Birdwatching is a popular hobby for many people. Watching colorful songbirds visit your backyard feeders can be a delightful way to connect with nature. When setting up bird feeders, it is important to consider the needs of the specific birds you want to attract. Small bird species have unique requirements for bird feeders that will allow them access to food without competition from larger birds.
What are some common small bird species?
Some of the most common small bird species seen at backyard feeders in North America include:
- Chickadees
- Nuthatches
- Titmouse
- Finches
- Wrens
- Warblers
- Kinglets
Chickadees, nuthatches and titmice are year-round residents across much of the United States and southern Canada. Finches, wrens, warblers and kinglets are smaller migratory songbirds that only visit certain regions of North America during the spring and summer breeding season.
What are the best types of bird feeders for small birds?
Small birds have tiny beaks that can access seeds and nuts from feeders with smaller ports and perches. They also prefer feeders that limit access from larger, more aggressive birds. The best types of bird feeders to attract small birds include:
- Tube feeders – Cylindrical transparent feeders with multiple small perches and feeding ports. Allow easy access for small birds.
- Mesh feeders – Wire mesh bags or tubes containing nuts or fruit. Small birds can reach through mesh to eat.
- Suet feeders – Hold suet cakes that attract insect-eating birds like chickadees.
- Nyjer feeders – Dispense thistle seed loved by finches from small ports.
Where should I place bird feeders for small birds?
Proper placement of feeders can encourage small birds to visit them. Consider these tips:
- Hang feeders from trees or posts 5-10 feet off the ground.
- Avoid areas where larger birds like grackles congregate.
- Place feeders near trees or bushes where small birds can retreat if threatened.
- Separate small bird feeders at least 15-20 feet from platform feeders that attract bigger birds.
Positioning feeders near cover and away from areas frequented by large birds like crows, grackles, pigeons and jays will create a more welcoming environment for small bird species.
What food should I put in small bird feeders?
Fill your small bird feeders with food that will appeal to their natural diets:
- Black oil sunflower seeds – Hearty and nutritious, these are loved by most small seed-eating birds.
- Nyjer thistle – A favorite of finches, redpolls, and pine siskins.
- Safflower – Cardinals, chickadees, titmice and others enjoy these.
- Suet – High fat content perfect for winter energy. Offer insect suet for species like wrens and chickadees.
- Peanuts – Many smaller birds will eat shelled, unsalted peanut pieces.
- Dried fruit – Raisins, berries and fruit appeal to tanagers, grosbeaks and others.
Avoid mixed birdseed blends which often contain filler seeds that most small birds do not eat. Offering their preferred foods will be more cost effective and prevent waste.
5 Great Small Bird Feeders
Here are 5 top-rated bird feeders perfect for attracting small birds:
Feeder | Description |
---|---|
Perky-Pet 312 Panorama Bird Feeder | Panoramic viewing window tube feeder with small perches and feeding ports only accessible by small birds. |
Songbird Essentials Mesh Peanut Bird Feeder | All metal mesh feeder provides easy access to peanuts for small birds. |
Squirrel Buster Classic Bird Feeder | Squirrel-proof tube feeder with weight sensitive perches. |
Woodlink Going Green Platform Feeder | Covered platform feeder with mesh front to allow small bird access but excludes larger birds. |
Brome 1024 Squirrel Buster Mini | 4-port tube feeder with weight adjustable perches to exclude squirrels and larger birds. |
The best bird feeder depends on your budget, aesthetics, squirrel presence, and the exact bird species you want to attract. Try different feeder styles to see which your local small birds prefer.
Conclusion
Attracting delightful songbirds to your backyard is easy with the right feeders. Focus on tube feeders, mesh feeders, nyjer feeders, and suet feeders designed specifically for small species. Place them in strategic spots near cover and away from large bird hotspots. Fill with black oil sunflower, nyjer thistle, peanuts and other small bird favorites. Be patient and you will be rewarded with lively visits from chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, wrens and colorful migrating warblers and tanagers.