There are a few common reasons why finches may not be visiting your bird feeder:
The feeder is new
It can take time for birds to find and get accustomed to a new feeder in their environment. Finches are especially wary of new objects. Try keeping the feeder filled with seed for 2-4 weeks to give them time to get used to it. Make sure the feeder is placed somewhere open and easily visible to increase the chances of finches finding it.
The bird seed is not attractive
Finches have very specific tastes when it comes to bird seed. Make sure you are using a finch-specific seed blend, or a mix containing nyjer seed, which is a particular favorite. Avoid cheaper “filler” seeds like milo and wheat. Also, be sure the seed is fresh – finches will avoid old, stale seed.
Recommended finch seed types
- Nyjer seed
- Niger seed
- Fine hulled sunflower seeds
- Safflower seeds
- Cracked corn
- Millet
- Thistle seed
The feeder placement is wrong
Finches prefer feeders placed in more open areas, with sparse cover nearby to provide safety. Avoid placing the feeder right next to thick bushes or trees. A distance of around 30 feet from cover is ideal. Placing feeders near deciduous trees or shrubs works well since they provide cover in winter but allow more open visibility when they lose their leaves.
Ideal finch feeder placement
- Near deciduous trees/shrubs
- In open grassy areas
- Away from dense evergreen shrubs
- 5-10 feet off the ground
- 30+ feet from dense cover
The feeder type is not suited for finches
Tube feeders with small perches and feeding ports work best to attract finches. They allow easy access to tiny seeds while preventing larger birds like sparrows from taking over. Avoid large platform or hopper-style feeders. Also, ensure the feeder is not too tall or difficult to perch on. Ideal finch feeders should be 5-10 feet off the ground.
Best finch feeder types
- Tube feeders with small perches/ports
- Nyjer seed mesh feeders
- Small hopper feeders
Feeder Type | Good for Finches? |
---|---|
Tube Feeder | Yes |
Mesh Feeder | Yes |
Hopper Feeder | Maybe (if small) |
Platform Feeder | No |
There is competition from other birds
Larger and more aggressive birds like starlings, grackles, and sparrows can scare finches away from feeders. Try using feeder types made just for finches that exclude bigger birds. Placing feeders further away from covers where these birds roost can also help. Offering multiple smaller feeders rather than one large feeder reduces monopolization.
Ways to discourage larger birds
- Use finch-only tube feeders
- Place feeders further from cover
- Offer multiple smaller feeders
- Put up deterrents like scare tape
Nearby water sources are scarce
Finches rely on nearby water sources to drink and bathe daily. Ensure you have a bird bath, fountain, or other water source within 20-30 feet of the feeders. The water should be kept clean and free of debris with fresh water added regularly.
Best water sources for finches
- Birdbath with shallow areas
- Misting fountain
- Water feature with dripping or moving water
Nearby shelters are insufficient
Finches need places to shelter from bad weather and escape predators when visiting feeders. Ensure there are trees, shrubs, or brush piles within 30-40 feet to provide refuge. Evergreens are ideal as they offer year-round shelter. You can also add small brush shelters specifically for birds.
Good finch shelters
- Evergreen trees or shrubs
- Small brush piles
- Leafy deciduous trees (in summer)
- Bird houses or shelters
The feeders are not cleaned regularly
Finches will avoid feeders that are dirty with old, moldy seed hulls or have residue build-up. Feeders should be cleaned thoroughly every 2-4 weeks with a weak bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water). Rinse and dry the feeder completely before refilling. Discard any old, dirty seed and provide fresh seed after cleaning.
Finch feeder cleaning tips
- Clean every 2-4 weeks
- Use 1:9 bleach:water solution
- Scrub mineral buildup on ports
- Dry thoroughly before refilling
- Discard old seed, provide fresh
The habitat has limited natural food sources
In the wild, finches rely on a variety of natural food like seeds, buds, fruits, and insects. If your yard lacks trees and plants that provide these, finches may struggle to feed themselves adequately. Planting things like berry bushes, fruit trees, native plants with seed heads, and leaving vegetation wild supports their dietary needs.
Best plants to support finches naturally
Plant Type | Recommended Varieties |
---|---|
Berry bushes | Elderberry, serviceberry, chokecherry |
Fruit trees | Cherry, crabapple, pear, plum |
Seed plants | Coneflower, sunflower, meadow grasses |
Insect-attracting plants | Aster, milkweed, bee balm |
The area has high pesticide use
Finches are sensitive to chemicals like pesticides and herbicides. Neighborhoods that use a lot of these on lawns, gardens, and trees can repel finches from feeding and nesting in the area. Avoiding or limiting your own use, and speaking to neighbors to encourage more natural lawn care, can help make your yard more finch-friendly.
Making your yard pesticide-free
- Don’t use chemical pesticides/herbicides
- Talk to neighbors to limit community use
- Use natural pest control methods
- Install native plants suited for your area
- Accept some bugs/weeds as part of nature
Conclusion
With a bit of patience and tweaking of your habitat, you can successfully attract beautiful little finches to your feeders and yard. Avoid common pitfalls like stale seed and dirty feeders, and provide an environment that appeals to their natural behaviors and needs. If you meet finches’ preferences for food, water, shelter and nesting sites, they will surely reward you with lively activity and joyful birdsong.