever Clean Feeder 18". It comes with a lifetime warranty against squirrel damage, features a seed tray to prevent fallout, and is easy to clean and refill.
Best squirrel-proof bird feeder: Squirrel Buster Classic - See at Amazon
Best window bird feeder: Nature Anywhere Window Bird House Feeder - See at Amazon
Best domed bird feeder: Heath Observatory Dome Bird Feeder - See at Amazon
Best platform bird feeder: Duncraft Eco-Strong Platform Feeder - See at Duncraft
Best tube feeder
Tube feeders are a great way to attract a variety of smaller birds, including finches, wrens, and chickadees. Plus, they are easy to fill, and you can typically hang them or mount them on a pole. "Tube feeders offer a lot of different ports for different individuals to sit on at the same time and they keep seed dry and clean," says Emma Greig, project leader for Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
The Droll Yankees Onyx Clever Clean Feeder 18" has four powder-coated metal feeding ports with perches and a seed tray that catches fallout. Seed trays may reduce mess around your feeder, especially if you have problems with mice or rats on the ground, says van Rees.
The feeder's transparent tube is made from UV-resistant plastic, and it has a metal twist-and-release base that you can easily remove for cleaning. Thanks to its spring-loaded flip-top metal cap, you can fill the feeder with one hand. Suspend the feeder from its stainless steel wire or mount it on a pole. If squirrels get too curious, it is backed by a lifetime warranty against any damage they cause.
Best budget tube bird feeder
All of the experts we consulted say a high-quality bird feeder should be made from plastic, metal, or glass that is easy to clean. It should also be easy to take apart for proper cleaning, says John Rowden, former senior director of bird-friendly communities at the National Audubon Society.
This set of two identical Kingsyard tube feeders is an excellent budget option. The feeders are made from weather-resistant plastic. The top lifts off for easy cleaning and filling, and since the tube is transparent, you can easily see when the feeder needs a refill. You can fill these feeders with many different seeds, including mixes, sunflower, nyjer, or nuts, to attract a wider variety of species. The perches are small and designed to accommodate smaller birds, like finches and chickadees. Larger birds, such as grackles and jays, may not be supported.
Best hummingbird feeder
Nectar feeders attract long-beaked, jewel-toned hummingbirds and the occasional woodpecker, warbler, or oriole. "These feeders are great because you can make the sugar-water solution at home by simply combining one part sugar with four parts water," says Katie Percy, former avian biologist with Audubon Louisiana. Although some store-bought nectars are dyed red artificially, she says adding red dye to your mix may actually be harmful to birds.
The Aspects Hummzinger High View Feeder is our top pick for the best hummingbird feeders. It is simply designed in two parts that are exceptionally easy to fill and clean. The red plastic cover, which has a wraparound perch and four rain-diverting, bee-deterring feeding ports, screws into a clear plastic base so you can see when nectar levels are getting low. A built-in moat in the middle of the cover prevents ants from getting into the nectar. The Hummzinger is drip- and leak-proof and has a brass hook for hanging. It is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Best hopper bird feeder
Hopper feeders attract a wide variety of small, medium, and large birds, including jays, sparrows, and finches. "They do a good job of keeping seed dry and [provide] easy access to the birds," says Greig. As the birds eat, the hopper's food continuously drops into the feeding ports, keeping them full until the food runs out.
The extra-large capacity Woodlink Squirrel Resistant Hopper Feeder has a three-position perch that you can adjust to maximize visits by small, medium, or large birds. When the wrong bird or a squirrel lands on the feeder, a shield drops over the seed tray to prevent them from getting a taste. Woodlink's Hopper is made from durable powder-coated steel, and its locking, squirrel-resistant lid lifts off for easy cleaning. It has an indicator window to see when the seed is running low. This feeder comes with both a steel hanging rod and a 5-foot pole and mounting kit.
Best mesh finch feeder
Finch feeders are similar to tube feeders but have a mesh seed well instead of one made from plastic or glass. This mesh design is perfect for attracting finches, which unlike larger birds are agile enough to cling to the small openings in the metal screen. Because the finches can feed from any position, it also allows more birds to eat at the same time.
The More Birds Sedona Screen Bird Feeder is a versatile option — birds can land on the screen, at one of four feeding ports with perches, or on the seed tray. Even if larger birds visit the feeder, smaller finches can still find a place to chow down. The Sedona has a twist-off metal cover and base for easy cleaning plus drainage holes at the bottom. The screen is made from steel mesh, and the ports and seed tray are weather-resistant.
Best suet feeder
Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and starlings, among others, enjoy eating calorie- and fat-dense suet, a feed made from animal fat and ingredients such as corn meal, nuts, and dried insects. Suet is commonly sold in solid cakes that you suspend in a cage for easy access. It is a good feeding option in cold weather, but it is best avoided in warmer months since the fat in the feed can quickly turn rancid in the heat, says Percy.
The cylindrical Squirrel-X Squirrel Proof Double Suet Feeder has an interior cage for holding two suet cakes and an exterior cage to keep squirrels out. Both are made from weather-resistant powder-coated steel. The steel lid lifts off for easy cleaning and filling, and it's also fitted with an aluminum ring for hanging.
Best squirrel-proof bird feeder
In many areas, squirrels are an ever-present problem when feeding wild birds. "Those things are really clever," says Greig. "They can jump really far, and they're really acrobatic." While various measures can be taken to deter squirrels, some feeders are designed with squirrel resistance in mind. Some seal their feeding ports when a squirrel lands on them, and others are suspended within a cage that is too small for a squirrel to squeeze into, according to Rowden. If a feeder doesn't have built-in squirrel protection, Percy recommends hanging it from a pole at least 10 feet away from vegetation or other structures that squirrels can climb and outfitting it with a baffle, a plastic cone that blocks a squirrel's route.
The Squirrel Buster Classic is a tuber feeder shielded by metal mesh. Birds can help themselves from one of four perches aligned with food ports, and hanging birds, like woodpeckers, can cling to the mesh to access the ports. But if a squirrel attempts to climb on the feeder, its weight will trigger a mechanism that closes off all four food ports. The feeder is easy to take apart by hand for cleaning. The brand also provides a limited lifetime warranty with free shipping for replacement parts.
Best window bird feeder
A window feeder gives even those without outdoor space the opportunity to feed winged visitors like finches, jays, and cardinals. It may seem like a bad idea to place a feeder against a window, but Greig and Percy say it's actually helpful. Placing a feeder within 3 feet of a window reduces the chances that a bird will become confused and fly into it, causing self-injury or even death.
The Nature Anywhere Window Bird House Feeder attaches to any window with four heavy-duty suction cups. The house is made of transparent acrylic and has a large circular window at its center for better viewing. A sliding seed tray holds up to 2 cups of feed and can be removed for cleaning and refilling. Because squirrels can't climb the sides of buildings, the Window Bird House may be less likely to suffer critter damage than hanging varieties. This feeder comes with a lifetime guarantee just in case.
Best domed bird feeder
Like platform feeders, dome feeders have a flat tray that can be filled with almost anything birds will eat, including seed, insects, and fruit. Bluebirds are particularly attracted to this type of feeder when it's filled with meal worms because the raised dome helps them feel protected from predators. In general, the more variety you add to your feeder, the greater number of species you'll attract, says Percy. Nutritious options include black-oil sunflower seed, white millet, nyjer seed, orange halves, and suet.
The Heath Observatory Dome Bird Feeder has two separate clear plastic pieces — a flat tray with sides and a dome-shaped cover — that are connected with a steel rod hanger. The distance between the tray and cover is adjustable, and drainage holes in the bottom of the tray help keep the feed clean and dry. You can hang the feeder from its steel hook or mount it on a pole.
Best platform bird feeder
Platform feeders are arguably the simplest, most versatile feeders. You can fill them with any bird-friendly food, and it's easy for most feathered friends to comfortably sit on the tray and eat. Like other feeders, platforms should be made from easy-to-clean materials like plastic or metal. "Although [wooden feeders] can look quite nice, they tend to be porous and harbor additional bacteria," says Percy.
Duncraft's Eco-Strong Platform Feeder has a sturdy tray made from recycled plastic and a mesh metal bottom that helps keep feed dry. The feeder is approximately an inch deep and has a hanging chain that clips to rings embedded at each corner to keep it balanced. The whole thing hangs from an S-hook at the top of the chain. The Eco-Strong Platform Feeder holds seed, insects, fruit, nuts, or suet and is easy to detach from the chain for cleaning and filling.
What to look for in a bird feeder
Our experts outlined various qualities to consider when selecting a bird feeder.
Feeder material: Our experts recommend sticking to feeders made from nonporous, easy-to-clean materials such as plastic, metal, and glass. Percy recommends avoiding wood feeders in which harmful bacteria are more likely to grow.
Ease of disassembly: Because you should frequently empty, clean, and refill bird feeders, they should be easy to disassemble. Look for feeders with a fully removable cover or base and removable feeding ports and perches.
Ease of cleaning: Percy says you should clean bird feeders at least every two weeks and more often during times of heavy use or wet weather. The best bird feeders are easy to soak and scrub both inside and out, including in hard-to-reach crevices.
Bird-safe design: Simple, functional designs are best. Greig recommends avoiding feeders with tight, narrow corners or additional pieces that could cause a bird to become stuck inside.
Drainage: When water gets into a bird feeder, it can cause seeds and other foods to rot or develop bacteria that may sicken or even kill a bird. In addition to a feeder that's easy to clean, look for one with built-in drainage when possible.
How we selected the best bird feeders
We interviewed four avian experts and conducted extensive research to develop the selection criteria for this guide to the best bird feeders. Our criteria are outlined in the "what to look for" section above. We looked at bird feeders available at major online retailers to find ones that checked most or all of the boxes. In addition, we favored feeders that were most affordable without compromising on quality materials and construction.
Bird feeder FAQs
What is the best bird feeder to use?
The best type of bird feeder for you depends on which birds you want to attract. Different species have their own preferences for feeder styles. For instance, doves and sparrows may prefer to eat from platform feeders located near the ground, while wrens and chickadees might flock to a tube feeder. Additionally, you'll want to consider which types of seeds your desired birds prefer and choose a feeder designed with them in mind. For example, feeders that hold tiny nyjer seeds need smaller feeding ports to prevent spillage. According to van Rees, you'll also want to pay attention to the perches. Shorter perches can accommodate small and lightweight birds, like finches. But larger birds, like jays, may need a sturdier place to rest.
Are bird feeders better in the sun or shade?
"Generally speaking I would recommend placing feeders in the sun," says van Rees. This isn't because the light attracts birds but because the feeder will be in an open area. "It's OK for feeders to be close to short shrubs or other groundcover, in which birds can hide," he says. "But they should be further from taller trees with wide branches where predators, like bird-eating hawks, could hide."
How do you clean a bird feeder?
Wild bird feeders must be emptied and cleaned frequently to prevent the feed from becoming contaminated by moisture and bacteria. Percy recommends taking them apart and scrubbing them down at least every two weeks. They should be cleaned more often in wet weather and at times of the year when lots of birds are visiting.
To clean a feeder, begin by completely emptying and disassembling it. Check the care instructions to determine whether your feeder is dishwasher-friendly or if it must be hand-washed. If it's the latter, soaking the feeder's parts in warm water first can dislodge stuck-on debris.
When hand-washing, use a bottle brush and dish soap to scrub the feeder's interior thoroughly. If it needs disinfecting due to the potential bacteria buildup, Percy recommends washing it in a solution made from one part bleach and nine parts water. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the feeder after washing.
Before reassembling and filling your feeder, make sure it is completely dry. Moisture that sticks around will contaminate feed more quickly.
Are feeders good for wild birds?
"Feeding wild birds, when done correctly, is appropriate and may even help them when resources are limited," says Rowden. According to Percy, studies have shown that birds with access to supplemental feeding may have better chances of survival and reproductive success than those without.
What shouldn't I feed wild birds?
You never offer birds processed human foods, including bread. "Bread, fresh or stale, does not provide nutritional value for wild birds and moldy bread can even be harmful," says Percy. She also recommends avoiding low-cost commercial bird seed mixes. "Unfortunately, many less expensive bags of mixed seed contain a lot of 'filler' seeds that most birds do not prefer and that contain no real nutritional value for them," she says.
Where should I hang my bird feeder?
Squirrels and window strikes are two of the most problematic issues when hanging a bird feeder. Greig recommends placing feeders within 3 feet of windows. "If they're on the bird feeder and they get spooked and fly into a window, they don't have enough speed built up to really harm themselves," she says. Hanging a feeder more than 10 feet away from your home can also help keep birds safe.
How do I keep squirrels out of my bird feeder?
To deter squirrels, try hanging or pole mounting a feeder at least 10 feet from trees and other objects they can climb. Using a squirrel-resistant feeder or baffle, a plastic cone hung beneath the feeder to block a squirrel's access, can also help to keep them at bay.
When shouldn't I use wild bird feeders?
Greig says that bird feeders are best used in clean, safe, healthy environments. If you use pesticides on your lawn or garden or have outdoor cats, you should not use feeders to attract birds to your yard.
Are there other ways to attract wild birds to my yard?
"You can still create a beautiful space and attract birds to your yard just by creating a bird-friendly habitat — letting a patch of your lawn go to seed or leaving a brush pile, for example," says Greig. "We encourage people to think about providing food naturally by planting native species that can provide food and shelter and places to nest in, and can potentially provide food throughout the year depending on where people live," says Rowden. The Audubon Society's Native Plants Database can help you figure out what to plant around your home to attract birds.
Tube feeders are a great way to attract a variety of smaller birds, including finches, wrens, and chickadees. Plus, they are easy to fill and can typically be both hung and pole-mounted. "Tube feeders offer a lot of different ports for different individuals to sit on at the same time and they keep seed dry and clean," said Emma Greig, project leader for Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Droll Yankees' Onyx 18-inch Mixed Seed Tube Bird Feeder has four powder-coated metal feeding ports with perches and a seed tray. Its transparent 18-inch-long tube is made from discoloration-resistant plastic and it has a metal twist-and-release base that is easily removed for cleaning. The Onyx holds up to 2 pounds of feed and, thanks to its spring-loaded flip-top metal cap, it can be filled with one hand. Suspend the feeder from its stainless steel wire or mount it on a pole. If squirrels get too curious, the feeder is backed by a lifetime warranty against any damage they cause.
All of the experts we consulted agree that a high-quality bird feeder should be made from plastic, metal, or glass that is easy to clean. It should also be easy to take apart for proper cleaning, according to John Rowden, senior director of bird-friendly communities at the National Audubon Society.
The affordable Perky Pet Tube Wild Bird Feeder's six plastic feeding ports, perches, and plastic base all come apart so you can remove old seed and scrub out the bacteria left behind. The bright blue 18-inch-long tube is made from durable powder-coated metal that is rust-resistant. It holds up to a pound of bird feed and can be hung from a sturdy, built-in metal hanger.
Nectar feeders attract long-beaked, jewel-toned hummingbirds and the occasional woodpecker, warbler, or oriole. "These feeders are great because you can make the sugar-water solution at home by simply combining one part sugar with four parts water," said Katie Percy, avian biologist with Audubon Louisiana. Although some store-bought nectars are dyed red artificially, adding red dye to your mix may actually be harmful for birds, she told Insider Reviews.
Aspects Hummzinger High View Feeder is simply designed in two parts that are exceptionally easy to fill and clean. The red plastic cover, which has a wraparound perch and four rain-diverting, bee-deterring feeding ports, screws into a clear plastic base so you to see when nectar levels are getting low. A built-in moat in the middle of the cover prevents ants from getting into the nectar. The 7.5-inch-diameter Hummzinger is drip- and leak-proof, holds up to 12 ounces of nectar, and hangs from a brass hook. It is backed by a lifetime guarantee.
Hopper feeders attract a wide variety of small, medium, and large birds, including jays, sparrows, and finches. "They do a good job of keeping seed dry and [provide] easy access to the birds," said Greig. As the birds eat, the hopper's food continuously drops into the feeding ports, keeping them full until the food runs out.
The extra-large capacity Woodlink Squirrel Resistant Hopper Feeder has a three-position perch that can be adjusted to maximize visits by small, medium, or large birds. When the wrong bird or a squirrel lands on the feeder, a shield drops over the seed tray to prevent them from getting a taste. Woodlink's Hopper is made from durable powder-coated steel and its locking, squirrel-resistant lid lifts off for easy cleaning. It holds up to 15 pounds of seed and an indicator window lets you see when seed is running low. This feeder comes with both a steel hanging rod and a 5-foot pole and mounting kit.
Finch feeders are similar to tube feeders but have a mesh seed well instead of one made from plastic or glass. This mesh design is perfect for attracting finches, which unlike larger birds are agile enough to cling to the small openings in the metal screen. Because the finches can feed from any position, it also allows more birds to eat at the same time.
The More Birds Sedona Screen Bird Feeder is a versatile option that allows birds to choose between landing on the screen, at one of four feeding ports with perches, or on the seed tray. Even if larger birds visit the feeder, smaller finches can still find a place to chow down. The Sedona has a twist-off metal cover and base for easy cleaning plus drainage holes at the bottom. The screen is made from steel mesh and the ports and seed tray are weather-resistant. This sunny yellow feeder holds up to 2.8 pounds of seed.
Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and starlings, among others, enjoy eating calorie- and fat-dense suet, a feed made from animal fat and ingredients such as corn meal, nuts, and dried insects. Suet is commonly sold in solid cakes that are then suspended in a cage for easy access. It is a good feeding option in cold weather, but it is best avoided in warmer months since the fat in the feed can quickly turn rancid in the heat, Percy said.
The cylindrical More Birds Squirrel-X Squirrel Proof Double Suet Feeder has an interior cage for holding two cakes of suet and an exterior cage to keep squirrels out. Both are made from weather-resistant powder-coated steel. The steel lid lifts off for easy cleaning and filling. Squirrel-X's Suet Feeder is 10 inches in diameter, 9.4-inches tall, and is fitted with an aluminum hanger.
In many areas, squirrels are an ever-present problem when feeding wild birds. "Those things are really clever," said Greig. "They can jump really far and they're really acrobatic." While various measures can be taken to deter squirrels, some feeders are designed with squirrel-resistance in mind. Some seal their feeding ports when a squirrel lands on them and others are suspended within a cage that is too small for a squirrel to squeeze into, according to Rowden. If a feeder doesn't have built-in squirrel protection, Percy recommends hanging it from a pole that is at least 10 feet away from vegetation or other structures that squirrels can climb and outfitting it with a baffle, a plastic cone that blocks a squirrel's route.
The Droll Yankees Sunflower Domed Cage Feeder consists of a clear 15-inch-long plastic tube feeder that is enclosed within a coated metal cage measuring 10.5 inches in diameter. A plastic roof covers the entire thing to keep the seed dry. The interior tube feeder holds up to 1 pound of seed, has 4 feeding ports, and attaches to the cage with a spring clamp. When it's time for cleaning, the tube can be easily removed and disassembled. The feeder is backed by a lifetime warranty against squirrel damage.
A window feeder gives even those without outdoor space the opportunity to feed winged visitors like finches, jays, and cardinals. It may seem like a bad idea to place a feeder against a window, but both Greig and Percy told Insider Reviews that it's actually helpful. Placing a feeder within 3 feet of a window reduces the chances that a bird will become confused and fly into it, causing self-injury or even death.
The Nature Anywhere Window Bird House Feeder attaches to any window with four heavy-duty suction cups. The 8-inch-by-8-inch house is made of transparent acrylic and has a large circular window at its center for better viewing. A sliding seed tray holds up to 2 cups of feed and can be removed for cleaning and refilling. Because squirrels can't climb the sides of buildings, the Window Bird House may be less likely to suffer critter damage than hanging varieties. This feeder comes with a lifetime guarantee just in case.
Best domed bird feeder
Amazon
The affordable Heath Observatory Dome Bird Feeder can be baited with different foods to attract a variety of birds, including bluebirds.
Like platform feeders, dome feeders have a flat tray that can be filled with almost anything birds will eat, including seed, insects, and fruit. Bluebirds are particularly attracted to this type of feeder when it's filled with meal worms because the raised dome helps them feel protected from predators. In general, the more variety you add to your feeder, the greater number of species you'll attract, Percy said. Nutritious options include black-oil sunflower seed, white millet, nyjer seed, orange halves, and suet.
The Heath Observatory Dome Bird Feeder can hold up to a pound of food. It has two separate clear plastic pieces — a flat tray with sides and a dome-shaped cover — that are connected with a steel rod hanger. The distance between tray and cover is adjustable and drainage holes in the bottom of the tray help keep feed clean and dry. The Observatory Dome Feeder is 11.75 inches in diameter and can be hung from its steel hook or mounted on a pole.
Platform feeders are arguably the simplest, most versatile feeders available. They can be filled with any bird-friendly food and it is easy for most feathered friends to comfortably sit on the tray and eat. Like other feeders, platforms should be made from easy-to-clean materials like plastic or metal. "Although [wooden feeders] can look quite nice, they tend to be porous and harbor additional bacteria," said Percy.
Duncraft's Eco-Strong Platform Feeder has a sturdy tray made from recycled plastic and a mesh metal bottom that helps keep feed dry. The 12-by-2-inch feeder is approximately an inch deep and has a hanging chain that clips to rings embedded at each corner to keep it balanced. The whole thing hangs from an S-hook at the top of the chain. The Eco-Strong Platform Feeder holds up to 2 pounds of seed, insects, fruit, nuts, or suet and is easy to detach from the chain for cleaning or filling.
How we selected bird feeders
We consulted three avian experts and conducted extensive research to come up with the selection criteria for this guide to the best bird feeders. We then applied that criteria to the bird feeders available at major online retailers, selecting our top choices in 10 different categories of feeders. Below are the essential features we considered.
Feeder material: Our experts recommend sticking to feeders made from nonporous, easy-to-clean materials such as plastic, metal, and glass. Percy advised us to stay away from wood feeders in which harmful bacteria is more likely to grow.
Ease of disassembly: Because bird feeders should be frequently emptied, cleaned, and refilled, the easier they are to disassemble, the better. We favored feeders that have a fully removable cover and/or base and removable feeding ports and perches.
Ease of cleaning: Percy recommends cleaning bird feeders at least every two weeks and more often during times of heavy use or wet weather. We looked for feeders that could be easily soaked and scrubbed both inside and out, including in hard-to-reach crevices.
Bird-safe design: Greig recommends avoiding feeders that have tight, narrow corners or additional pieces that could cause a bird to become stuck inside. With that in mind, we looked for feeders with simple, functional designs.
Drainage: When water gets into a bird feeder, it can cause seed and other foods to rot or develop bacteria that may sicken or even kill a bird. In addition to a feeder that's easy to clean, we looked for designs with built-in drainage when possible.
Price: We compared the cost of the feeders that met the above criteria, favoring those that were most affordable.
Bird feeder FAQs
Are feeders good for wild birds?
"Feeding wild birds, when done correctly, is appropriate and may even help them when resources are limited," said Rowden. According to Percy, studies have shown that birds with access to supplemental feeding may have better chances of survival and reproductive success than those that don't.
What shouldn't I feed wild birds?
Birds should never be offered processed human foods, including bread. "Bread, fresh or stale, does not provide nutritional value for wild birds and moldy bread can even be harmful," explained Percy. She also recommends avoiding low-cost commercial bird seed mixes. "Unfortunately, many less expensive bags of mixed seed contain a lot of 'filler' seeds that most birds do not prefer and that contain no real nutritional value for them," she said.
Where should I hang my bird feeder?
Squirrels and window strikes are two of the most problematic issues when it comes to hanging a bird feeder. Greig recommends placing feeders within 3 feet of windows. "If they're on the bird feeder and they get spooked and fly into a window, they don't have enough speed built up to really harm themselves," she said. Hanging a feeder more than 10 feet away from your home can also help keep birds safe.
How do I keep squirrels out of my bird feeder?
To deter squirrels, try hanging or pole mounting a feeder at least 10 feet from trees and other objects they can climb. Using a squirrel-resistant feeder or baffle, a plastic cone hung beneath the feeder to block a squirrel's access, can also help to keep them at bay.
When shouldn't I use wild bird feeders?
Bird feeders are best used in clean, safe, healthy environments, Greig told Insider Reviews. If you use pesticides on your lawn or garden or have outdoor cats, you should not use feeders to attract birds to your yard.
Are there other ways to attract wild birds to my yard?
"You can still create a beautiful space and attract birds to your yard just by creating a bird-friendly habitat — letting a patch of your lawn go to seed or leaving a brush pile, for example," said Greig. "We encourage people to think about providing food naturally by planting native species that can provide food and shelter and places to nest in, and can potentially provide food throughout the year depending on where people live," Rowen said. The Audubon Society's Native Plants Database can help you figure out what to plant around your home to attract birds.
How to maintain a bird feeder
Wild bird feeders must be emptied and cleaned frequently to prevent the feed from becoming contaminated by moisture and bacteria. Percy recommends taking them apart and scrubbing them down at least every two weeks. They should be cleaned more often in wet weather and at times of the year when lots of birds are visiting.
To clean a feeder, begin by completely emptying and disassembling it. Check the care instructions to determine whether your feeder is dishwasher friendly or if it must be hand-washed. If it's the latter, soaking the feeder's parts in warm water first can dislodge stuck-on debris.
When hand-washing, use a bottle brush and dish soap to thoroughly scrub the feeder's interior. If it needs disinfecting due to the potential buildup of bacteria, Percy recommends washing it in a solution made from one part bleach and nine parts water. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the feeder after washing.
Before reassembling and filling your feeder, make sure it is completely dry. Moisture that sticks around will contaminate feed more quickly.
Our experts
For this guide to the best bird feeders, we consulted the following experts in the field of avian biology, behavioral ecology, and conservation:
Emma Greig, Project Leader, Project FeederWatch, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York Greig is the project leader of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Project FeederWatch. She previously served as a postdoctoral associate at the lab's Macaulay Library, studying the behavioral ecology and evolution of the Australian fairy-wren. Greig has a PhD from the University of Chicago and has conducted ornithological research around the world. We interviewed Greig via phone on May 12, 2021.
Katie Percy, avian biologist, Audubon Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana Percy is an avian biologist for Audubon Louisiana. She has researched golden-winged warblers and prothonotary warblers and monitors bird populations in Louisiana's Maurepas Swamp for Audubon Louisiana. She also holds a Master's degree from the University of Tennessee. We consulted Percy over email on May 19, 2021.
John Rowden, senior director of bird-friendly communities, National Audubon Society, New York, New York John Rowden is the senior director for bird-friendly communities at the National Audubon Society. He has also served as the director of community science and outreach for New York City Audubon and as the director of community conservation for the National Audubon Society. Rowden holds a PhD in zoology from Duke University. We consulted Rowden via email on May 20, 2021.
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