Seed cylinders, also known as bird feeders or bird feeder tubes, are a common type of bird feeder used to provide food for wild birds. They consist of a hollow plastic or metal cylinder filled with bird seed that allows birds to access the food through openings on the sides or slots at the bottom. But do birds actually like using seed cylinders for feeding? There are a few factors that determine if seed cylinders are an effective bird feeder choice.
Advantages of Seed Cylinders
There are some benefits that make seed cylinders an attractive option for feeding birds:
- They protect the bird seed from getting wet in rain or snow.
- The seed is dispensed gradually which reduces waste from spillage.
- They allow easy refilling when the seed runs out.
- They limit the amount of seeds larger birds like doves can eat at one time compared to open feeders.
- They prevent squirrels and larger animals from stealing all the seeds.
The enclosed design and controlled dispensing of seed cylinders appeal to people who want an orderly, mess-free way to feed birds. This can attract certain bird species while deterring others.
Disadvantages of Seed Cylinders
However, there are some potential drawbacks to seed cylinders that may make them less attractive for birds:
- They restrict access for larger birds that can’t fit their heads inside the openings.
- The restricted openings may frighten away shyer, more cautious birds.
- Aggressive birds may dominate the feeder and restrict access for other birds.
- The seed may get stuck or jammed in the openings, preventing dispensing.
- They require refilling more frequently than open feeders.
The protective outer shell of seed cylinders that helps keep seeds dry and pests out can also be a deterrent for some species of birds. The limited access points don’t allow free-for-all feeding that flocking birds prefer.
Types of Birds that Use Seed Cylinders
Certain types of birds are better suited to feed from seed cylinders than others based on their size, behavior, and other adaptations. Birds that commonly use seed cylinders include:
Small Birds
Small songbirds like finches, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and sparrows can easily access seeds through cylinder openings. The openings are ideal for their tiny beaks. These birds often feed in flocks, so the numerous access points allow multiple birds to feed at once. The small openings also help deter larger birds from dominating the feeder.
Examples:
- Goldfinches
- Pine siskins
- House finches
- Chickadees
- Titmouse
Climbing Birds
Nuthatches, woodpeckers, and creepers that inhabit tree trunks are adept at clinging to the cylinders while feeding. Their specialized feet allow them to perch vertically. They appreciate the shallow cylinder depth which lets them reach the seed more easily.
Examples:
- White-breasted nuthatch
- Red-breasted nuthatch
- Downy woodpecker
- Brown creeper
Ground Feeding Birds
Ground foragers like doves, juncos, and sparrows will eat seed below cylinder feeders. The small holes let seeds trickle down below the feeder where these birds can scavenge. Some cylinders have collecting trays to catch fallen seeds.
Examples:
- Mourning doves
- Juncos
- House sparrows
- Cassin’s finch
Birds That Don’t Use Seed Cylinders
Certain bird species are not well-suited for taking advantage of seed cylinders. This may be due to their body size, feeding method, or level of wariness. Birds that usually avoid cylinder feeders include:
Large Birds
Big birds like crows, grackles, jays, and doves can’t access the small openings meant for smaller songbirds. The openings are too narrow for their broad heads and thick bills. While they may eat below the feeders, the cylinder design prevents them from perching and feeding.
Examples:
- Crows
- Grackles
- Jays
- Cardinals
- Starlings
Shy Birds
Wary birds like wrens, kinglets, and warblers avoid exposed spaces where they risk danger. They may be too timid to approach openings in the cylinders that don’t allow them to quickly escape. These birds often scavenge on the ground.
Examples:
- Wrens
- Kinglets
- Warblers
- Thrushes
Aerial Feeders
Birds that feed while flying like swifts, swallows, and flycatchers don’t perch at feeders. They can only catch food on the go, so a stationary cylinder doesn’t accommodate their feeding method.
Examples:
- Swifts
- Swallows
- Flycatchers
Large Flocking Birds
Highly social birds like blackbirds, cowbirds, and starlings prefer to gather and feed in large open flocks. They are deterred by feeders with limited access like cylinders that control the seed supply.
Examples:
- Red-winged blackbirds
- Grackles
- Brown-headed cowbirds
- European starlings
Choosing the Right Seed Cylinder Design
To attract the greatest number of bird species, choose a cylinder design suited to their feeding preferences:
- Very small openings (1 inch or less) only allow the smallest birds to access seeds.
- Multiple feeding ports around the cylinder provides more access for more birds.
- Look for tapered cylindrical shapes to accommodate birds of different sizes.
- Open bottoms or collecting trays allow ground feeding birds to catch fallen seeds.
- Deeper cylinders may allow larger birds like cardinals to access the seed.
- Consider adding separate feeders specifically for larger perching and ground feeding birds.
The diameter of the cylinder openings is key. Measure the head size of birds you aim to attract and choose openings suited to their width and body size. Avoid openings wider than 1.5 inches that give larger aggressive birds access.
Here is a table showing recommended max opening sizes to allow different sizes of desirable birds while excluding bigger unwanted species:
Bird Size | Max Opening Diameter | Bird Types Allowed | Birds Excluded |
---|---|---|---|
Small birds | 1 inch | Finches, chickadees, nuthatches | Jays, grackles, starlings |
Medium birds | 1.25 inches | Nuthatches, titmice, grosbeaks | Crows, blackbirds |
Large birds | 1.5 inches | Cardinals, woodpeckers, jays | Doves, crows |
Seed Cylinder Maintenance
To keep seed cylinders working properly and birds coming back, follow these maintenance tips:
- Check seed levels daily and refill when low.
- Remove built-up seed hulls and debris regularly.
- Use a bottle brush to clear clogged openings.
- Disinfect and clean thoroughly at least once per season.
- Make sure perches are clean and drainage holes unclogged.
- Replace old cylinders with worn or damaged openings.
- Reposition cylinders periodically to discourage dominant birds.
- Clean the ground below the feeder to reduce diseases.
With proper care, seed cylinders can continue providing a suitable feeder option for small to medium sized birds for years. Rotate different styles of cylinders to create diversity and attract new bird species over time.
Conclusion
Seed cylinders offer a viable feeding method that appeals to certain bird species. Small songbirds that eat at feeders adapt well to cylinder designs. The restrictive openings also deter larger aggressive bird species. But the limitations may exclude shyer, larger, or flocking birds. Choosing cylinders with smaller openings and multiple feeding ports provides the widest appeal. Combine seed cylinders with other feeder types to attract the greatest diversity of birds to your backyard. Proper placement and maintenance are key to keeping cylinders functioning properly. When used strategically as part of an overall bird feeding system, seed cylinders can be an effective way to provide food for desirable backyard birds.