The Consensus 5 Best Bird Feeders, According To Nature Lovers

Attracting colorful feathered friends to your backyard can be a delightful and rewarding experience. Bird feeders provide a vital source of food and sustenance for birds, especially during harsh winter months, and bring a touch of life and beauty to your outdoor space. But with a vast array of bird feeder styles and features on the market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This article delves into the different types of bird feeders available, explores the factors to consider when making your selection, and highlights some of the best options to suit your needs and attract a variety of birds to your backyard.

And there are great benefits to having bird feeders. Did you know that being around birds makes people happier and boosts mental well-being? A study by scientists at King’s College London reports that seeing or hearing birds provides uplifting feelings that can last for up to eight hours! So that got us wondering, what are some of the best bird feeders to set up outside for your feathered friends to enjoy? StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best bird feeders for your backyard, based on the consensus from 10 expert websites. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!

The List: Best Bird Feeders, According to Experts

1. Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder

This feeder gets rave reviews on Amazon. “This is the best bird feeder for up-close bird watching, since it not only sticks to your window—which you can do at eye level—it’s also completely clear for you to witness every movement the birds make,” points out USA Today.

This feeder features “a large removable tray that holds four cups of bird seed, it’s equipped with smart drainage holes and an overhang to keep everything fresh and dry,” according to Woman’s Day.

“The perch is wide and padded to make it comfortable for the birds and it also has a covered top to protect the contents of the feeder as well as the visitors from the elements. It attaches to the window with 3 heavy duty suction cups that do not fall off if you follow the instructions and install them on a clean surface,” notes Bird Feeder Hub.

2. Brome Squirrel Solution200 Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder

Bird feeders tend to attract a host of other animals like squirrels to your open space. This feeder helps to prevent those pesky squirrels from stealing the birdseed. “The openings in the cover align with the feeding ports, providing birds easy access to the food. However, when a squirrel climbs onto the feeder, its weight automatically forces the cover down, closing access to the ports without harming the animal,” notes Bob Vila.

It features a tube that keeps the seeds contained, protecting the food from moisture. The feeder’s base has perforations that help with airflow. “This helps protect the seeds from dangerous bacteria and fungus growth. It also holds a reasonable amount of seed — enough to last a day or two,” adds Tech Gear Lab.

What birdies will come flying to this feeder? The Brome feeder attracts smaller birds like finches, titmice and chickadees. Reviewers do note it’s harder to clean.

3. Nature’s Way Cedar Platform Tray Bird Feeder

For an affordable price, The Spruce calls this the “best platform” feeder adding that it’s “ideal for attracting all sizes of birds to your yard. The cedar platform is coated with a water-based protective stain, which provides resistance to rot and insects.” 

“The feeder works best in a sheltered area, like a covered patio, to protect the seeds from rain,” points out Bob Vila. Two things to consider; this feeder isn’t squirrel-proof and it doesn’t come with the hardware to hang it with.

4. Aspects HummZinger HighView Hanging Hummingbird Feeder

As you may have guessed from its name, this feeder is great for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. “This feeder’s nifty ‘HighView’ perch allows birds to rest during their mealtime, giving you more chances to snap a photo. You can also remove the red top for quick cleaning,” according to The Pioneer Woman.

Plus, the HummZinger features an ant moat to keep insects at bay. “Reviewers give it high marks for its moat and its slim feeder-port design, which together help to keep ants and wasps away from the syrup inside,” adds The New York Times.

5. Perky-Pet 391 Metal Tube Wild Bird Feeder

For a bargain, the Perky-Pet is an affordable way to enjoy a bird feeding hobby. It has six feeding ports with perches and the plastic comes apart easily to clean. “The bright blue 18-inch-long tube is made from durable powder-coated metal that is rust-resistant. It holds up to a pound of bird feed and can be hung from a sturdy, built-in metal hanger,” according to Insider.

“Keep in mind that this bird feeder isn’t squirrel-proof. To prevent squirrels from jumping onto the feeder and stealing all the birdseed, you’ll need to hang it at least 10 feet away from nearby trees, shrubs, or other structures,” notes Better Homes & Gardens.

Sources:

• USA Today
• Woman’s Day
• Bird Feeder Hub
• Bob Vila
• Tech Gear Lab
• The Spruce
• The Pioneer Woman
• The New York Times
• Insider
• Better Homes & Gardens

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.