15 Types Of Bird Feeders (Updated 2023)

 

Not only can feeding the birds be an entertaining and interesting experience, but it can also help them find food.

You should always be careful as to what you are feeding the birds that you help, but luckily there are plenty of great options out there.

Of course, in order to feed birds, you will first need to find the perfect feeder.

Bird feeders come in a variety of styles and sizes.

The type of feeder that you choose may depend on your yard and the birds that you are trying to attract or the weather conditions that you experience.

If you have decided that taking care of and watching birds is a new hobby, we have all the best types of bird feeders you could need.

Each of the options on our list will offer you a benefit that you will find extremely helpful.

Let’s take a look at 15 types of bird feeders and why you may want each one.

 

15 Types Of Bird Feeders

 

1. Premium Hanging Feeder For Multiple Birds

Hanizi Hanging Bird Feeder Squirrel Proof for Outdoor Wild Bird Seed, Outside, Garden Yard Decoration (Brown) 

 

The bird feeders that we will research and look at are mostly going to be the hanging type.

With these hanging bird feeders, you will notice that the birds can easily grab the food they need, and more than one can congregate at the same time.

Multiple birds all in one location need a large area to perch, and these bird feeders offer that.

In addition, you will find that these hanging feeders are mostly going got be squirrel proof.

Keeping other animals away from your bird feeder is going to help you save lots of money on bird food and make sure you get plenty of bird watching in.

These feeders are typically filled from the top, and as food is eaten, it simply falls to the opening at the bottom and releases more for the birds to access.

Most of the premium hanging feeders are also going to be weatherproof, so the food won’t get soggy when it is left sitting in the feeder.

 

2. Wild Bird Feeder Tube

iBorn Metal Bird Feeders Metal Bird Feeder Copper for Outdoors Hanging All Metal Copper Finishing 14 Inch 4Port(Seed is not Included) 

 

When you look at hanging bird feeders, you will notice that they all have different areas for the birds to rest.

With a tube-type bird feeder, the food can fall directly down, and birds can perch in several different areas.

The wild bird feeder tube is a thinner yet taller design.

It can typically accommodate between three and four birds at a time.

Many of these feeders will come in a copper-type material to ensure that they are made to last for many years.

Filling or refilling a tube-type bird feeder is quite simple.

 

3. Suction Cup Bird Feeder

Window Bird Feeders with Strong Suction Cups, Clear Window Bird Feeder for Outside - Transparent Bird House, Balcony Glass Mount, Acrylic Cat, Kids & Elderly Viewing Clear Bird Feeder for Window Perch 

 

One of the great things about feeding the birds is getting to watch them.

What better place to watch the birds than directly in front of your own window?

Although many homeowners like to put a bird feeder in a tree, hanging the bird feeder directly on the window is also a great option.

These window bird feeders come with a strong suction cup that allows the feeder to stay in place.

You will feel this clear container with food and wait to watch the birds enjoying it in your window.

With the suction cup bird feeder, you will want to attract smaller birds that will not end up causing the suction to detach from the window.

In addition, it makes sense to purchase a squirrel-resistant suction feeder because, otherwise, the squirrel’s weight may knock the feeder down.

 

4. Cardinal Bird Feeder

Kingsyard All Metal Mesh Bird Feeders for Outdoor Hanging, Chew-Proof Heavy Duty Wild Bird Feeder for Black Oil Sunflower Seed, 3 lbs Seed Capacity, Weatherproof Roof (Bronze) 

 

One of the most common types of birds to watch for is cardinals.

The great thing about the cardinal is that it is a beautiful and vibrant red color that is easy to spot.

Having a cardinal bird feeder means that you could attract large numbers of cardinals to your home with one simple feeder.

Cardinals will eat right next to each other, so you can have many of them gather in one location.

This type of cardinal bird feeder will keep food trapped in, and then the birds will pick away at it until it is empty.

The cardinal bird feeder is typically made of a rust-resistant material to ensure that it does not start to break down after years of being exposed to the elements.

Remember that your feeder will need to be able to withstand wind, rain, snow, and more.

 

5. Platform Feeder

Woodlink Going Green Platform Bird Feeder Model GGPLAT 

 

A platform bird feeder is essentially the simplest type of feeder on the market.

A platform feeder is simply a tray feeder that is going to allow you to pour out a good bit of food and then allow the birds to perch on the edges and eat their fill.

The platform feeder is something that will cost you quite a bit less because it really does not do much to keep squirrels away or to keep the food preserved.

One of the issues that bird lovers run into with the platform feeder is that it can spill relatively easily and leave you with quite a mess on the ground.

However, if you are new to bird watching and want to attract a variety of birds to your yard, the platform can be a great concept.

We love the fact that you can put the platform feeder on the top of a post, or you can figure out a way to hang it.

If you need to place a feeder in an area where there are no trees to hang it from, the platform is an option to consider.

 

6. Bird Feeder With Suet

Bird Feeder with Suet Feeder (Applewood) 

 

Although many birds will enjoy eating bird seed, there are certain varieties that you can attach some suet to as well.

With a combination bird feeder and suet, you will install a suet cake on either side of the feeder and put the feed in the middle portion.

Bird feeders with suet options often don’t need to be filled up as frequently.

The suet tends to last for quite some time as long as you have some sort of cover over the top of it.

When suet is exposed to sun and rain, you may find that it will fall apart and deteriorate.

However, the suet itself is designed to last for a long time.

Anytime you can find a bird feeder that allows you to offer a variety of foods, chances are you will be very entertained with the types of birds that come to visit your home.

Keep this in mind when you purchase the feeder, especially if you live in an area where certain types of birds are very common.

 

7. Bird Feeding Station

Bird Feeding Station Kit Bird Feeder Pole Wild Bird Feeder Hanging Kit Planter Hanger Multi Feeder Hanging with Metal Suet Feeder Bird Bath for Attracting Wild Birds 

 

A bird feeding station is a type of bird feeder that works on feeding several types of birds at once.

With a feeding station, you will be able to attract birds of all different types and have them come up to the bird feeder from several different angles as well.

The bird feeding station has many perches and can easily stand on its own.

If you want to make your bird watching hobby a bit more involved, you can start offering different types of food that will appeal to different types of birds.

The great thing about this is that the birds will almost always be around.

With so many bird foods to offer, you will see different species throughout the year.

The bird feeding station is something that you will have to work hard to protect from other animals.

With so much food in one area, this will attract squirrels and other small animals that may want to enjoy some of the bird food you have to offer.

Keep this in mind to ensure you get the proper bird feeding station for your home.

 

8. Smart Bird Feeder

Bird Detective Smart Bird Feeder Camera [2022 Pro, APP Connection Updated] | Notify You When Birds Visit & Capture Unique Close-ups & AI Recognize 10K+ Bird Species, Bird Buddies Birthday Gift 

 

Although this may come as a shock, almost all products in our world are now offered in a smart version.

One of the most well-known is the smart bird feeder.

A smart bird feeder is something that will recognize the type of bird that comes to eat the food in the feeder.

If you are new to the world of bird watching, this is a great way to familiarize yourself with the birds that are in your local area.

Smart bird feeders will look a little different than traditional bird feeders.

You may also need to adjust the bird feeder at times and tend to it more often, but this is a tremendous gift to consider for a person who loves birds.

Another great thing about the smart feeder is that it will actually notify you when a bird is in the feeder.

You can tune in to see what is going on at the bird feeder just as you would when using a doorbell camera or something similar.

The smart bird feeder is the most expensive type of feeder out there, but most people are going to find that it is well worth the money.

 

9. Fly Through Bird Feeder

Perky-Pet B00303 Fly-Through Wild Bird Feeder, 1 Pack, Black 

 

The more you get to know the birds in your yard, the more you will see how busy they are.

Birds are always on the move and looking for new areas to explore and find food.

With a fly-through bird feeder, you will get to see some interesting flights and interactions of the birds in your area.

A fly-through bird feeder will allow birds to stop in for a snack and fly through one of the holes to be on their way.

With a fly-through bird feeder, you can be sure to see several different types of birds and interesting bird watching from every angle.

The way this bird feeder hangs and then allows for birds to grab a snack on the go is what makes it so interesting and appealing.

The fly-through bird feeder is something to consider for both new and experienced bird watchers.

 

10. Audubon Dome Bird Feeder

Woodlink NABBFDR Audubon Dome Top Seed and Bluebird Feeder 

 

The Audubon Dome Bird feeder is an excellent option for someone who is more of a naturalist.

With an Audubon dome feeder, you can rest assured that the way you are presenting the food to the birds is going to be proper for their natural lifestyle.

One of the great things about a dome feeder is that the food will stay protected from the rain.

One of the unfortunate things about a bird feeder is that it can often get wet and cause the food to become destroyed.

If the food in the feeder gets wet, it will no longer be appealing to most birds.

Although sometimes the food will eventually dry out again, chances are it will not.

The problem with this is that you will end up with a large glob of wasted bird food.

Keep this in mind when you are looking to ensure that your bird food does not go to waste.

If you have a lot of birds in your yard, the food can get expensive, and letting it get wet and ruined is a mistake that is not worth making.

 

11. Solar Powered Bird Feeder

Bird Feeder for Outside Hanging Outdoor,Mosaic Decor,Solar Powered Garden Lantern Lights Bird-House Wild Hanging Bird Feeder (New) 

 

Birds will eat at all times of the day, and it is nice to be able to see them at both dawn and dusk.

In order for this to happen, you will need some light on your bird feeder.

If you do not typically have lights in your yard, this can be tough.

Luckily, with a solar-powered bird feeder, you will not have to worry about being able to watch the birds.

This feeder comes with a lovely lighted display in the center.

As the feeder is exposed to the sun’s rays throughout the day, the battery in the light will absorb some energy.

Once that energy is stored up and ready to go, you will have a nice light shining on your bird feeder at night.

The light helps to ensure that you will get a great view of the animals coming to your feeder.

In addition, this makes for a lovely feature in your yard every night and early in the morning as well.

The solar batteries in these feeders tend to last for several years.

 

12. Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeder

Squirrel Resistant Bird Feeders 22 oz. Large Bird Feeder with 4 Perches For Small Backyard Birds ONLY. Bird Feeder Squirrel Proof / Chew Proof / Rustproof. Fill with Wild Bird Seed for Outside Feeders 

 

With a squirrel resistant bird feeder, you can rest assured that the birds are going to be the only ones eating the food that you are putting out.

The problem with squirrels is that they eat a lot.

Although birds can eat quite a bit, the squirrels and even sometimes deer are going to eat through your bird food faster than you will be able to keep up with.

This creates a problem, and it is frustrating to many bird lovers.

Luckily, you should be able to keep squirrels away with a squirrel resistant bird feeder.

The squirrels will try to get in close to the food, and the feeder will essentially keep them away.

This will look very similar to a traditional bird feeder, except that it will have a kind of cage around it.

The squirrel-resistant bird feeder is a necessity in some areas where the squirrels try to take over.

Many people find birds will stop returning to a feeder that has too many squirrels around.

If you want to remain a safe and friendly spot for all birds, use a feeder like this to keep squirrels away.

 

13. Deck Bird Feeder

BOLITE 18046 Deck Bird Feeder with Three Trays, Balcony Railing Bird Feeders for Outside, Black 

 

It is a mistake to assume that all birds want to spend time out in the wild.

Wherever there is food, the birds will come.

For those who want to attract more birds close to their home, the deck bird feeder is a great choice to consider.

With a deck bird feeder, you will find that the feeder itself can be attached right to your deck and give you access to several tray type areas to watch the birds.

Most of these deck bird feeders are relatively lightweight, and they often don’t have tops on them to help you keep the food dry.

If you are looking for an easy and convenient way to fill the food in the feeder and just ensure you have it close to your home, the deck feeder is a great choice.

Think about the great benefit of this option for those who will be going through a cold and bitter winter.

You may only need to take one step out on your deck to fill your feeder on those cold wintery days.

 

14. Ground Bird Feeder

Gray Bunny Ground Bird Feeder Tray, Metal Platform Bird Feeder Large Dish Size 11 x 11 Inches, Durable Rust Resistant feeder for Wild Birds, Squirrels, Doves, Cardinals 

 

As you have likely noticed, all of the bird feeders we have featured so far on our list are for hanging and for birds that are interested in feeding up off the ground.

However, many birds are just as happy to feed on the ground.

If you want to refrain from pouring a bunch of birdseed all over your grass, then the ground bird feeder is a good choice.

With a ground bird feeder, you can simply put the tray type mechanism on the ground and wait for a bunch of birds to show up.

There is no way to protect this from other creatures like rats, mice, and squirrels.

If you decide to do a ground-type bird feeder, you may want to keep it a little further away from your home.

The last thing you want to encourage is some extra rodents hanging around the grounds of your property near any possible entrances to your home.

 

15. Glass Bird Feeder

Vinola Glass Bird Feeder, New, Unique Bird Feeders for Outside with Fly Through Circle, Hanging for Outdoor Yard, Porch, Patio, Deck Bird Watching - 9 Inches (Green) 

 

Last but not least is a relatively new type of design that is known as a glass bird feeder.

This will look like a blown glass lawn ornament that will hang in your yard, and it will hold food for a bird.

The inside of the glass is hollowed out to accommodate a good deal of food.

In addition, you will find that the glass design provides natural shelter for a bird and for the food itself.

The unique shape of the glass bird feeder ensures that the food does not get wet, and the birds will continue to stop in to enjoy a snack.

 

Conclusion

With the 15 types of bird feeders we have just discussed, you are sure to find an option that will work for you.

Try to do a little research about the area you are living in to see what type of birds you might come across.

Chances are you will get a pretty good idea of what the birds will eat and how you can properly feed them.

With this knowledge, you will be well on your way to becoming a local bird expert.

If you are not sure whether or not you are going to enjoy this type of hobby over the long term, go with a simple tray feeder and see if you like it.

Chances are it will be an easy upgrade when the time comes.