The 5 Best Bird Feeders for Your Yard

Attract More Birds with the Right Feeders for Every Season

Creating a bird friendly backyard starts with choosing the right feeders. Whether you’re hoping to attract colorful finches, curious chickadees, or a variety of species throughout the year, the feeder you choose makes a big difference. In this post, we’ll explore the best types of bird feeders for your yard, what birds they attract, and how to use them effectively plus I’ll share links to some of my top recommended products.

Want to attract more birds to your feeder?

Download my FREE Feeder Placement Chart to learn exactly where to hang your feeders for the best bird activity. Whether you’re just get started or looking to improve your setup, this quick guide will help you create a bird friendly backyard in no time. Grab your free chart here.

💡 Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Tube Feeders – Great for Small Songbirds

Tube feeders are a classic and essential choice for backyard birders. Their vertical design with multiple feeding ports makes them ideal for attracting finches, chickadees, and nuthatches.

🛒 Find Tube Feeder Here

Recommended For:

• American Goldfinches
• Chickadees
• House Finches
• Nuthatches

Pro Tip: Use nyjer seed or black-oil sunflower seeds for best results.

2. Hopper Feeders – Great for Mixed Seed & Variety

Hopper feeders resemble little houses and hold a large amount of seed. They’re perfect if you want to attract a diverse range of birds while refilling less often.

🛒 Find Hopper Feeder Here

Recommended For:

• Cardinals
• Blue Jays
• Grosbeaks
• Sparrows

Pro Tip: Choose a weather resistant model with a roof to keep seed dry and fresh.

3. Platform Feeders – Best for Ground Feeders and Easy Viewing

These open, tray style feeders attract a wide range of species, including those that prefer to feed on flat surfaces. They also make birdwatching super easy!

🛒 Find Platform Feeder Here

Recommended For:

• Mourning Doves
• Juncos
• Cardinals
• Towhees

Pro Tip: Clean frequently as these feeders don’t protect against weather or droppings.

4. Suet Feeders – Perfect for Winter Birds

Suet feeders are a favorite in colder months when birds need high fat foods. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and even wrens flock to them.

🛒 Find Suet Feeder Here

Recommended For:

• Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers
• Carolina Wrens
• Nuthatches
• Chickadees

Pro Tip: Use suet cakes with added seeds or berries for extra appeal.

5. Nectar Feeders – A Must for Hummingbirds

For hummingbirds, a dedicated nectar feeder is essential. Look for red-colored feeders with easy to clean parts and bee guards.

🛒 Find Nectar Feeder Here

Recommended For:

• Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
• (Depending on region: Rufous, Anna’s, etc.)

Pro Tip: Use a 4:1 water-to-sugar ratio and skip red dye, it’s not safe for birds.

Bonus Tips for Successful Backyard Bird Feeding:

• Place feeders near cover like trees or shrubs, but far enough from windows to prevent collisions.
• Offer fresh water year round, especially in winter with a heated birdbath.
• Rotate feeder types seasonally to match birds’ changing diets.
• Keep feeders clean to prevent mold and disease wash with a 1:9 bleach solution every two weeks.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to buy every type of feeder to get started just one or two well placed, well stocked feeders can make your yard a haven for local birds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, having the right feeder can make every backyard moment more magical.

🛒 Ready to get started? Check out my favorite feeders here:

• Tube Feeder: https://amzn.to/412zSd5
• Hopper Feeder: https://amzn.to/4nZDDdq
• Platform Feeder: https://amzn.to/3TNfatY
• Suet Feeder: https://amzn.to/3IAg36C
• Nectar Feeder: https://amzn.to/4m3Ury4