Bird Feeder Types

The ideal bird feeder is sturdy enough to withstand winter weather, tight enough to keep seeds dry, large enough so you do not have to refill it constantly, and easy to assemble and clean. Plastic or metal feeders are generally easier to keep clean than wooden ones.

In general, seed-feeders fall into three categories: tray feeders, hopper feeders, and tube feeders. Additional specialty feeders include suet, hummingbird, and peanut feeders. Each type attracts different kinds of birds, and has advantages and disadvantages.

Tray or platform feeder
A platform feeder is any flat, raised surface onto which bird food is spread. Tray feeders attract most species of feeder birds, but without a baffle, they offer no protection against squirrels or chipmunks. A platform with a roof will help keep seeds dry. The platform should have plenty of drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. Tray feeders placed near the ground are most likely to attract juncos, doves and sparrows.

Gazebo or hopper feeder
A hopper feeder is a platform upon which walls and a roof are built, forming a “hopper” that protects seed fairly well against the weather. Hoppers are attractive to most species of feeder birds, from small birds such as chickadees to large birds such as jays. Most gazebo hoppers hold a good quantity of seed. Few are weather resistant, however, so the food may get wet and moldy if it sits for a few days.

Tube feeder
A tube feeder is a hollow cylinder, often made of plastic, with multiple feeding ports and perches. Tube feeders keep seed fairly dry, and they are somewhat squirrel resistant. Their attractiveness to various bird species depends on the size of the perches under the feeding ports: short perches accommodate small birds such as finches, but exclude larger birds such as grackles and jays. The size of the feeding ports varies as well depending on the type of seed to be offered. Squirrel-proof bird feeders are also available to thwart these rodents from eating expensive seed & damaging bird feeders.

Nyjer feeder
Nyjer feeders are special tube feeders designed with extra-small openings to dispense tiny nyjer seeds, also known as thistle seed. These feeders attract a variety of finches.

Suet feeder
A suet feeder is any wire-mesh cage or bag, such as an onion bag, which holds suet or suet mixture. Suet cages that are only open at the bottom tend to be starling-resistent but allow woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees to feed by clinging upside down. Suet also can be tied to trees or smeared into knotholes.

Hummingbird feeder
A hummingbird feeder is a specially made bottle or tube, usually constructed of glass or plastic, that dispenses nectar through small holes. When choosing a feeder, make sure it is easy to take apart and clean, because the feeder should be washed thoroughly or run through the dishwasher frequently.

Peanut feeder
A peanut feeder is a wire-mesh cage, often cylindrical, with large holes for shelled peanuts. Several species, including jays, nuthatches, and woodpeckers, readily consume peanuts.

Bird Feeding