Top 5 Best Bird Feeders in 2023: Reviews and Buying Guide

IN THIS ARTICLE

• The 5 Best Bird Feeders on the Market
• The Benefits of Having a Bird Feeder
• Types of Bird Feeders
• Factors to Consider When Buying a Bird Feeder
• Tips for Setting Up and Maintaining Your Bird Feeder
• Common Mistakes New Bird Owners Make
• Encourage Our Feathered Friends to Visit
• FAQs

Birdwatching is one of the best ways to connect with nature. By admiring your favorite species and listening to their enchanting songs, you relieve stress and soothe your mind. 

However, did you know there's a way to elevate the experience? The secret lies in setting up a high-quality bird feeder. It attracts even more birds and provides them with healthy food to help enhance their well-being. 

Since bird feeders are so important, you should only look for the best bird feeders. Coming up are the top bird feeders and key considerations when buying these birdwatching accessories. 

The 5 Best Bird Feeders on the Market

Gone are the days when you had to improvise with ineffective makeshift bird feeders. Modern bird feeders are sophisticated to make the work easier and make you even more proud of your hobby. They come in various shapes and sizes, frequently with squirrel-proofing to make birds likelier to stay nearby. You can't go wrong with one of these five best bird feeders.

1. Brome Squirrel Buster Standard Feeder

If you want to keep squirrels from scaring your feathered friends away and stealing their food, consider purchasing one of the best squirrel-proof bird feeders out there – the Brome Squirrel Buster Standard Feeder.

If a squirrel climbs the feeder, it won't be able to access the ports. That's because the feeder is designed to automatically close the shroud due to too much weight. As such, it foils large birds and squirrels without harming them. 

Another feature that makes it a powerful anti-squirrel companion is the chew-proof design. Even if an animal gnaws on the exposed parts, they won't deteriorate. They're made of durable materials that can take a beating. 

Besides being ideal for those worried about squirrels, the Brome Feeder is also great for any bird enthusiast who wants to attract a wider variety of birds. For example, it comes with perches to appeal to many perching birds, such as finches, house sparrows, old world sparrows, and the European goldfinch. Likewise, the built-in wire shroud is perfect for clinging birds, including woodpeckers and nuthatches. 

Moreover, you can adjust the weight of this bird feeder. There's an adjustable mechanism that controls the maximum weight capacity of the shroud. Any animal that's heavier than the threshold triggers a mechanism that closes the shroud.

The feeder even has detachable components. If it gets dirty or soiled, you won't need to replace the item. Instead, you can simply remove individual components without any tools, translating into seamless maintenance.

But like any other feeder, the Brome Feeder isn't flawless. It's a bit on the expensive side and not 100% squirrel-proof. While squirrels and larger birds can't steal food, they can knock it off. You will need to secure the feeder more effectively, which requires more DIY solutions. 

2. Birds Choice SNTP Recycled Single Cake Suet Feeder

Some bird feeders are complex and require a ton of extra equipment to mount. You won't have this problem with the Birds Choice SNTP Recycled Single Cake Suet Feeder. The feeder is super easy to install – just hang it from a tree branch using the built-in rope, and you're good to go. 

In addition, the SNTP Feeder has a feed-friendly design. It has a recognizable shape that birds will get used to in no time and a tail prop that imitates a tree trunk.

Speaking of snacks, this product can't hold too many of those. It only has room for one suet cake, which might not be suitable if you need something with a large feeding capacity.

However, the eco-friendly design of the feeder more than makes up for this, especially if you're an environmentally conscious bird watcher. The poly lumber feeder is built from recycled plastic bottles and jugs. It's also highly robust, thanks to stainless steel screws and corrosion-resistant hinges. 

Furthermore, the recycled exterior looks great, even after months of wildlife exposure. That's because it's designed to resist splitting, fading, and cracking. While more intelligent mammals or large birds might be able to open the top to get to the cake inside, the casing should remain relatively intact for refilling.

Finally, you can use the feeder to lure countless wild birds. The list includes titmice, blue jays, woodpeckers, towhees, chickadees, house and purple finches, and nuthatches. Still, consider buying the manufacturer's Hot Pepper Suet to deter squirrels because the feeder doesn't keep the critters at bay out of the box. 

3. Aspects 367 HummZinger Ultra

If you're only interested in hummingbird feeders, the Aspects 367 HummZinger Ultra might be the right choice. It's a minute product that attracts small species, such as hummingbirds. Also, the color is red (not yellow), meaning the feeder is less likely to attract bees. To double down on the anti-bee design, consider buying Aspects' dedicated bee guards. 

Another impressive quality of the HummZinger is its saucer-shaped body. It allows birds to survey the surrounding landscape better so they can spot any incoming predators on time. 

What's more, the HummZinger Ultra is easy to set up and maintain. You get a super-sturdy brass hook that can endure high winds and squirrels gnawing on its surface. Not only that, but the feeder even has a smooth body that takes just seconds to clean. As a cherry on top, the flowers are raised to divert rain, which helps remove excess weight and prevents getting the nectar wet. 

This feeder is also designed for bird watchers who are tired of replacing various glass parts. The HummZinger Ultra has none of those, reducing the need to buy a new feeder after falls. 

And if you had an ant problem with your previous feeder, you can say goodbye to them with the HummZinger Ultra. Featuring an integrated ant moat, it keeps ants away from the feeder. The moat wraps around the feeder's hanger and has water to repel ants and other small insects. 

The feeder has but a few notable disadvantages. First, the holes are small and the same color as the rest of the feeder, which can make them hard to find. Also, there are no dedicated anti-squirrel features. Even if it doesn't have seeds, a curious squirrel might knock out or break the feeder trying to get in.

4. Droll Yankees 18-inch Onyx Mixed Seed Tube Bird Feeder

When feeding birds, one of your priorities might be to reduce the number of bird seed mix refills. If that's the case, you should go for a high-capacity feeder, like the Droll Yankees 18-inch Onyx Mixed Seed Tube Bird Feeder. 

Thanks to its 6.75x6.75x19.63-inch body, the tube can fit a whopping two pounds of seed. As such, it's the perfect feeder for multiple birds. More importantly, you won't have to refill the feeder as often. 

The Onyx feeder is also extremely versatile. It's compatible with different types of seed mixes, including cracked corn, sunflower kernels, safflower seeds, peanut chunks, and sunflower seeds. Likewise, 180-degree, 2-position ports allow birds to access the tube from different angles. 

Unlike some other feeding stations, this one doesn't discolor over time. The UV-stabilized polycarbonate construction resists fading. Additionally, the product has a heavy-duty base, cap, and ports, all of which have a powder coating to prevent rust. This makes the feeder perfect for cold and wet weather, which is when the risk of rust is at its highest. 

Maintenance-wise, it hardly gets any better than the Onyx feeder. The food trickles down to a removable base that can be easily removed for cleaning. There's even a spring-loaded top that lets you open and close the item one-handed. 

Also, you won't need any bulky equipment when setting up this feeding station. It's shipped with a stainless steel wire you can use to hang the product. Alternatively, any pole mount will do. 

The only significant problem with this feeder is the bottom two feeding holes. Since they are directly on the floor of the feeder, they leave little room for the seeds to escape to the removable base. As a result, some of the food may clump together and clog the system, which may warrant intense cleaning. 

5. Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Hanging Bird Feeder

Rust is a major threat in winter. Frigid temperatures and high moisture can wreak havoc on your bird feeder and increase the risk of corrosion. 

If you live in such a harsh climate, go for the Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Hanging Bird Feeder, one of the best bird feeders for winter. The product has a powder-coated finish that delivers the ultimate rust resistance. Whether your area is prone to rain or snow, you shouldn't have any corrosion-related problems with this feeding station.

Another remarkable feature of this feeder is its capacity. Like the previous entry, it accepts up to 2 pounds of food to eliminate frequent refills and provide flocks of birds with lots of food.

Then there's the user-friendly design. If you mount this feeder, your birds will appreciate the circular perch and tray that enable 360-degree nourishment. On top of that, the product comes with a wide-mouth opening that enables easy cleaning, and there's a transparent reservoir that lets you monitor seed level. 

Maintenance is straightforward too. Whenever you want to clean the inside, simply dump the remaining seeds on the ground for squirrels and other animals to eat. From there, hose down the feeder with water, let it air dry, and put it back in place. 

The biggest flaw of the Perky-Pet Copper Panorama Feeder is the drainage holes. Small seeds can easily clog the ports, keeping the feeder from dispensing more food and making maintenance much more difficult. 

The Benefits of Having a Bird Feeder

There are many differences between the best bird feeders of 2023, but they have one thing in common - they're incredibly beneficial for any birdwatcher. Here's why: 

• Feeders allow you to bond with nature and reduce stress. 
• Feeders supplement birds' natural food sources. 
• Feeders provide birds with plenty of food for migration. 
• Feeders enable adult birds to feed their young ones without coming into contact with birds of prey or other predators.
• Feeders nourish birds during cold months when food is scarce, making them pivotal in avian conservation. 
• They create a reliable spot for birds to get their fill of food, so you have a nearly guaranteed birdwatching spot that you can place where it's visible.

Types of Bird Feeders

Knowing what makes each of the five best bird feeders special is great but not enough for you to make an informed decision. You should also understand different types of feeders because each kind is suitable for a particular application. 

Let's check out the seven most common types of bird feeders. 

Tube Feeders

Tube feeders might be the most popular type of feeder available. Featuring a clear plastic tube, they allow you to monitor the seed level, so you can refill the container just in time. Some of the birds that are often attracted to these feeders include titmice and finches. 

Another great thing about tube feeders is that they can help keep squirrels at bay. That especially holds true if you buy some of the best tube bird feeders with metal feeding ports, which are much more durable and resistant to pests than their plastic counterparts. 

Platform/Tray Feeders

Platform feeders are another popular pick. Also known as tray feeders, they have a more open design, making them ideal for ground-feeding birds. They also lack caps and other closing mechanisms, enabling you to refill the seeds, but this also exposes the food to the elements. Therefore, platform feeders might not make sense if your region is prone to bad weather. 

Hopper Feeders

If you need a bird feeder for larger birds, your feeder should have an expansive design and a tremendous seed capacity. That's exactly what hopper feeders bring to the table. They often store 3-4 pounds of seed and protect them from the elements with their enclosed design. Some even have mini roofs to keep bugs and rodents from entering. 

Hopper feeders work great for many species, but they typically entice sparrows and cardinals. 

Suet Feeders

As the name suggests, suet feeders are designed to hold suet blocks (or "cakes"). Their greatest benefit is that the entire block is edible, resulting in little-to-no remains. Hence, maintaining suet feeders is generally a breeze. 

As for the birds attracted to these feeders, you can expect nuthatches, jays, finches, and woodpeckers, among other species. 

Window Feeders

Then there are window feeders. Whether you have a standard or one of the best window bird feeders available, they can transform the birdwatching experience by bringing your winged friends closer to your home. Attached directly to your window panes, they let you admire birds without leaving your house. 

Don't forget to place window feeders at safe heights (5-6 feet for finches and cardinals; 10 feet for woodpeckers) to prevent bird collisions. 

Hummingbird Feeders

The main highlight of hummingbird feeder is their extremely purposeful design. They normally feature containers where you can store liquid nectar to attract these birds. But this is a double-edged sword since the liquid can cause mold and fermentation. The only way to avoid them is to clean these feeders regularly. 

Oriole Feeders

Like hummingbird feeders, oriole feeders have lots of room for nectar. You can also store jelly and fruits to attract the species and other fruit-loving birds, like finches, bowerbirds, and warblers. Still, frequent cleaning is a must. 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Bird Feeder

The type of feeder isn't the only factor you should consider when purchasing a bird feeder. Here are a few more critical considerations: 

Material and Durability

Steel, iron, copper, and brass feeders are more durable, but they're also harder to maintain than their plastic counterparts. That said, many metal feeders nowadays have powder coating or other forms of protection to safeguard against rust and facilitate cleaning. 

Size and Capacity

To find the right-sized feeder, consider how many birds you wish to watch and their size. For instance, if you're interested in hummingbirds, orioles, or other small species, invest in a small feeder. 

But keep in mind that small feeders require more refills. If that's too big a hassle, consider a high-capacity model. 

Design and Accessibility

One of the purposes of bird feeders is to simplify feeding. Having an intricate, inaccessible feeder would be counterproductive. So, make sure your feeder either has a tray or plenty of ports and perches to make the food easily accessible. 

Predator Prevention

Weight-activated perches are the most popular form of defense against squirrels and other predators. You can also incorporate baffles to keep animals from accessing your feeder in the first place. 

Ease of Cleaning

Birdwatching is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, not something that saps your energy. Still, you can easily grow tired of the hobby if you have a high-maintenance bird feeder. That's why you should look for easy-clean bird feeders. 

More specifically, find a bird feeder with removable parts. You should be able to detach and reattach them with ease when cleaning the tray or tube. 

Tips for Setting Up and Maintaining Your Bird Feeder

Don't put your feet up after buying your bird feeder, as it won't set up and maintain itself. You need to install and keep the feeder in great condition to attract a larger number of birds and help keep them healthy. 

The following tips will let you do just that: 

• Place the feeder high enough for birds to avoid predators but low enough to prevent collisions with other birds. 
• Mount the feeder somewhere you can see and access it within seconds. This lets you keep track of the food level and spot predators before they cause long-term damage. 
• Fill the feeder with suitable bird seeds, depending on the species you wish to attract. For example, woodpeckers are into corn, whereas sparrows enjoy sunflower and safflower. 

Common Mistakes New Bird Owners Make

Yes, you can learn from your own mistakes, but why make them in the first place when you can learn from other bird watcher's mistakes? Avoid the following errors to streamline your bird feeding and make it more enjoyable both for you and your winged companions: 

• Failure to remove moldy seeds from the feeder, which increases the risk of avian diseases.
• Not cleaning the feeder at least once every two weeks.
• Using commercial cleaners and harsh chemicals (e.g., bleach and ammonia) to scour the feeder, which makes the feeding station potentially hazardous.
• Putting bread in the feeder (bread is a low-nutrient snack that provides birds with little-to-no energy and is hard to digest for many species).
• Using a yellow hummingbird feeder close to beehives (bees can be lethal for small birds like hummingbirds).

Encourage Our Feathered Friends to Visit

When shopping for the best bird feeders, it's essential to consider every key aspect of your products. The perfect feeder has the right design for your application and environment. Furthermore, it's made of sturdy materials that allow you to reuse it for multiple seasons. It's also relatively easy to clean, meaning you won't have to get your hands dirty when admiring your winged friends.

The above five products combine most (if not all) of these features. Choose one, and you'll take your birdwatching sessions to a whole new level. 

Finally, what if you fall in love with one of the birds that visit your feeder and decide to make them your pet? If so, you'll need a first-class bird cage, and Quality Cage won't let you down. 

Visit our exotic pet store to discover a bunch of cages for all kinds of animals, including birds. All of which are made of top-tier materials and are incredibly easy to set up.  

FAQs

Is having a bird feeder good for birds?

Yes. A bird feeder can work wonders for birds by providing them with lots of food in cold months and giving them enough energy for migrations. Squirrels, ants, and other pests are attracted to feeders, too, but you can combat them with weight-activated perches. 

How often should I refill my bird feeder?

The ideal frequency depends on the species attracted to the feeder, the bird population in the area, and the season. For example, you should refill your feeder more often if the bird population drops and it's winter. In general, monitor the feed level constantly to refill the tray/tube on time. 

Can bird feeders attract unwanted animals?

Yes. Bird feeders commonly attract squirrels, ants, bees, and other animals. The best way to keep them away from the feeder is to use seed mixes they don't like and to install squirrel baffles. 

Is it possible to overfeed birds?

No. Even if your feeder is brimming, the birds will only eat as much as they need. The only thing to worry about is to provide fresh, clean food, and to provide the right type of feed that provides nourishment rather than just filling the birds' bellies.

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