After Careful Consideration, Here Are the Best Bird Feeders
In the chart below, you will find our top ten rated bird feeders. For a more in-depth review of each model, please click on “Read Review.”
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Product Image |
Product Name |
Rating |
Review |
|---|---|---|---|
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Audubon Squirrel Proof Caged Tube Type Bird Feeder |
4.3 out of 5 |
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Brome Squirrel Buster Wild Bird Feeder |
4.6 out of 5 |
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Droll Yankees Onyx Nyjer Tube Bird Feeder |
4.2 out of 5 |
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GrayBunny Caged Tube Feeder |
4.0 out of 5 |
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More Birds Hummingbird Feeder |
4.5 out of 5 |
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Nature Anywhere Window Bird Feeder |
4.7 out of 5 |
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Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder |
4.2 out of 5 |
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Tranquil Outdoors Large Window Bird Feeder |
4.7 out of 5 |
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Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder |
4.5 out of 5 |
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Woodlink Going Green Platform Bird Feeder |
4.9 out of 5 |
Top Ten Best Bird Feeders
- Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Bird Feeder
- Woodlink Going Green Platform Bird Feeder
- Tranquil Outdoors Large Window Bird Feeder
- Brome Squirrel Buster Wild Bird Feeder
- More Birds Hummingbird Feeder
- Droll Yankees Onyx Nyjer Tube Bird Feeder
- Audubon Squirrel Proof Caged Tube Type Bird Feeder
- Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder
- Nature Anywhere Window Bird Feeder
- GrayBunny Caged Tube Feeder
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What Is a Bird Feeder?
A bird feeder is an outdoor device placed or hung in your yard that supplies food for wild birds native to the area where you live. Bird feeders come in many different shapes and sizes.
Features
When picking out a bird feeder you will have several different features to choose from that will help feed birds in your yard. I have listed below the common features of most bird feeders.
1. Squirrel-proof bird feeder: Some bird feeders are constructed to make it difficult for squirrels to eat all of the bird food from the bird feeder. Some people don’t mind feeding both and actually like that they are able to feed the squirrels as well. But if the thought of squirrels eating out of your bird feeder bothers you, you might want to consider purchasing a squirrel-proof bird feeder.
2. Ways that you put the feed in the feeder: Some bird feeders are easier to fill than others. Look for features that make it easy for you to refill the feeder. Some are large and some are small. Just remember to empty the old seed before filling the feeder with the new seed.
3. Ease of cleaning: Some birdhouses will be easier than others to take apart and clean, due to their size and other features. The easier it is for you to clean your bird feeder, the more likely you will clean it often and thoroughly.
How to Choose a Bird Feeder
When buying a bird feeder, think about what types of birds that you will want to attract that are native to the area where you live. Another item to consider before you purchase your new bird feeder is the ease of filling and refilling the feeder and how easily it can be cleaned. These two considerations will help you to choose the bird feeder that is right for you and for the type of birds that will come to your yard to use the feeder.
Different Types of Bird Feeders
Not all bird feeders are created equal. There are several types to choose from. I will share with you some of the most basic types below.
Seed feeders: Seed feeders are the most common type of bird feeders currently available on the market. They can vary in design from tubes to trays. Seed feeders generally will attract seed-eating birds such as cardinals, finches, titmice, and chickadees. The most common type of seed used in a seed feeder is black oil sunflower seeds. The shells of black oil sunflower seeds are easy to crack and the seeds are thinner and easier to crack than other types of sunflower seeds. The kernels of the sunflower consist of a high-fat content which is especially helpful during winter months when birds need the nutrients the most.
Hummingbird feeders: Hummingbird feeders use a liquid form of calories and nutrients in the form of sugar solutions called nectar that is used to attract hummingbirds in nectar feeders.
Oriole feeders: Oriole feeders are made specifically to attract and feed oriole birds. The feeder consists of a mix of both fruit, like oranges, and nectar. Orioles are also attracted to grape jelly. The feeders are traditionally orange in color because the color attracts that particular type of bird.
Suet feeders: A suet feeder is usually constructed from a metal cage-like box with a plastic coating that contains suet cakes or blocks of suet which is made from rendered animal fat mixed with seeds, small bits of fruit, along with other favorite kinds bird seed. Suet feeders usually attract the largest variety of seed-eating birds like flickers, nutcrackers, sparrows, woodpeckers, chickadees, and other species of insect-eating birds.
Things to Consider When Buying a Bird Feeder
What types of birds do you want to attract?
When buying a bird feeder, think about what types of birds that are native to your area and what types of birds that you would like to attract. Birds will have different preferences and different foods that they are capable of eating. A hummingbird, for example, is not going to be attracted to a seed feeder because this type of bird prefers a liquid-form of nutrient.
How much feed do you want to buy?
Some birds will eat more than other birds. Large birds such as pigeons and magpies will eat more than small finches. Other birds such as starlings, travel in large numbers and may bring a large flock to your feed if you supply the kind of food that they are attracted to.
How much mess can you handle?
Birds can make quite a mess by dropping both shells from the feeder and their own fecal droppings. Are you going to be able to handle the mess that attracting birds to your yard will make? Do you have time to keep the area near the feeder clean? Cleaning up after the birds does not bother most people, but make sure you consider the mess before you spend the money on a bird feeder. On a positive note, the seed consists of organic material that might even fertilize your soil or grass.
Bird Feeder Size
Think about how big of a bird feeder you want to buy. Will you want to be feeding many birds? How will a large or small feeder look hanging in your backyard or placed near a window? How much food will it take to fill up the bird feeder each time? What types of birds will be attracted to your feeder?
Advantages/Reasons for Buying a Bird Feeder
When you buy a bird feeder, you are not only helping birds to get through the long winter months when food is scarce, but you may add many hours of enjoyment and fun and provide learning opportunities for yourself and your family. Watching birds can be a lot of fun. Trying to identify the birds that come to feed at your bird feeder can be educational for the whole family.
Product Types
There are several types of bird feeders for your yard that are available today. The two most popular types available are seed feeders and suet feeders.
Seed Feeders
Seed feeders are the most popular type of bird feeder on the market today. The concept is simple because all you do is fill a tube or tray with seeds. Seed feeders come in several shapes and sizes and have several options for perches which are where the birds “perch” or sit to eat. Tube feeders attract small to medium-size birds. Hopper feeders attract larger birds access to seeds.
Pros
- Easy to fill and clean
- Seed is inexpensive
- Seed feeders are inexpensive
Cons
- Can be messy
- Squirrels may get the seed
Suet Feeders
Suet feeders use lard mixed with seed to attract birds. The feed is a high caloric source of nutrients for birds used in the winter months. Suet feeders are not used in the summer months as much because the lard can melt in high temperatures and attract flies and turn rancid.
Pros
- Excellent source of high caloric bird feed
- A good winter feed that you can make yourself
- Can attract rodents
Cons
- Suet can be expensive
- Can melt in high heat
- Can attract animals like bears
Best Bird Feeder
After carefully reviewing the top ten bird feeders on the market, I have chosen the Woodlink Going Green Platform Bird Feeder as my choice as the best bird feeder available.
- Easy To Set Up
- Makes Less Mess
- Easy to Add Food
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Bird Feeder
Think about why you want to buy a bird feeder in the first place. Then ask yourself these questions:
1. What kind of birds do I want to attract that are native to my area?
2. How much do I want to spend?
3. Are bird feeders going to attract bears or nuisance animals where I live?
In some areas, residents are asked not to hang bird feeders where there are problems with bears being attracted to the bird food.
Why a Bird Feeder Is Awesome
A bird feeder can attract birds that are entertaining and beautiful to watch. Bird feeders can help birds survive through the winter months when food is scarce. Feeders can be a highly educational experience for you and your family to learn more about birds in your area that come to feast from the bird feeder in your yard.
Recommended Bestsellers
- Hanizi Bird Feeder: We focus on researching and developing wild bird feeders, squirrel proof birds feeders for outside hanging. Lightweight build, durable metal rope, and a twist lock that deters squirrels.
- Easy to Use: Open the lid, put the wild bird seeds, sunflower seeds for birds into the bird feeder, close the lid, and then hang the bird feeder under the eaves or in the garden.
- Large Capacity: 8.5 x 7.9 x 7.3 inches. Made of durable, high quality plastic. The clear plastic make it easy to inspect bird seed levels. Hold up to 47 oz bird seeds. Large opening allows for easy refills and clean.
- 【Retractable Thistle Bird Feeder】 Retractable Design let the large bird feeder have a capacity of 4bls.The bird seed feeder suitable for most seed like dry mealy worms, ground corn, Ground peanuts, black oil sunflower seeds, thistle ect. A adjustable capacity sunflower seed bird feeder for mixed seed.
- 【360-Degree Bird Feeders】 Combine the advantages of tube bird feeder and platform bird feeder. Mesh surface and bottom seed feeding tray with perches provide birds with more feeding space. Attracting various birds like cardinal, gold finch, red Finch, mourning dove, sparrow, starling ect. A great bird feeders for outside wild birds.
- 【Durable Metal Bird Feeder】 The bird feeder made entirely of all metal with a red (green) rust resistant coating. Can't stop squirrels from climbing up but can prevent them from damaging. 6 drainage holes at the bottom. Can be used in sunny, rainy, windy or snowy weather. Nice outdoor bird feeder for birdwatchers to feed birds in all seasons.
- [Solar Bird Feeders for garden] It is not only a bird feeder, but also a Solar garden lantern . The hollow-out design can make the remaining level of seeds easier to observe. A good choice for present.
- [Sturdy Materials and Quality] Made of Sturdy metal, which is able to shade the sunlight and rain-resistant. Also can be preserved for a long period with the anti-rust coating. Polished all over the surface. Birds will be happy to use.
- [Bird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging] With the convenient "S" pothook, you can hang it directly in the patio or beside a bird house. To fill the food or seeds for birds, please open the cap on the top. Also easy to clean: Wash directly with water and then dry out.
Common Questions
Here are some common questions asked about bird feeders.
- What type of bird feeder do I need?
- Can I make my own bird feeder with a kit?
- What types of birds will I attract with a bird feeder?
Conclusion
I have shared with you some bird feeder basics like what types of feeders to use for certain species of birds as well as common features that you can buy with your bird feeder. I have also covered the pros and cons of both seed feeders and suet feeders. I hope that this guide will help you to pick out an appropriate bird feeder for your yard that will help the birds in your area come to sit on the perches and feed, as well as provide a fun, educational learning experience for you and your family.
Related Articles:
- Bird Feeder Food Ideas to Attract Birds to Your Yard
- How to Keep Other Animals Out of Your Bird Feeder
- 7 DIY Bird Feeder Ideas – Fun Recycling Activities for Young and Old
- How and Why to Frequently Clean Your Bird Feeder
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Last update on 2024-04-19 at 09:38 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API