Bird Feeder Types

Birding requires birds to watch, and feeders bring in the birds! It’s just that simple! There are quite a few Bird Feeder types available today that will make your bird watching more successful and enjoyable. Here’s an overview, so you’ll know which types will work best for your setting.

1. Hopper Feeders: These large feeders supply the largest amount of feed to your feathered visitors. Usually shaped like a bird house, they contain a large capacity storage area that slants down toward feeding trays on two to four sides. They are great for winter, when many birds in the neighborhood look to you for a little help in their feeding. Hopper feeders hold more feed, so must be filled less frequently. This type of feeder usually features nice perches on every side so that larger birds like Cardinals, Jays, and Grosbeaks can feed with ease. They may also be fitted with squirrel-proof accessories so those bushy-tailed pests don’t drain your feed supply before the birds can get their fill.

2. Satellite Feeders: These newer feeders are designed to discourage large birds like Blue Jays from hogging all the seed while Chickadees, Finches, Phoebes, and other smaller birds wait a turn that might not come until the feeder is empty. Satellite feeders wobble and spin when lots of weight, in bird terms anyway, is placed on them. This makes it tough for larger bird to hang on, on squirrels like them even less. Smaller perching and clinging birds like Towhees, Juncos, Nuthatches, Sparrows, Siskins, and those we’ve mentioned, love them.

3. Tube Feeders: These are the most affordable feeders on the market. Bird watchers should invest in 3 or 4 and spread them around their viewing area. They feature easy filling and 3-5 feeding holes, usually with a small perch outside each one. Blue Jays and Cardinals will give them a try, but they are more aptly sized for smaller birds like Chickadees, Sparrows, Phoebes, and Nuthatches. A variation of the tube feeder is the Finch Feeder which helps prevent smaller seeds that Finches love from clogging the feeder and preventing your House Finches or Gold Finches from getting to the thistle or Nyjer seed they love.

4. Window Feeders: These cool little units feature suction cups on one side that attach to the window, and a feeding tray on the other, for your favorite winged friends to enjoy Sunflower seeds, milo, millet, sorghum, cracked corn, or other treats. They are wonderful for viewing birds from indoors.

5. Platform Feeders: Do you want to attract birds that are normally ground feeders? If you have Mourning Doves, Juncos, Cardinals, or other ground feeders that wait for smaller birds to spill seed from your tube feeders, then Platform Feeders will let them jump right into the feeding frenzy. Basically, they provide a flat surface that you cover with seed. The birds can land, scratch around to find what they want, and peck and eat with pleasure.

6. Suet Feeders: These resemble a thin little cage, just the right size for the suet cakes that bird seed manufacturers supply. Unclasp the opening, pop in the suet cake, close it up, and you are done. Suet feeders typically hang, but they can be attached to posts or trees, too. Expect to see a diverse group of birds, from Sparrows to Buntings to Woodpeckers enjoying this high-fat, good protein treat.

7. Hummingbird Feeders: Hummingbirds offer unique viewing pleasure, and also present unique challenges in getting them to come around. A hummingbird feeder is the right place to begin. It is a glass or plastic receptacle which holds liquid feed, made from high-fructose syrup or powder. The liquid flows into flower-shaped openings where the Hummingbirds sip it up. They are typically made from bright colors, or brightly painted, with red being the primary color. Red attracts Hummingbirds from a distance, and the scent of the liquid feed draws them in when they get close.

The chances are your favorite songbirds, perching birds, tree clinging birds, and more, can be attracted to your viewing area with the right type of feeder. Add a supply of water and some trees for shelter, and your prospects will increase even more.

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Related posts:

1. Breeds of Birds you can Attract To Your Backyard
2. Birdhouse Types
3. Tips on Placing a Birdhouse for Cardinals in your Garden
4. Attracting Birds to your Backyard with less than $100
5. How to Attract Birds to your Garden