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If you’re new to bird-watching, it’s important to know that climate, location, and feed type will certainly play a big role in what kinds of visitors your bird feeder gets. But setting up the right bird feeder will also go a long way in attracting the types of bird species you want to see, and the myriad choices can get pretty overwhelming.
That’s why we scoured thousands of customer reviews and compared dozens of new and popular models to bring you our list of the best bird feeders of 2024. We even spoke with Chris Earley, Interpretive Biologist and Education Coordinator at The Arboretum, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, and the author of Feed the Birds: Attract and Identify 196 Common North American Birds, who gave us additional insight into the fascinating world of bird-watching.
Ultimately, the title for best bird feeder overall goes to the Droll Yankees Squirrel-Proof Wild Bird Feeder, which has thousands of positive reviews and a mix of so many features that birders love, like large seed capacity and a squirrel-proof design.
That said, there are still plenty of options in other categories, too—from window feeders to hummingbird feeders. Read on to find one (or more) that’s right for you.
(The 8 best bird-watching binoculars—for beginners and enthusiasts)
Our picks for the best bird feeders
The best bird feeders of 2024
Best bird feeder overall: Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Wild Bird Feeder
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Simply put, this hanging bird feeder from Droll Yankees has everything you’d want in a feeder. It features a classic tube design that holds up to 5 pounds of seed at once, which means you won’t be constantly running to refill it. The Yankee Flipper also has four ample feeding ports, which allow multiple birds to feed around it at once. Perhaps the best part, though, is its weight-activated rotating perch, which prevents pesky squirrels from taking over. (When one of them hops on, the perch begins to spin and gently tosses them off before they have a chance to steal any seed.)
If the name Droll Yankees sounds familiar, that’s because it’s become a trusted name in bird feeding over the past 50 years, and its feeders are constantly making “best of” lists. On Amazon alone, this feeder has over 5,200 positive reviews and earns high marks for its durability, performance, and overall value.
Keep in mind: At more than $100, this feeder is definitely an investment, but birders say it’s “worth every penny” for its quality. Just be aware that the large seed capacity makes it heavy when filled, so you’ll want to secure it to a sturdy hook or pole before hanging it.
Product details: Best for what type of birds: Small birds, including cardinals, finches, and jays | Setup: Hang at least 4 feet off the ground and fill seed from the lift-off lid on top | Type: Tube feeder
Best squirrel-proof bird feeder: Squirrel Buster
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Half the battle of creating a good feeding station is making sure the squirrels don’t turn it into their own personal diner. Enter the Squirrel Buster—a tried-and-true tube feeder with a near-perfect rating on Amazon. Similar to the Yankee Flipper, it has a weight-activated perch that gets triggered whenever a squirrel leaps on and automatically closes the six feeding ports. You can even adjust the perch size to attract different-sized birds.
The Squirrel Buster also features a removable cardinal ring, designed specifically to attract the redbird since they prefer to face their food when eating.
Keep in mind: While it successfully thwarts squirrels, you may have to watch out for other clever critters.
“Be sure to hang it from something that is raccoon-proof,” says Earley, who calls the Squirrel Buster one of his all-time “favorite” feeders. “One backyard Raccoon figured out how to lift mine and drop it to the ground to get the seed inside.” (Luckily, it survived the drop, and Earley solved the problem by adding a clamp to the hook.)
Product details: Best for what type of birds: Small birds, including cardinals and finches | Setup: Hang at least 4 feet off the ground and fill with up to 5.1 pounds of black oil sunflower seed | Type: Tube feeder
(Which birds dominate at your feeder? Take our quiz to find out.)
Best bird feeder for cardinals: Perky Pet Red Cardinal Bird Feeder
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Birds tend to be attracted to their own colors, which is why cardinals, in particular, will make a beeline for this bright red feeder. A mesh cage and 360-degree seed tray also attract other small clinging birds while deterring squirrels.
The rust-resistant metal can withstand all sorts of weather outside and the large overhang provides small birds with coverage while eating. It also collapses down easily if you ever need to store it inside, and it’s a simple yet affordable option for any cardinal lover.
Keep in mind: The feeder holds up to 2.5 pounds of seeds, but some Amazon reviewers noted that it must be used with black oil sunflower seed or something similar in size. Smaller feed will easily slip through the mesh openings and cause seed waste.
Product details:Best for what type of birds: Small birds, especially cardinals | Setup: Fill the wide-mouthed opening with feed and hang from built-in hook | Type: Surface feeder
Best bird feeder for hummingbirds: Birds Choice Hummerfest Hummingbird Feeder
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Just like cardinals, hummingbirds love the color red; however, in addition to bugs, a good amount of their diet also comes from flower nectar. This affordable and lightweight feeder is designed with all that in mind.
The red translucent top is made to attract hummingbirds from near and far, and once they get closer, they can feed from one of six different nectar ports—each with its own individual perch and a rain deflector to prevent contamination. There’s even a built-in ant moat designed to keep insects away.
Customers also say that refilling and cleaning the feeder is a breeze. Simply open the top to fill it with up to 12 ounces of nectar water, and once when it gets dirty, pop it in the dishwasher.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers did note that the nectar reservoir could be larger. They also suggest hanging the feeder by flower beds to increase your chances of attracting more birds.
Product details: Best for what type of birds: Small birds, especially hummingbirds | Setup: Fill with nectar and hang or mount it on a ⅝ inch wooden dowel or pole | Type: Hanging feeder
Best bird feeder with a camera: Bird Buddy Smart Feeder
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: The Bird Buddy makes backyard bird-watching both fun and informative and will likely get the entire family in on the action. After downloading the app on your phone, you’ll get notifications every time your Bird Buddy gets a visitor, and the solar-powered smart camera will take video and still photos so you don’t miss a sighting.
The AI-powered software will even tell you what kind of bird stopped by—along with interesting facts about it—and drop helpful hints about attracting different birds in the future. Amazon reviewers say they love the high-quality images they get from their smart feeder, as well as the excitement that comes with each new notification.
Keep in mind: As cool as these smart bird feeders are, they still utilize new technology and can experience glitches. Reviews are mixed when it comes to performance, with some customers reporting connectivity issues. At nearly $300, the Bird Buddy is also pricey and has a smaller seed reservoir (3.8 cups), which may require frequent refills.
Product details: Best for what type of birds: Variety of small birds | Setup: Wall mount and refill seed from the top | Type: Smart feeder
Best window bird feeder: Nature’s Hangout Acrylic Window Feeder
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Windowsill bird feeders are a great option for anyone who wants to view wild birds up close without leaving their home or doesn’t have the yard space to hang a large feeder. While there are lots of lightweight acrylic window feeders on the market, this one has more than 22,000 positive reviews on Amazon for being well-made, durable, and perfect for year-round use.
For starters, it comes with three eco-strong suction cups that firmly grip any window pane and are 100% translucent, so you can easily watch feathered visitors come and go from all angles. There’s also a removable and easy-to-clean food tray with drainage holes and two separate compartments for mealworms, sunflower seeds, and more. Cat owners especially love the Nature’s Hangout feeder for all the entertainment it provides their pets year-round.
Keep in mind: However, if you’re not into acrylic feeders, you may want to check out Birds Choice SNWM200 Window Mount Platform as an alternative. The open-style platform feeder allows birds to land on its perch from any angle and feed from the mesh food reservoir in the center. As an added bonus, it’s made from recycled plastic right in the United States.
Product details: Best for what type of birds: Variety of small birds, including finches, bluebirds, and cardinals | Setup: Suction cup to glass window pane and fill center with bird seed | Type: Windowsill bird feeder
Best bird feeder pole: Gray Bunny 91” Bird Feeder Pole
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: If you want to create the ultimate bird feeder station, look no further. This 91-inch feeder pole from Gray Bunny will turn your backyard into its own little bird sanctuary. It comes with seven different attachments, which allow you to set up various kinds of feeders and accessories at different heights to attract a wide variety of birds.
More than 6,000 Amazon shoppers have given it a positive review, with most of them praising its easy assembly and how versatile it is.
Keep in mind: Reviews were mixed on the pole’s stability, with some customers saying it’s just as sturdy as the day they bought it and others saying it doesn’t handle harsh winds and other weather very well. That said, it does have a five-pronged stabilizer base to firmly keep it in the ground.
Product details:Best for what type of birds: Small birds including Junco, Woodpecker, Hummingbirds | Setup: Stake base firmly into ground before adding feeder attachments and seed/water | Type: Stake
Best bird feeder for orioles: Birds Choice Recycled Oriole Bird Feeder
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Orioles need open and accessible feeders they can easily land on since they can’t hover in mid-air like hummingbirds while they eat. The fact that this feeder features two open sides, plenty of perch space, and a translucent roof makes it easier for them to access than other traditional feeders. Plus, it comes in the oriole’s favorite color—eye-catching orange—which they’ll easily spot from the sky.
Unlike seed-dispensing feeders, this one is made for fruit-feeding birds and has two removable 3-ounce cups inside that you can fill with grape jelly. It also features small pegs to hold the oriole’s other favorite snack: fresh orange slices. Another bonus? It’s constructed from durable recycled poly lumber and was made right in the USA.
Keep in mind: While you will need to refill the feeder regularly to attract new birds, it will certainly pay off. Birders say they see lots of other feathered visitors in their feeder, too, like woodpeckers and finches, who enjoy the grape jelly just as much as the orioles.
Product details: Best for what type of birds: Fruit-feeding birds, especially orioles | Setup: Hang the feeder by its sturdy cable, either by pole or hook and place fresh fruit or jelly in cups | Type: Hanging feeder
Best bird feeder for bluebirds: Erva Bluebird Feeder with Mealworm Cup
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY AMAZON
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Mealworms are rich in nutrients and beloved by bluebirds everywhere, which is why they’re the perfect way to welcome the pretty blue bird into your yard. This durable suet feeder has a feeder cup at the center of its metal cage, so bluebirds can safely munch on mealworms without the threat of other predators. As for that eye-popping blue color, that’s certainly no accident. Bluebirds are attracted to their own color and will spot the bright blue roof of this Erva feeder from high up in the air.
Many Amazon reviewers also liked its durable design and the fact that it keeps out starlings but not blues, which is rare.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers did say the mealworm cup felt a bit small, but a few people improvised by adding a larger cup or dish of their own inside the cage.
Product details:Best for what type of birds: Bluebirds, cardinals, orioles | Setup: Fill cup inside cage with mealworms before hanging it from a tree branch or mounting it on a pole | Type: Suet feeder
How we chose the best bird feeders
With so many bird feeders on the market, sifting through the options is no small task. We did the legwork for you by reading through customer reviews, consulting an expert, and comparing the pros and cons of various types of feeding systems.
Third-party reviews: We pored through countless Amazon reviews and dug deep into the pros and cons of each bird feeder to get unbiased opinions from real customers.
Brand reputation: While we always take into account new and noteworthy products, we were careful to weigh them against tried-and-true brands that experienced birders keep coming back to.
Material: It’s important to know how and where your products are made. While coming up with our list, we gave added weight to products made sustainably with recycled materials.
Durability: A solid bird feeder is one that can hold up to Mother Nature 24/7, all year long. We zeroed in on products that were given high ratings for their durability and overall performance in snow, rain, wind, and more.
Bird friendliness: It may go without saying, but bird-watching should be about the birds. That’s why we focused on feeders that were clearly made with the bird’s happiness in mind—from comfort level to accessibility to color.
Types of bird feeders
We break down the basic categories of bird feeders, as well as the pros and cons you might want to consider before purchasing one for your yard.
Ground feeders
Ground feeders—sometimes called tray or platform feeders—are exactly what they sound like: large feeding troughs filled with bird seed that are only slightly elevated from the ground. On the plus side, all kinds of birds can enjoy them, including turkeys, grouse, and quail.
But that also means squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and other animals are able to access them as well, which could pose problems. According to Earley, these feeders are easily covered by snow in the winter and can make small birds more vulnerable to prey since they’re close to the ground.
Sunflower seed tube feeders
Tube feeders are among the most popular bird feeders for a few reasons. For one thing, they can store a lot of seed inside, so less filling is needed, and they attract a wide variety of birds. They can also be hung up pretty much anywhere, from a branch to a pole to a hook.
Tube feeders are usually good at keeping larger birds and squirrels away, too, due to their small perches. This makes them a haven for smaller birds, like bluebirds and cardinals, much to the bird-watcher’s delight. That said, Earley notes that these feeders often need to be cleaned since the seed can become moldy in damp weather.
Hopper feeders
A hopper feeder is what most people might think of as a traditional bird feeder, which is shaped like a house. (Hence, the reason it’s sometimes referred to as a house feeder.) The hopper is at the center of the “house,” and it’s filled with seed that slowly dispenses into a tray as it gets eaten. It’s typically a simple design that attracts small birds like finches, sparrows, and jays.
Suet feeders
Suet feeders have wire cages that hold a suet cake, or chunk of raw meat, inside. The metal cage protects the suet from larger animals while allowing small birds like woodpeckers and chickadees to peck away at the food through each open square. In addition to being highly nutritious, these feeders can be used all year-round and are particularly good in the fall and winter months.
Thistle feeders
Thistle feeders are designed to attract smaller birds, such as finches, to them. They hold what’s known as Nyjer seed, which is a small black seed cultivated in Africa and Asia. At first glance, they look similar to tube feeders, except the feed is held behind a mesh wire cylinder with small openings that are best for tiny beaks.
Is it okay to feed birds?
According to the Humane Society, as long as you’re not offering food that would bring them harm, feeding wild birds in your backyard is perfectly safe. Some studies have even shown it to be beneficial in helping birds during migration periods or particularly harsh winters.
“One study found that birds with access to bird feeders had higher antioxidant levels, faster feather growth and lower stress levels than birds without feeders,” notes Earley.
That said, wild birds do not actually need backyard feeders to survive.
“They are adapted to their environment and can do well without us,” Earley explains. “However, bird feeders allow us to watch birds and get to know them and that positive experience makes us feel more connected to the natural world, and that means we want to protect it. This, in turn, helps birds and all wildlife.”
“Feeders do increase disease transmission, though, and so it is very important to keep feeders clean and use fresh seed,” the biologist adds. “As well, if you see birds at your feeder that are unwell and sickly, you should consider taking your feeders down for a couple of weeks in case there is an avian disease outbreak in your area.”
Frequently asked questions
Do birds like feeders high or low?
“This really depends on the species of bird, but most birds like being in the open so they can see if a predator is approaching,” says Earley. “This would be more important than feeder height.”
In general, though, the height of the feeder is more about stopping squirrels and other animals from stealing the feed. This is why many brands will recommend that you hang the feeder 4 feet or higher from the ground, since 4 feet is about how high most squirrels can jump.
Earley adds that you’ll want to make sure some sort of cover or refuge is nearby so birds can escape larger prey like hawks. At the same time, “you don’t want cover on the ground too close to the feeder where a cat could hide and dash out and grab one of your diners,” he explains.
What bird seeds attract the most birds?
“The number one choice for most birds is sunflower seed,” Earley shares. “Black oil sunflower seed is the best choice, though having sunflower pieces out of the shell is very popular, too. White millet is also a good choice, especially for sparrows, towhees, juncos and doves.”
Are bird feeders better in the sun or shade?
That depends on where you live, says Earley.
“If you live in a very hot, sunny place, shade may be preferred,” he explains. “If you live in a place with a lot of precipitation, then having your feeder in the sun will help the seed dry out before it has a chance to go moldy.”
Kaitlin Stanford is a freelance writer and editor from New York. She’s written on a wide range of topics from news to women’s health and e-commerce for media outlets including Yahoo, Parents, and Bustle.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.
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