Top Tips on Using a Bird Feeder

For example, Oriole feeders are usually orange and contain artificial nectar and fruits to lure the birds. Hummingbird feeders, on the other hand, dispense sweet, red liquid meant to mimic nectar. Some birds are attracted to corn, sunflower seeds, or suet, which features seeds, nuts, and fruit in animal fat. Woodpeckers, goldfinches, cardinals, jays, wrens, starlings and other birds all favor suet, which is usually dispensed in cakes placed in hanging metal mesh baskets.

It is quite common to mix types of bird feeders in order to attract a good variety of birds. The best way to determine what kind of feeder and what kind of feed you need to use in your own backyard is to do some research on the birds common to your area. This can be accomplished with a good birding guidebook, from online sources, or from talking to an expert at a local wild bird store.

The Various Types of Bird Feeders

Birdfeeders should never be bought based on your tastes but on that of the birds you hope to observe. Buying a feeder based on appearance alone does not take into consideration the feeding habits of various species. The most common forms of feeders include the following:

Platform Feeders

Platform bird feeders look like a flat tray and may include a water container. Usually the platform is a base of tight wire mesh attached to a wooden frame. The platform may or may not have short legs. Birds that enjoy these feeders include cardinals, doves, juncos, chickadees, and sparrows.

Tube Feeders

Tube feeders are plastic cylinders with holes and perches placed strategically up and down their length. They are commonly hung from tree limbs or house eaves but can also be placed on a bird feeder pole. Almost all "perching" birds will be attracted to a tube feeder.

Hopper Feeders

Hopper bird feeders look like a box and are outfitted with a roof that protects the seeds stored inside. Gravity dispenses the seeds automatically through slots at the bottom of the box as birds feed. Most "song" and "perching" birds will use a hopper feeder, but unfortunately, they are also a favorite with squirrels!

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