The best bird feeders, according to experts
Look for easy-to-clean options that hold a lot of seed
Netvue Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder
$179.99
$199.99
Beyond type, there are a few other things experts say you should consider when shopping for a bird feeder. Here are the other characteristics they recommend looking for:
We asked experts for some of their favorites to round up the best bird feeders. We also used the guidance they gave above to source highly-rated options.
“I’ve used a hopper feeder hung from a shepherd’s hook in my front yard,” says Pemberton. “It’s great from smaller birds.” This one has a 360-degree perch so that birds can fully encircle it. The feeder also has a hood to keep the birdseed dry and the hooper is wide, making it easy to get your hand in it to clean.
Type: Hopper | Material: Metal and plastic | Capacity: 2.35 pounds
This platform feeder (meaning you just spread birdseed on the base) is a nice option because it has a plastic dome to protect the food from getting wet if it rains. You can raise the dome to allow bigger birds to access the food or lower it to attract only smaller birds. Another smart feature: The dome spins and doesn’t stay stable, so squirrels can’t find steady enough footing to steal the food if they land on it. As for what types of birds you can attract, Grieg says she likes platform feeders because they attract a wide variety of birds, including finches, doves and sparrows.
Type: Platform | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 2.5 pounds
“I recommend a good-sized wood hopper feeder that is sturdy, lets you see the seed reservoir, allows room for plenty of visitors, and gives you a clear view from wherever you’ll be watching,” says Winston, who notes that a deluxe version (like this one) will also have a built-in suet feeder to attract even more birds. The suet feeder is on the sides of this one and everything is covered by a cedar roof.
Type: Hopper and suet | Material: Wood | Capacity: 5.18 pounds
Want an even closer look at the birds visiting your feeder? Consider one with a built-in camera. These have become very popular in recent years, notes Winston. This one connects to your WiFi and sends footage straight to an app on your phone. It takes pictures and videos of birds and can help you identify the types of birds you are seeing. It has a perch for birds and a roof to prevent water from spoiling your bird seed.
Type: Hopper | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 1.5 liters
This Nyjer feeder has 16 feeding holes, allowing you to attract many birds at once. The base and lid are made from metal, as are the 8 different perches surrounding the feeder. The tube, which holds 2 pounds of seeds, is made from a durable plastic and there is a heavy-duty steel hanger at the top so you can hang it from a hook.
Type: Nyjer | Material: Plastic and metal | Capacity: 1.5 liters
Another option from Kingsyard, this feeder allows you to place suet inside for birds to peck away at. The gridded metal cage allows birds to grab on and steady themselves as they eat. The cage fits two suet cakes and has a metal roof to keep things dry. This feeder comes in four colors — black, blue, red and brown.
Type: Suet | Material: Metal | Capacity: 2 suet cakes
This option is a bird feeder and lamp in one. It glows at night thanks to a solar power charger located on the top. It is made of durable metal and has cutout details that are both pretty and functional. They let you see how much seed you have left in the tube. It also has a small overhang to protect birds and the seed from rain.
Type: Hopper | Material: Metal | Capacity: 2 pounds
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed three bird experts on what to look for in a bird feeder.
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