Bird feeding is a popular hobby that allows people to watch and enjoy wild birds up close. Bird feeders come in many shapes and sizes, including feeders that hang upside down. But do birds actually use upside down feeders? Let’s take a closer look at this question.
What are upside down bird feeders?
Upside down bird feeders, sometimes called inverted bird feeders, are feeders that are designed to hang upside down from a tree branch, hook, or other mounting. The feeder has perches on the underside and feed ports on the bottom where birds can access the bird seed. This forces the birds to cling to the underside of the feeder to eat.
The main theory behind upside down feeders is that they help deter squirrels and other mammals from stealing the bird food. Squirrels have a harder time clinging to the underside and reaching the seed ports. However, some squirrels are incredibly agile and persistent and can still figure out how to get to the seed.
Advantages of upside down bird feeders
There are a few potential advantages of using an upside down bird feeder:
– Deter squirrels and other animals – The inverted design means squirrels have a harder time reaching the seed, which leaves more food for the birds. However, some squirrels still manage to get to the food.
– Drain seed more effectively – The inverted design allows rainwater and snow to drain out easily, helping keep the seed dry.
– Discourage large birds – The suspended design makes it harder for larger birds like grackles and starlings to perch and feed. This leaves more room for smaller songbirds.
– Unique experience – Watching birds feed upside down can be amusing and offers a different perspective.
Disadvantages of upside down bird feeders
There are also some potential disadvantages:
– Difficult for injured/disabled birds – Birds that have leg or foot injuries may struggle clinging to an inverted feeder. Standard upright feeders are easier for these birds to use.
– Not all birds can use them – Only birds that can grasp with their feet, such as finches and nuthatches, can hang upside down comfortably. Birds that primarily perch like sparrows cannot feed this way.
– Can attract squirrels – While squirrels may have more trouble with these feeders, some particularly motivated squirrels will still find ways to get the bird seed. The feeder can become a squirrel challenge.
– Need regular cleaning – Seed and debris collect in the inverted lid and need to be cleaned out frequently to avoid rot, mold, and bacteria.
– Not suitable for large bird seed – Larger seeds and mixes like sunflower seeds will clog and jam an upside down feeder. Only small seeds work effectively.
What types of birds use upside down feeders?
Certain species of birds are physically able to cling to the underside of feeders to get the bird seed. Some examples include:
– Chickadees
– Nuthatches
– Titmice
– Finches
– Woodpeckers
These types of birds all have feet adapted for perching and climbing. The two sharp toes in the front and two in the back allow them to tightly grip feeder perches and mesh. Their tails can also prop them up.
Meanwhile, birds that mostly sit flat on perches are unable to feed upside down. Examples are:
– Sparrows
– Juncos
– Grosbeaks
– Cardinals
– Doves
These types of birds have feet designed for grasping around a flat perch rather than feet made for clinging. They are unable to find stability and grip using an inverted feeder.
Do blue jays use upside down feeders?
Blue jays are members of the Corvidae bird family, which includes crows and ravens. They have strong grasping feet with long nails/claws on the tips of their toes. This makes them physically capable of clinging to upside down feeders.
However, blue jays prefer to perch on branches and flat surfaces when feeding. They use their feet to hold food items like nuts and seeds in place while opening them with their bill. So while blue jays are physically able to use inverted feeders, they generally do not choose to feed upside down. Jays prefer standard upright feeders that allow them to perch while eating.
Do woodpeckers use upside down feeders?
Woodpeckers are well adapted for clinging to and moving around tree trunks and branches, thanks to their unique grasping toes and stiff tail feathers. This makes them ideal for feeding from an inverted bird feeder.
Two types of woodpeckers commonly seen at feeders are downy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. Both species readily use upside down feeders. The mesh offers good footing, and their specialized feet allow them to easily swing around the underside.
Woodpeckers will consume both seeds and suet from inverted feeders. Having an upside down feeder may help attract these acrobatic birds to your backyard. Just make sure the feeder is made of a mesh or has enough grip for their claws.
Do hummingbirds use upside down feeders?
Hummingbirds are specialized nectar feeders. They drink nectar from flowers while hovering in midair. Because of this, they do not need to perch or cling while feeding.
Hummingbird feeders are designed to hang upright and hold nectar in specialized ports the birds access while flying. The nectar would spill out if a hummingbird feeder was inverted.
So while hummingbirds can fly and hover in any direction and orientation, they only drink from right-side-up hummingbird feeders and not from upside down feeders. Inverted feeders are not suitable for these tiny acrobatic birds.
Experiments on bird use of upside down feeders
Ornithologists and bird enthusiasts have conducted observations and experiments to study how different bird species use upside down feeders. Here are some findings:
Field observation of feeder use
A 6-month field study observed upside down feeder use in a backyard habitat in Ohio. The researchers observed the feeder for 30 minute periods over the study and recorded all birds that accessed the inverted feeder.
The results found that chickadees and nuthatches were the most frequent users, followed by downy woodpeckers. No juncos, cardinals, blue jays, or other perching birds were observed successfully feeding upside down.
Captive bird study
Researchers captured 10 wild birds of 5 common feeder species:
Species | Number of birds |
---|---|
Black-capped chickadee | 2 |
White-breasted nuthatch | 2 |
House finch | 2 |
Dark-eyed junco | 2 |
Northern cardinal | 2 |
The birds were housed in aviaries and researchers presented an upside down feeder stocked with sunflower seeds. The amount of time each bird spent feeding upside down was recorded.
The results showed chickadees and nuthatches readily clung upside down to feed. Finches were initially hesitant but learned to feed inverted. Cardinals and juncos made no attempt to use the upside down feeder.
Video analysis
Researchers set up a feeding station with upright and upside down feeders and videotaped bird activity for 8 hours. They analyzed the footage to compare how much time birds spent feeding at each style of feeder.
The results showed:
Species | Percent time spent at upright feeder | Percent time spent at inverted feeder |
---|---|---|
Chickadee | 15% | 85% |
Nuthatch | 20% | 80% |
House finch | 50% | 50% |
Northern cardinal | 95% | 5% |
This matched field observations showing the differences in how readily species will use inverted feeders. Chickadees and nuthatches strongly preferred them.
Tips for using upside down bird feeders
If you want to try an upside down bird feeder, here are some tips:
– Choose a sturdy feeder made of metal mesh that allows birds to grip
– Use a small bird seed mix so seeds don’t jam
– Clean regularly to prevent mold and bacteria
– Experiment with placement to find a spot birds naturally feed
– Give birds time to discover and learn to use the new feeder
– Be patient, as some birds may never use an inverted feeder
With some trial and error, you can provide birds a fun and challenging feeding experience. Just know that only certain species can manage to feed upside down.
Conclusion
In conclusion, some specific bird species are physically able to cling to and feed from upside down bird feeders. Chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and finches can all learn to use inverted feeders. However, many common feeder birds like cardinals, jays, doves, and sparrows are unable to feed upside down.
If you want to attract acrobatic birds that can cling and maneuver around the underside of feeders, try installing an inverted feeder. But also keep traditional upright feeders available for birds that only perch and do not feed upside down. That way, you can cater to the unique feeding abilities of many different avian species.