The Best Bird Feeders
There's nothing like watching birds come and go as they visit your bird feeder. Being surrounded by birdsong, marveling at their patterns and colors, and knowing that we're making another creature's day gives us a warm feeling inside. If you're looking to get a new bird feeder, we have you covered. Keep reading and you'll discover our favorite bird feeders on the market.
What To Look For
In choosing the right bird feeders, we kept a few key guidelines in mind: How much birdseed does it hold? Does it prevent squirrels and large birds from feeding? How easy is it to set up and refill? For example, if squirrels are a big neighborhood problem, you might be interested in Perky Pet’s Squirrel-Be-Gone II or Gray-Bunny’s caged bird feeder to keep those pests away from your birdseed. For a feeder that can be set up in minutes, you’ll want to check out Nature’s Hangout and their clear acrylic bird feeder. Keep reading to learn more about these options and the many others that we’ve rounded up for your bird-feeding needs.
Nature’s Hangout Clear Window Bird Feeder and Weatherproof Bird House
Front row seats
We think one of the best places to hang a bird feeder is right outside a window. That’s why we love this clear birdfeeder from the aptly named Nature’s Hangout. Plenty of birds will be hanging out, that’s for sure, and they’ll love the ample space to perch and chow down. We love that there are drain holes to keep the seeds dry and free of mold. Plus, the tray on the bottom is removable, making this bird feeder a cinch to clean.
Pros:
- When a bird lands on the feeder, they cause it to tap the window, so you know when it’s being used.
- The acrylic is 1/8″ thick, making it lightweight but sturdy enough to withstand heavy rain and wind.
Cons:
- It’s a bit easy for squirrels to get to this feeder, so if possible, put it on a higher window.
Perky-Pet 312B Blue Sparkle Panorama Bird Feeder
To maximize your bird feeding area, we recommend this blue sparkle panorama model. With a 360-degree perch, it has plenty of room for birds to eat in peace. It’s easy to fill, even while still hanging. And while birds have lots of areas to eat, squirrels will have a hard time getting to the birdseed thanks to the screw-on top. What’s more, the top is rust-resistant, ensuring it holds up to years of bird-feeding fun.
Pros:
- At about two pounds, this holds plenty of birdseed.
- The perch sticks out far enough for birds to comfortably stand on. Cardinals, for example, can eat without having to bend over awkwardly.
- This feeder stays upright. It’s heavy enough to hang through tough wind, but not so heavy that it greatly bends smaller branches.
Cons:
- The small hole for the wire at the top might let in some rain.
Gray Bunny Premium Grade Steel Caged Tube Wild Bird Feeder
The bird feeder fortress
If you love birds, you’ve probably already gone through a bird feeder or two. But regular birdfeeders leave seeds and birds exposed to squirrels and cats. With this caged feeder, however, you can breathe a sigh of relief for your feathered friends. It protects the seeds from thieving squirrels. They’ll climb up to it and try to reach the seeds inside to no avail. Squirrels are wily, though, and have been known to pry the lid off if very determined and clever, so you might want to add some lid reinforcement.
Pros:
- There’s enough room for about four cups of birdseed.
- This is a great bird feeder for smaller birds that might get bullied out of eating by larger species.
Cons:
- The occasional smart squirrel might be able to pry the lid open.
Perky-Pet 8lb Squirrel-Be-Gone II Feeder
The ultimate squirrel trap
It’s high time that someone made a truly squirrel-proof birdfeeder — and it has finally happened with the Squirrel-Be-Gone II. You might find yourself getting a good laugh seeing your local gang of squirrels attempting a seed robbery, only to fall off from the weight-activated trap. Once they get the picture, they’ll stop trying. Meanwhile, birds can continue to eat as much as they want. Finches, cardinals, bluejays, and other small- to medium-sized will easily fit onto the perch. And the lid has a locking mechanism, so not even the most ingenious squirrel can open it.
Pros:
- This brass-topped bird feeder withstands the elements, lasting for years with minimal signs of wear.
- There is a clear plastic window so you can check to see if the feeder is running low.
Cons:
- Assembly might be a bit difficult if you’re not adept at construction.
XDW-GIFTS Waterproof Mosaic Lantern Design Bird Feeder
Rainbow radiance
If you want to feed the neighborhood birds, but also add a little color and razzle-dazzle to your yard, this is the feeder to go to. It lights up at night, casting colorful mosaic shadows and acting as a beacon for hungry, flight-weary birds. It holds about four cups of birdseed, and it’s easy to disassemble, refill, and reassemble. With the solar-powered battery and light sensor inside, this feeder turns on automatically at night, with no need for battery replacements, an electrical outlet, or switching on daily.
Pros:
- Even when filled with seeds, this lights up brightly.
- It’s easy to assemble, and easy to refill.
- The top screws on so that pesky squirrels can’t get inside.
Cons:
- We found ourselves wishing the wiring from the lid to the lights was a bit thicker.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best types of birdseed to use in birdfeeders?
For the best general birdseed, we recommend black oil or striped sunflower seeds. Black oil seeds are especially popular among birds due to their high nutritional value and easy-to-open shells.
When do birds use bird feeders most often?
You’ll be more likely to see birds use a feeder in the early morning, around 8 AM to 11 AM, and in the afternoon around 4 PM to 6 PM.
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