7 Best Bird Feeders of 2023, Reviewed by Experts
</p><p>According to the specialists over at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services, “Migratory birds are environmentally essential, satisfying lots of substantial functions consisting of pollinating and distributing seeds of plants that form environment and food for other types, keeping pest and rodent populations in balance and supplying early cautions of ecological contamination.” So, not just do you get to delight in all of the lovely birds when you put out a feeder, you’re benefiting the environment too.</p><p>No matter what kind of feeder you wind up with, the most essential thing is keeping it tidy and safe. “If you take part in feeding birds, there are a couple of finest practices to follow, such as guaranteeing your feeding station is tidy and feeds birds in a manner that does not transfer illness, develop an appealing problem (bring in birds where they might remain in dispute with people), or develop a dangerous attractant (bring in birds someplace they might get hurt or killed),” says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. </p><p>Keep scrolling to the end of this post to learn more on how we picked the very best bird feeders and what to try to find when looking for one. For more methods to dress up your outside space, have a look at our guides to the <a href=” target=”_blank”>finest outside furnishings selects</a>, <a href=” target=”_blank”>finest sprinkler system</a> and <a href=” target=”_blank”>finest fire pits</a>.</p>” />
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1
Best Overall Bird Feeder
ERYTLLY Bird Feeding Station
1
Best Overall Bird Feeder
ERYTLLY Bird Feeding Station
Now 34% Off
No matter what types you’re wanting to give your backyard, this bird feeder station (with more than 4,500 luxury evaluations on Amazon ) is e quipped with various feeders to tempt almost any sort of bird: National Audubon Society’s Migratory Bird Initiative . A couple of birds that tend to like suet are woodpeckers and chickadees.
There are prongs at the bottom of the pole to press into the ground for setup, and after that you can personalize the additions as you like. It’s likewise developed with a squirrel baffle to keep those annoying animals out of your feed. Some customers did note that you need to put the baffle high off the ground or it will not work.
Feeder type
3 tubes, suet, mesh tray, water tray, and fruit hooks
Dimensions
94″ x 22″ x 22″
Weight
8.28 pounds
Capacity
Not noted
Number of feeding ports
2
Materials
Alloy steel, plastic
2
Best Value Bird Feeder
Best Choice Products 6-Hook Bird Feeding Station
2
Best Value Bird Feeder
Best Choice Products 6-Hook Bird Feeding Station
Now 38% Off
This feeding station provides some severe value with a wire tube feeder, a peanut feeder, a basic tube feeder, a suet feeder, a mesh tray, a water meal and several hooks. Even with all of the consisted of feeders held on the hooks, there’s still one additional for hanging another feeder of your option or something ornamental. Stakes make it simple to press into the ground, and you can organize the feeders nevertheless you like. Only thing: There’s no consisted of method to prevent squirrels from swiping the birds’ snacks, so you’ll either need to purchase a different squirrel baffle (or your favored deterrent) or shoo them away yourself.
Feeder type
3 tubes, suet, mesh tray, and water tray
Dimensions
22.75″ x 22.75″ x 89″
Weight
8.2 pounds
Capacity
3 pounds
Number of feeding ports
2
Materials
Steel, plastic
3
Best Hummingbird Feeder
Billion Sky Lantern Bottle Hummingbird Feeder
3
Best Hummingbird Feeder
Billion Sky Lantern Bottle Hummingbird Feeder
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Pretty and practical, this hummingbird feeder is a breeze to fill up so you can keep the little cuties near to your window. The intense color is more than simply a strong style option; it’s expected to mimic the color of nectar and flowers to help bring in hummingbirds. (Don’t stress if the deep red does not fit the ambiance of your garden, the feeder likewise is available in blue and pink.)
The base splits up for simple cleansing, which is extremely essential given that hummingbird feed is basically sugar water. The brand name declares that the tapered stems on the feeding ports likewise stay out bees and there’s a moat to prevent ants from going into. Keep in mind: The brand name suggests that the bottle requires to be cleaned up carefully to avoid ruining the color.
Feeder type
Nectar
Dimensions
6.5″ x 6.5″ x 9.1″
Weight
2.12 pounds
Capacity
26 fl oz
Number of feeding ports
6
Materials
Glass, plastic
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4
Best Tube Bird Feeder
Gray Bunny Thistle & Nyjer Bird Feeder
4
Best Tube Bird Feeder
Gray Bunny Thistle & Nyjer Bird Feeder
Now 19% Off
Pros
Cons
With 16 little ports and 8 perches, this hanging tube-style feeder makes certain to bring in lots of birds to your backyard. It likewise has a decent capability, holding up to 2 pounds of feed, depending upon the type. According to Witko, tube feeders bring in little types like finches, particularly if they’re filled with finch favorites like sunflower seeds or thistle (Nyjer) .
Feeder type
Tube
Dimensions
12.8″ x 4.2″ x 4.2″
Weight
9.8 oz
Capacity
2 lbs
Number of feeding ports
16
Materials
Metal, plastic
5
Best Bird Feeder for Small Birds
Mosloly Caged Bird Feeder
5
Best Bird Feeder for Small Birds
Mosloly Caged Bird Feeder
Now 14% Off
If your feathered friends tend to be on the small side, (say, finches or sparrows), this tube-style feeder has a metal cage around it, preventing bigger birds (and squirrels!) from getting in. (Just be aware that squirrels may be able to access loose seeds at the base.) On the bottom, there’s a manual shut-off switch to close off three of the four ports , which prevents the bottom tray from filling up. If you still want seeds in the tray, there’s also a switch at the bottom which releases the seeds into the tray. The large polycarbonate tube holds up to 3 pounds of seed, though the brand does note that the type of seed will affect how much can fit in the tube.
Feeder type
Tube with cage
Dimensions
8.25″ x 8.25″ x 16.5″
Weight
4.05 lbs
Capacity
3 lbs
Number of feeding ports
4
Materials
Iron, metal, polycarbonate
6
Best Window Bird Feeder
DY-SKTY Transparent Window Bird Feeder
6
Best Window Bird Feeder
DY-SKTY Transparent Window Bird Feeder
Now 47% Off
Ever heard of cat TV? The idea is playing videos of birds and squirrels to give your cat something to watch if they don’t go outside. As nice as that idea is, if you don’t want your cat watching a screen all day, then something like this window feeder is a fantastic real-life version. Five suction cups stick to the window, the feed tray pulls out for easy cleaning and there are drainage holes at the bottom to help ensure the feed stays dry and safe to eat. Plus, it’s completely transparent (aside from the padded ledge) so you can observe birds from multiple angles. According to reviews, the suction cups are plenty sturdy, with just one reviewer noting that it popped off during a bad storm. Only thing: There’s no real way that it can keep out squirrels, so you might have to shoo some off.
Feeder type
Window mounted
Dimensions
8.85″ x 8.39″ x 3.62″
Weight
1.39 lbs
Capacity
Not listed
Number of feeding ports
N/A
Materials
Glass, acrylic
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7
Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Brome Squirrel Buster Standard Feeder
7
Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
Brome Squirrel Buster Standard Feeder
As cute as those puffy tails might be, squirrels can be an absolute menace when it comes to bird feeders. Unless there are specific measures in place to keep them out, they will find a way into that feed. This tube-style bird feeder from Brome is weight-activated, so when something heavy enough (i.e. a squirrel) climbs onto the feeder, it forces down a mesh shroud that blocks off the feeding ports — without harming the squirrel. “The mesh design creates plenty of room for air circulation, which should help prevent excess moisture from causing food to go moldy,” adds DiClerico. The mesh also provides birds with another spot to grab onto in addition to the standard four perches. The brand recommends filling with black oil sunflower seeds or safflower seeds, which can attract finches, blue jays and cardinals. It is on the more expensive side, but if you find that squirrels are always up in your feeder’s business, chances are you’ll make the money back in saved feed.
Feeder type
Tube
Dimensions
8″ x 8″ x 10″
Weight
1.6 lbs
Capacity
1.3 lbs
Number of feeding ports
4
Materials
Plastic
How we choose the best bird feeders
What to look for when shopping for the best bird feeder
Bird feeders come in a ton of different shapes, sizes and styles to appeal to an array of native birds.
✔️ Type: The shape and features of a bird feeder can determine what kind of birds you can attract. Seed will entice different birds than fruit and nuts will. If you’re interested in drawing a wide variety of species, consider a feeding station that can house multiple types of feeders in one.
Tube feeder: This cylinder shape is either designed with ports or mesh sides to allow birds to access the seed. Tube feeders tend to attract smaller species like finches.
Suet feeder: Its trap-like cage is filled with high-energy food in the form of fat for birds that don’t usually go for seed. “Species of woodpeckers, nuthatches, titmice, chickadees, and even other species, like the Pine Warbler, can be attracted to suet in the right place,” Witko says.
Tray feeder: While your first thought might not be just a simple platform tray since there’s no way to prevent squirrels from jumping up there, some birds, like jays, doves, grosbeaks, and some sparrows prefer them. Witko mentions that those in regions in the Southwest might have success attracting quails by placing tray feeders closer to the ground.
Nectar feeder: Made for hummingbirds and orioles, this specialized feeder holds a sugar-water mixture instead of seed. According to Witko, “There’s no need to purchase pre-made red-dyed nectar for hummingbirds. Just make a simple solution by dissolving one part table sugar (not raw) into four parts boiling water and letting it cool.”
✔️ Pest prevention: Unfortunately, the reality of having a bird feeder is also dealing with squirrels eager to steal the bird feed. It’s a good idea to look for a feeder that takes some form of measure to keep squirrels out, whether it be a manual switch, a baffle or a weight-triggered barrier.
✔️ Capacity: The amount a feeder can hold determines how often you have to refill it. If you don’t want to fill it every single day, then opt for a bigger feeder. If you don’t mind refilling daily, then you’ll be fine with a smaller sized feeder. No matter what size you go with, make sure the feed stays dry and mold-free to keep the birds healthy and happy.
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How often should you clean a bird feeder?
It depends on whether it’s a seed- or nectar-based feeder, but in a nutshell: more often than you think. “Regular bird-feeder cleaning is crucial to maintaining a healthy feeding environment for the birds,” says Witko who advises that seed feeders should be cleaned every two weeks or more frequently in hot or humid weather to prevent bacteria growth. As for tray feeders which can cause wet seed that can lead to sprouting or mold, more frequent cleaning necessary. Suet feeders should be cleaned with each refill, while
For any type of feeder, Witko recommends using mild soap and water or a 9:1 water-to-bleach solution for sanitization. He also notes that the feeder must be completely dry before refilling to prevent bacterial growth.
What’s the best place to put a bird feeder?
The most important factor to keep in mind is choosing a spot that keeps the birds safe. In order to prevent window collisions, Witko recommends positioning the feeder either less than 3 feet from your house or more than ten feet from away. You can also install exterior window screens to make reflective glass more visible to birds. He also suggests growing native plants in your yard that can provide natural nesting environments and bring in other types of food like bugs for birds in addition to using a bird feeder.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Abigail Bailey (she/her) has a M.S. in Publishing Digital and Print Media from New York University and writes about a wide range of products for Good Housekeeping from smart blinds to garment bags and dehumidifiers. While birds kind of freak her out, she’s always appreciated the first cardinal of the season.
Having written thousands of product evaluations and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership including routine maintenance and major renovations, Dan DiClerico (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
Assistant to the General Manager
Abigail (she/her) covers everything from kitchen gear to mattresses and smart blinds for the Institute, as well as assisting the General Manager in any number of projects. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a B.A. in creative writing, as well as earning her M.S. in publishing digital and print media from New York University. Before GH, she worked at LSU Press and The Southern Review literary magazine. In her free time you can discover her quilting, cross-stitching or attempting to determine how to squeeze another bookshelf in her small apartment or condo.
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