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 feeders.

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. The platform should have plenty of drainage holes to prevent water accumulation. A platform with a roof will help keep seeds dry. Trays attract most species of feeder birds. Placed near the ground, they are most likely to attract juncos, doves, and sparrows.

House or hopper feeder

A hopper feeder is a platform upon which walls and a roof are built, forming a “hopper” that protects seed against the weather. Hoppers attract most species of feeder birds. Most hoppers hold a good quantity of seed. Few are weatherproof, 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. Feeders with 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.

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

Suet or suet mixes can be placed in an onion bag or a specially made cage. Suet also can be tied to trees or smeared into knotholes. 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.

Nectar feeder

Nectar feeders are specially made to dispense nectar through small holes. Choose a feeder that is easy to take apart and clean, because the feeder should be washed or run through the dishwasher frequently. (See “Nectar” under "What to Feed Birds" for sugar-water recipe.)

Peanut feeder

A peanut feeder is a wire-mesh cage, often cylindrical, with large holes for shelled peanuts.

Make-your-own feeder

Many FeederWatchers construct their own feeders. For example, try smearing pine cones with a peanut butter/corn meal/suet mix. Be sure to keep the safety of the birds in mind. The feeder should be easy to clean and should not have any sharp edges or tight spaces in which birds can become trapped.

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BirdNotes

Download free Lab of Ornithology BirdNotes about bird feeding.

Illustration of hummingbird feeder by Julie Zickefoose, all other illustrations by Sam J. Norris.