Bird feeders

Bird Feeders: Choose the Right One for Your Birds

The right feeder depends on the birds you want, the space you have — and how determined your squirrels are. Here’s how to choose, what to fill it with, and where to put it.

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Goldfinch and house finch at a tube bird feeder

The five main types of bird feeder

Most backyard birders start with one of these. Each suits different birds, so many people end up with two or three.

Feeder type	Best for	Good to know
Tube	Chickadees, titmice, finches, nuthatches	Keeps seed dry; the most versatile first feeder. Larger birds need a perching ring.
Hopper	Cardinals, jays, grosbeaks, sparrows	Holds a lot of seed. Choose one that opens easily for cleaning.
Platform / tray	Cardinals, doves, juncos, sparrows	Attracts the widest range of species but exposes seed to weather and squirrels.
Window	Chickadees, finches, titmice	No yard needed and the closest views. Mounted on glass, it also lowers collision risk.
Nectar	Hummingbirds, orioles	Needs cleaning every few days in warm weather; saucer styles are the easiest to clean.

How to choose: five questions

Which birds do you want? Cardinals prefer wide perches or trays; goldfinches love small-port finch feeders; hummingbirds need nectar.
How much space do you have? On balconies and windows, compact feeders and hulled seed keep things tidy.
Are squirrels a problem? Weight-activated feeders and pole baffles work far better than “squirrel-resistant” labels alone.
How often will you clean it? Feeders that come apart without tools get cleaned more often — which keeps birds healthier.
How often will you refill it? Large capacity means fewer refills, but in quiet periods smaller fills keep seed fresher.

What to feed: the right seed for each bird

Bowls of sunflower seed, nyjer, safflower, peanuts and suet

Black-oil sunflower seed — the single best all-round seed. Thin shells and high fat; eaten by most feeder birds.
Safflower — loved by cardinals; less popular with squirrels, grackles and starlings.
Nyjer (thistle) — tiny seed for goldfinches and siskins. Use a finch feeder and buy small amounts; it goes stale.
Sunflower chips (hulled) — no shells, so no mess. Ideal for balconies and patios, but spoils faster when wet.
Suet — high-energy fat for woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees, especially in cold weather. Use “no-melt” blends in summer.
Peanuts — shelled, unsalted, raw or dry-roasted, in a mesh feeder for jays, woodpeckers and titmice.
Nectar — 1 part white table sugar to 4 parts water. No red dye, honey or artificial sweeteners.

Skip cheap mixes that are mostly milo, wheat or red millet — many feeder birds toss those seeds onto the ground.

Where to put your feeder

Placement matters as much as the feeder itself. Put feeders within about 3 feet of a window or more than 30 feet away to reduce window strikes, keep them near (but not right next to) shrubs birds can escape into, and keep cats indoors. Read the full guide: Bird feeder placement

Keep feeders clean

Dirty feeders can spread disease. Clean seed feeders about every two weeks — more often in wet or hot weather — and change hummingbird nectar every few days in heat. Step-by-step: How to clean bird feeders

Our picks

Feeders worth considering

Selected from manufacturer specifications for reliability, ease of cleaning and how well they match common needs. We haven’t lab-tested them.

Feeder comparison
Product	Best for	Key features	Considerations	Shop
Brome Squirrel Buster PlusBrome Bird Care	Backyards with squirrels and birders who want cardinals at a tube feeder	Weight-activated shroud closes the 6 feeding ports when a squirrel climbs on Included cardinal ring gives larger birds room to perch facing the food Large 5.1 lb seed capacity means fewer refills	Tall and fairly heavy when full — needs a sturdy hook or pole. Weight-activated feeders also exclude heavier birds such as doves and some jays; adjust expectations if you want them.	Check Price (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Brome Squirrel Buster MiniBrome Bird Care	Small yards, patios and balconies with squirrel visitors	Weight-activated shroud closes the 4 ports when a squirrel climbs on Compact 1 lb seed capacity keeps seed fresh Comes apart by hand for cleaning — no tools	Small capacity means frequent refills at a busy feeder. No cardinal ring — larger birds have less room than on the Plus.	Check Price (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Woodlink Audubon 3-in-1 Platform FeederWoodlink (Audubon series)	Cardinals, juncos, doves and other birds that prefer an open tray	Open tray suits larger and ground-feeding birds Can be hung, post-mounted or used on the ground Powder-coated screen base drains rain	Open trays are easy for squirrels to reach unless you baffle the pole. Seed is exposed to weather — offer only what birds eat in a day or two and clean often.	Check Price (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Nature Anywhere Window Bird FeederNature Anywhere	Apartments, balconies and anyone who wants close-up views without a yard	Four heavy-duty suction cups Sliding seed tray removes for easy cleaning Dual tray to offer two foods	Suction cups need clean, smooth glass and may need re-seating in temperature swings. Small capacity means more frequent refills.	Check Price (opens Amazon in a new tab)
Aspects HummZinger HighView 12 ozAspects	Low-maintenance hummingbird feeding — easy to clean and refill	Saucer design with built-in ant moat Raised flower ports help divert rain Removable red cover for quick, thorough cleaning	12 oz may need daily refills in peak late-summer traffic. No bee guards on the ports — a saucer design keeps nectar below the ports, which helps.	Check Price (opens Amazon in a new tab)

Buying guides

Bird feeder guides

American goldfinch and house finch feeding at a tube bird feeder in a garden

Best Bird Feeders for BeginnersEasy, versatile feeders for your first setup.Read

Bowls of black oil sunflower seed, nyjer, safflower, peanuts and a suet cake on a wooden table

Best Squirrel-Proof Bird FeedersWeight-activated designs that actually work.Read

Black-capped chickadee on a clear window feeder seen from inside a home

Best Window Bird FeedersClose-up views with no yard required.Read

Male and female northern cardinals eating sunflower seed on a wooden platform feeder

Best Bird Feeders for CardinalsWide perches and trays cardinals prefer.Read

Ruby-throated hummingbird hovering beside a red saucer hummingbird feeder in a summer garden

Best Hummingbird FeedersEasy-clean nectar feeders for every yard.Read

House finch and goldfinch at a compact tube feeder on a city apartment balcony

Best Bird Feeders for Small BalconiesCompact, tidy feeders for apartment living.Read

Frequently asked questions

What is the best bird feeder for beginners?

A tube feeder filled with black-oil sunflower seed attracts the widest variety of common backyard birds and is easy to manage. If squirrels visit, choose a weight-activated model. See our beginner feeder guide

How long does it take birds to find a new feeder?

It varies — sometimes hours, sometimes a few weeks. Placing the feeder where birds can see it from nearby cover and scattering a little seed on a tray can help them notice it sooner.

Should I stop feeding birds in summer?

Not necessarily. Feeding is optional in summer, when natural food is plentiful. If you continue, keep feeders especially clean in heat. In bear country, follow your wildlife agency’s advice — many recommend removing feeders from spring through fall.

How often should I clean my bird feeder?

About every two weeks for seed feeders, more often in wet or hot weather, and every 2–3 days for hummingbird feeders in hot weather.