Designed for birds that forage on the ground, these feeders typically consist of a flat platform or tray that can be set directly on the ground or patio.
Larger birds typically enjoy these feeders such as American Robins, Mourning Doves, Dark-eyed Juncos, American Crows, and Northern Cardinals.
You can place almost anything in these feeders, but foods such as mealworms, whole peanuts, mixed seeds, and fruits are sure to attract birds that wouldn’t otherwise visit a hanging feeder.
Built to hold larger amounts of bird food, hopper feeders have a central storage area with walls, a roof, and openings at the base that release food as birds feed. This design keeps food dry and protected from the elements.
Birds like Northern Cardinals, finches, and Chickadees commonly use hopper feeders, drawn by the easy access to food.
Hopper feeders are perfect for holding mixed seeds, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. This variety appeals to many birds, making it a versatile choice for backyard birders!
Specially designed for hummingbirds, nectar feeders are typically red with small ports and perches, mimicking the colors that attract these tiny, energetic birds.
Only hummingbirds and a few other pollinators, like orioles, use nectar feeders, as they're drawn to the sugary liquid inside.
These feeders are filled with a simple nectar mix—usually four parts water to one part sugar. Just remember to clean the feeder regularly to prevent mold, keeping it fresh for your winged visitors!
Made for birds that enjoy nuts, these feeders often have wire mesh or cage designs, perfect for holding shelled peanuts in place.
Birds with strong beaks, like Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, and Nuthatches, are frequent visitors to these feeders.
Simply fill the feeder with unsalted, shelled peanuts to attract these feathered friends. This high-energy food is especially popular in colder months when birds need extra fuel!
Platform feeders are versatile and consist of a simple, open tray that can be placed on a stand or hung, allowing easy access to birds.
These feeders attract a wide range of birds, including Cardinals, Sparrows, Finches, and even larger birds like Blue Jays and Mourning Doves. However, larger birds prefer platform feeders on a stand for stability.
You can fill platform feeders with a variety of foods—mixed seeds, nuts, fruits, and even berries. This makes them a favorite for many backyard visitors year-round!
Suet cage feeders are designed to hold suet cakes, a high-energy food source perfect for birds, especially in colder months when food is scarce.
These feeders attract woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, and other clinging birds, providing them with a spot to perch and enjoy the suet.
Suet cakes come in different flavors and can include ingredients like seeds, berries, and even insects—offering a nutrient-dense treat for many backyard birds!
Suet feeders with tail props are designed to hold suet cakes while providing additional support for larger birds, like woodpeckers, that use their tails for balance while feeding.
These feeders attract woodpeckers, especially larger species such as pileated woodpeckers.
Suet cakes can come in various flavors and often contain seeds, berries, and insects, offering a rich energy source for birds during colder months when natural food sources are limited!
Tube feeders are designed to hold smaller seeds and are perfect for attracting a variety of small to medium-sized songbirds to your yard.
These feeders attract finches, chickadees, sparrows, and other small perching birds, providing them with multiple ports to access the seeds.
Tube feeders can be filled with different types of seeds, such as nyer, safflower, or sunflower seeds, allowing you to cater to the preferences of specific bird species.