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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Birds Baths

Water for drinking and bathing is one of the essential elements that every bird needs, so if you enjoy attracting birds to your back yard, having at least one bird bath for their use is important. In this guide we will look at Bird Bath types so you’ll have a place to start as you look for the one that fits your garden or landscape.

There are many styles of bird baths from which to choose. Above ground bird baths continue to be the most popular, and so there are a range of designs. Finding the right one won’t be easy since there are so many really awesome designs – but that’s a fun problem to have.

Concrete pedestal bird baths remain popular because they are affordable and durable. Make sure you place a concrete bath carefully because they are quite heavy and hard to move!

Wrought iron pedestal bird baths are affordable and offer a traditional look. They can be fashioned to be rather simple or quite ornate, whatever you prefer. Several good coats of rust proof paint is essential to keeping an iron bird bath looking good. If rust spots do appear, sand and repaint the spots fairly quickly to avoid larger problem areas.

Other metals, like copper or aluminum, are also making advances in the bird bath market. Copper is gorgeous when shined, and offers an antique look when patina and tarnish is allowed to form. Aluminum has the advantage of being rust-free and lightweight, and is also very durable.

Glass or Ceramic bowl bird baths are newer styles and can be very attractive. Colored, heavy glass sparkles in the sunshine and naturally attracts birds with the gleam. Ceramic bowls on stands feature beautiful colors and design. They are works of art, a perfect melding of form following function.

When choosing an above ground bird bath, many of the stands feature beautifully crafted art work – a pair of herons back to back forming the pedestal or a tree trunk design with woodpeckers all around. There are pedestal bird baths for any budget, from plain and simple to quite ornate. While your bird friends might not notice the artisan’s work, you and your guests certainly will.

Specialty pedestal bird baths include fountains, usually with one or two tiers, that require a pump and can be a splendid addition to the garden or landscape. Also, bird baths featuring electric or solar warmers are wonderful for cold climates. Keeping the bird bath operational even while temperatures dip below freezing will give you the chance to attract large numbers of birds during winter.

In addition to above ground bird baths, there are a substantial number of in-ground models and hanging models from which to choose. While in-ground bird baths present a more natural presentation, like an inviting, cool puddle after a rain, it also makes it easier for predators to attack. Keep in-ground bird baths well away from trees and shrubs where cats can lurk, awaiting the right moment. Hanging models require a post or an obliging tree limb. If hung from a tree, they may require more frequent attention since leaves, sap, twigs, seeds, and other debris will find its way into the bird bath more frequently. But their pedestal-free look, perhaps swaying in the breeze, is an attractive option for many bird enthusiasts.

Whatever style you choose, your bird bath will become an asset in attracting birds to your yard. They will show their appreciation by delighting you with their water-loving antics and happy chatter as they take turns getting a refreshing dip or drink.

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Breeds of Birds you can Attract To Your Backyard

If you are a bird enthusiast and want to see more of them in your back yard, there is almost no specie you cannot attract. If the breed is known to inhabit your area there will be a way to coax them into your yard to feed, nest, find water, or seek shelter. To be most effective in attracting the breed you want, it is best to focus on all four of these requirements so that the birds will come more frequently and even choose to nest or stay long-term. For example, if you have your heart set on attracting a gaggle of chatty House Sparrows, start by placing small bird houses around the yard in late winter, so that when you get them to your yard they’ll consider staying for nesting season. It will also encourage them to stay if you supply some nesting material like loose straw, yarn, hair, or pet fur. Secondly, provide mixed bird seed and a couple of feeders to fill with it. Also scatter a good quantity of seed on the ground, since all varieties of Sparrows feed there, too. The third tip is to have an in-ground or above ground bird bath where these friendly birds can get a drink or go in for a splash. Finally, if your yard does not have many trees, consider planting a variety of hardwoods and evergreens for them to seek shelter in, or perhaps nest in if the bird houses fill up first. To summarize, your goal is to create the right habitat in your back yard for the birds you want to attract.

Research the bird breeds you want to attract and tailor these 4 steps to that species. See our other guides that discuss Attracting Birds, Cardinals, Bird Baths, and Bird Houses which provide lots of good information you can use. When you customize your offerings to your favorite feathered friends expect to be able to attract and keep them for the season, or for all year if they are not migratory birds. In some cases, as with Cardinals and others species that stay local or return to the same nesting area year after year, you might be rewarded with life-long friends!

Among the hundreds of bird breeds you can attract you your yard are these:

CHICKADEES AND TITMICE: Black-capped Chickadee, Boreal Chickadee, Mountain Chickadee, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Carolina Chickadee, Siberian Chickadee, Plain Titmouse, and Tufted Titmouse.

NUTHATCHES: Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Pygmy Nuthatch.

WOODPECKERS: Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Lewis’ Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, and the Pileated Woodpecker.

FLYCATCHERS, Etc: Ash-throated Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Black Phoebe, Say’s Phoebe, Barn Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Tree Swallow, Violet-green Swallow.

OWLS: Barn Owl, Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Hawk Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Western Screech Owl, and the Boreal Owl.

THRUSHES: American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, and the Western Bluebird.

WRENS: House Wren, Carolina Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Winter Wren, and Brown Creeper.

MISCELLANEOUS: Various Jays, Thrashers, Orioles, Cardinals, Warblers, various Grosbeaks, Siskins, Doves and Pigeons, various Finches, Blackbirds, Starlings, Parulas, and Hummingbirds.

Birdhouse Types

Just like in human neighborhoods, not all birdhouses are the same, not one size fits all. Bird species are unique in their needs for shelter, and the kinds of birdhouses they will be drawn to reflect their individuality. While some species will not use any kind of birdhouse you might place in their environment, an astonishing 50 species, or more, will accept housing made by human hands. That number offers bird watchers and friends of these feathered creatures the opportunity to attract many wonderful birds to their back yards. In this guide we will outline birdhouse types and what species they are best suited to attract.

The first type of house we might call the Traditional Birdhouse. It has a single compartment, a medium hole in the mid to upper front, and is shaped like a little Cape Cod or cottage. There is usually a hinged top for cleaning it out if desired, but not always. The birds that will nest in a traditional house include: Sparrows, various Finches, various Chickadees, Titmice, various Nuthatches, Flycatchers, Phoebes, some Warblers, Robins, and others.

A Large Traditional Birdhouse will attract larger birds, including woodpecker species like the Hairy, Downy, Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker, and Red-Headed varieties. Since Woodpeckers often excavate their own nesting areas out of decaying tree trunks, mount the house high on the trunk of a hardwood tree, near a Woodpecker feeder, for the greatest possibility of attracting birds to the house.

The Wren House is very small, and features an opening no larger than 1.5 inches in diameter. These little birds want to keep predators out, so choose a very secluded spot when possible. Sometimes wren houses are made from gourds that have had the contents removed and the gourd dried. These can be quick appealing to the birds and add a nice touch to the garden or backyard landscape. All species of Wren’s enjoy these cozy little houses.

A Bluebird House differs very little from a traditional bird house except in that it is often more narrow, and the door is higher up, to protect little birds from falling out before they are ready to fly. Eastern and Mountain Bluebirds are a lovely sight in the backyard, and will enjoy nesting near an ample supply of food used to attract them. For alternative Bluebird house options, place an old mailbox or small wooden crate high in a bush and you just might attract these azure beauties or another type of bird that isn’t too selective about its accommodations.

The Purple Martin House often resembles a duplex or quadplex, with up to four separate houses built back to back or in four different directions. Purple Martins are sociable birds and prefer to nest closely together, apparently for the protection that numbers provides. These houses work well on poles 8-12 feet high and placed near larger trees.

Platform Houses look like a 3 or 4 story hotel on a pole, with multiple openings on each level. Many birds, such as all varieties of Swallows, choose to build their nests on flat platforms or shelves, replicating their preference for ledges in rocks or cliffs.

Some ducks like the Wood Duck or Merganser will nest in a large Duck House, made like a Large Traditional Birdhouse but with a larger door. These houses might also attract an American Kestrel, a type of small predatory bird.

Owl Houses should be medium to large, with a slightly larger opening than with Large Traditional Birdhouses. Species like the Barn Owl are not choosy, often nesting in barn nooks, bell towers, hollow tree trunks, and elsewhere. Mount the Owl House in a sheltered area high in a tree, in a barn near an open upper window, or under the barn eave.

Yes, we know Bats are mammals, but Bat Houses are growing in popularity, so we make mention of them. These unique houses are made quite easily, and mounted on a pole or the side of a building, 10-16 feet high. Bats are fun to watch after dusk and are useful in reducing the mosquito population of your back yard!

We suggest that you try a variety of bird houses in your yard, and the chances are good that you will attract some nesters. Since many bird varieties are not especially choosy, you might get Sparrows in your Wren house, Woodpeckers in your Owl house, and so forth. Whatever the case, these bird houses will greatly increase your ability to view and enjoy your friendly feathered neighbors.

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Backyard Book Reviews

If you want to expand your understanding of your backyard world, and how you can make it a wonderful habitat for the winged creatures you love, we’ve got some books that will help you. From designing gardens that are welcoming to a variety of birds, to installing the right feeders and bird baths, these volumes offer a wealth of knowledge and practical information you can use to attract and enjoy all the birds found in your area.

1. Attracting Birds to Your Backyard: 536 Ways to Create a Haven for Your Favorite Birds (Rodale/Roth): If birds area going to make a regular visit to your backyard, they will have to find ample supplies of food, water, shelter and possible nesting sites. This comprehensive book covers all of these topics, and more, in great detail. In-depth information and step-by-step instructions make it easy to transform any backyard into a birding sanctuary.

2. Backyard Birds — Peterson Field Guides® for Young Naturalists: This is an outstanding book for bird lovers of any age, with special emphasis given to helping younger bird enthusiasts learn about birds, their likes and dislikes, and how they are best served in our backyard habitats. Very little prior knowledge is required to make good use of this very instructive book. It will help all budding bird watchers deepen their comprehension and enjoyment in discovering the birds in their areas.

3. The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide: Secrets to Attracting, Identifying, and Enjoying Birds of Your Region: This is another book by Sally Roth, bird expert extraordinaire. She’ll walk you through the topics outlined in the title, with conversational descriptions that are easy to follow for the new bird lover and the veteran birding enthusiast alike. The wonderful, full-color pictures alone are worth the price of this stunning book! Give this book a read, keep it handy as a reference guide, and your pleasure in the hobby will be magnified abundantly.

4. The Backyard Bird Feeder’s Bible: The A-to-Z Guide To Feeders, Seed Mixes, Projects, And Treats (Rodale/Roth): Publisher and author team up again to offer the most comprehensive book on the market for novice and intermediate bird watchers. You’ll love the color photos, handy outlines of each species, and practical tips for watching them in nature. This is a great reference resource to keep by your window or to add to your backpack alongside your birding binoculars.

5. Backyard Bird Secrets for Every Season: Attract a Variety of Nesting, Feeding, and Singing Birds Year-Round (Sally Roth): The first lady of bird watching takes her readers through the basics here, teaching them the nuances of turning their backyards into a habitat their winged friends will gravitate to and decide to become a long-term part of. You’ll learn what to do in each season to have the best opportunity of attracting your favorites to the feeder, the nesting houses, or the bird bath. Learn about migration and ways to attract species that are just passing through, too.

Pick up one or two of these books today, and your love for all-things-birds will grow with the turn of each page. You’ll be educated, fascinated, and motivated to get out and discover for yourself why more than 1 in 5 people describe themselves as bird watching enthusiasts!