Looking for the best bird feeder to add to your yard? You can choose from different types of bird feeders depending on your aesthetic preference and the types of birds you wish to attract.
Many are unaware that the type of bird feeder you put in your yard could influence the species you attract. Below, we’ll cover the different kinds of bird feeders available, taking a closer look at the unique features of each so you know which winged visitors they’ll attract. We’ll even go over what is the best bird feed and other helpful tips to attract birds to your feeder.
Get the smart bird feeder, the Bird Buddy, to feed and easily observe the feathered friends who visit your yard.
Hopper Bird Feeder
The first bird feeder type we’d like to discuss is the hopper variety. These feeders can hold a large amount of bird seed, appealing to various bird species and requiring less frequent refills.
Plus, its covered design helps to keep seeds dry and protected from the elements. Thus, it might be the best hanging bird feeder if you live in an area with a lot of precipitation.
Platform Bird Feeder
Platform bird feeders provide an open feeding surface, making them accessible to a wide variety of bird species. The best platform bird feeders have a simple yet versatile design. They may sit on the ground, be hung up, or affixed to a deck railing or pole.
Birds that like platform feeders include ground-feeding birds and larger species. So, consider a platform feeder if you’re looking for the best bird feeder for large birds.
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Window Bird Feeder
Window bird feeders might appeal to you if you’re interested in close-up birdwatching from the comfort of your home. These feeders are designed with transparent materials that attach directly to your window, offering a unique view of visiting birds.
Window feeders also help birds notice that a window is in front of them, preventing collisions.
Smart Bird Feeder
Smart bird feeders, like the Bird Buddy, use technology to track and identify birds visiting the feeder. You can think of them as a combination of the first three bird feeders we’ve covered so far. They provide the same seed protection as a hopper feeder, the easy access of a platform feeder, and the viewing pleasure of a window feeder.
Just as the Tempest Home Weather System enhances local weather forecasts, a smart bird feeder can optimize the bird-watching experience. It provides valuable data for bird enthusiasts that other types of feeders cannot provide.
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Hummingbird Bird Feeder
As the name might suggest, a hummingbird feeder is specifically designed for hummingbirds, though it may attract other types of birds like orioles. It uses nectar or sugar water to attract birds rather than seeds or dried fruits and comes in various shapes, designs, and sizes.
These feeders typically have some sort of red element, which helps to attract hummingbirds since the nectar inside is clear.
Tube Bird Feeder
Tube bird feeders are designed with multiple feeding ports, making them ideal for attracting smaller birds like house finches and chickadees. However, tube feeders with larger perches could also attract larger bird species.
One advantage of tube feeders is that they keep seeds clean and dry while offering easy access for birds. In many cases, the best tube bird feeders will feature some sort of closed seed access or metal cages to prevent squirrels and other small animals from eating all the birdseed.
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Suet Bird Feeder
Suet bird feeders are unique because they hold a specific type of feed called suet cakes. These are high-energy food sources that attract birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches. Suet feeders are particularly useful in colder months or regions where birds need extra fat and energy.
Nyjer Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for the best bird feeders for small birds, consider the Nyjer bird feeder. They are designed to hold nyjer seed, a favorite of finches and other small songbirds. The feeder’s small feeding ports prevent seed waste and cater to finches’ petite beaks.
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How To Attract Birds To A Feeder
Knowing what attracts birds to bird feeders isn’t just dependent on the feeder type alone. You must consider additional factors like proper feeder placement and researching what bird food attracts birds most in your area. Here are some tips on making feeders more appealing to local bird populations:
- Choose the right feed: Make sure to use the appropriate food for your chosen feeder. Otherwise, birds may have difficulty accessing the food and likely won’t revisit.
- Proper feeder placement: It’s best to place the feeder in a safe location with good visibility so birds can watch for predators. Adding some sort of shade or shelter can help attract birds on a sunny day.
- Add a water source: Birds enjoy water, so placing the feeder near a bird bath or other water feature can help attract them to your yard.
- Consider your climate: Choose the appropriate feeder to accommodate the bird species in your climate zone.
- Keep the feeder clean: Don’t let soggy or old feed sit in your feeder. Wipe the feeder down regularly and replace uneaten food as needed.
Watch Birds At Your Smart Bird Feeder With The Bird Buddy
It’s always fun to catch birds eating from your feeders in the moment. However, there are plenty of instances where birds use the feeders without your knowledge, meaning you could miss the opportunity to spot a rare species or a specific bird you’ve been looking for.
With a smart bird feeder like the Bird Buddy, this won’t be the case. Featuring an AI-powered camera and mobile app, you’ll always know which feathered friends are visiting the feeder. It comes in either blue or yellow and is a classic home style that will look great in any garden or yard.
If you’re looking for other smart technology to enhance your outdoor monitoring, shop the Tempest Home Weather System. It replaces multiple types of weather instruments into one discrete personal weather station, delivering a guaranteed better forecast for making weather-driven decisions.