The best bird feeder is the one that suits the birds you want to see and that you will actually keep clean. Cornell Lab's All About Birds (updated August 22, 2024) says most seed feeders are variations on a few basic designs, namely trays, hoppers, tubes, window mounts and suet feeders, and that offering several types draws the greatest variety of birds.
If you are setting up a first feeder, a tube feeder filled with black-oil sunflower seed is the easy start. Cornell calls it the most widely used seed and the one that attracts the largest range of species, and suggests hanging the tube from a branch or shepherd's crook with a squirrel baffle. The sections below match each feeder type to the birds that use it, then cover the cleaning routine that keeps every type safe.
Which bird feeder suits which birds?
Feeders are not one size fits all. Project FeederWatch (page modified September 19, 2025) says different species are drawn to different designs. The table below pulls the Cornell Lab and FeederWatch guidance into one view, with the main thing to watch on each type.
| Feeder type | Birds it suits | What to watch | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tray or platform | Grosbeaks, sparrows, juncos, towhees, jays, doves and quail. Near the ground, juncos, doves and sparrows are the most likely visitors. | Seed gets wet and soiled with droppings, and starlings and grackles can crowd out other birds. Choose a screened bottom for drainage. | All About Birds (2024); FeederWatch (2025) |
| Hopper | Finches, jays, cardinals, buntings, grosbeaks, sparrows, chickadees and titmice. A small hopper favors smaller birds. | Harder to clean than a tray, and most designs give squirrels easy access. | All About Birds (2024); FeederWatch (2025) |
| Tube | Small birds such as finches. Short perches keep out larger birds such as grackles and jays. | Many birds use the same perches, so regular cleaning matters. Squirrels can gnaw plastic tubes, and metal resists them better. | All About Birds (2024); FeederWatch (2025) |
| Window | Finches, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and sparrows. | Birds soil the tray, and suction cups can be fiddly. Birds may take several days or more to come so close to the house. | All About Birds (2024) |
| Nyjer | Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Redpolls and Indigo Buntings. | Some birds, particularly larger ones, ignore nyjer, so expect less traffic. Mesh socks soak through in rain. | All About Birds (2024) |
| Suet | Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, starlings and jays. | Raw suet turns rancid above freezing, and rendered suet softens above about 90°F. | All About Birds (2024) |
| Nectar | Hummingbirds, and sometimes orioles. | Sugar water spoils quickly, and the sweet nectar can attract ants and wasps. | All About Birds (2024) |
| Ground | Song Sparrows, Fox Sparrows and many towhees, which rarely land on a feeder but readily eat fallen seed. | If you want to discourage larger birds, FeederWatch says not to spread food on the ground. | FeederWatch (2025, 2026) |
Cornell's own checklist for any feeder is short. It should be sturdy enough for winter weather and squirrels, tight enough to keep seed dry, easy to assemble and, in its words, "most important of all, easy to keep clean."
What if you want the widest variety of birds?
Put out more than one type, and more than one food. All About Birds says a mix of feeder types brings the greatest variety, and FeederWatch notes that a large hopper attracts most species of feeder birds. Each feeder you add is another one to keep clean, so match the number to the time you have.
What if grackles, starlings and jays crowd the feeder?
Choose a feeder built for small birds. Project FeederWatch (page modified July 6, 2026) suggests tube feeders with short perches and no catch basin, feeders that close under the weight of a large bird, and wire mesh wide enough only for small birds. It also says to avoid platform trays and not to spread food on the ground if you are trying to discourage larger birds.
What if squirrels keep emptying it?
A baffle is usually the best answer. Project FeederWatch says to place one beneath a pole-mounted feeder, and notes that squirrels can jump to a feeder placed less than 10 feet from a tree or building. If they are jumping from above, a tilting baffle at least 18 inches across, placed above the feeder, might work. Another option is a separate spot for peanuts or dried corn, some distance from your feeders. Our squirrel feeder guide covers how to set that second station up.
Bear country changes the rules. The project recommends against any feeding except when bears are hibernating, and says to ask your local wildlife authority if you are unsure of the dates.
What if you want woodpeckers and nuthatches?
Offer suet. All About Birds lists woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and titmice among the regulars, and describes two main designs: a wire cage for blocks of suet, or pieces of wood where you smear suet or peanut butter. A cage reachable only from the bottom tends to resist starlings while still letting woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees cling and feed, according to FeederWatch. Check that the lid is secured so nothing can get stuck inside.
Heat is the one seasonal catch. Rendered suet stays hard up to about 90°F, All About Birds says, and soft suet can muss feathers. Its advice is to stop offering suet and peanut butter during hot months, although some formulations are made to hold up in heat.
If clinging birds are your goal, our Bird Suet Feeder is handcrafted from 100% cedar, with a tail support platform, rust-resistant metal mesh and room for two standard suet cakes. Our guide to which birds eat suet lists who to expect.
What if you only have a window or a balcony?
A window feeder suits finches, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and sparrows, gives close views, and lets birds see the feeder before they reach the glass, per All About Birds. A hummingbird feeder is easy to set up with limited outdoor space and works even without a yard. Be patient with a new window feeder, because birds may take several days or more before they come so close to the house. A feeder does not make glass safe on its own: the Ornithological Council (fact sheet updated February 2026) says there is no safe feeder distance near reflective or transparent windows, so treat the glass as well, as described in the next section.
Where should you hang a bird feeder?
Project FeederWatch recommends a quiet spot that is easy to see and easy to refill, close to natural cover such as trees or shrubs where birds can wait their turn. Evergreens are ideal. Just avoid placing feeders too close to cover with strong branches that give squirrels and cats a jumping-off point; about 10 feet seems to be a good compromise. To reduce window strikes, mark the outside of windows with a repeating pattern spaced no more than 2 inches apart, and keep cats indoors.
How do you keep a bird feeder safe for the birds?
Clean it on a schedule. All About Birds (August 20, 2024) says to clean seed feeders about once every two weeks, and more often in heavy use or wet weather, or if you have seen sick birds or heard of salmonella in your area. FeederWatch puts it at every week or two. The Ornithological Council (fact sheet updated February 2026) notes that research on the right interval is limited and suggests at least once a month, or every two weeks if debris and droppings build up. All three step the schedule up when use is heavy or debris builds up. For seed and suet feeders, the routine is:
- Take the feeder apart and scrub off debris such as old seed and hulls.
- Wash the parts by hand with warm soapy water, outside or in a utility sink, away from food preparation areas. For a stronger clean, soak the parts for 10 minutes in a dilute bleach solution of no more than 1 part bleach to 9 parts water.
- Rinse thoroughly and let every part dry completely before refilling.
- Rake or sweep the ground below, since waste and spoiled food collect there and scattered food can attract rodents.
Sources differ on dishwashers. FeederWatch says a dishwasher works very well for feeders that are dishwasher safe, while the Ornithological Council advises against one, because home dishwashers vary in how well they sanitize and pathogens could reach your dishes. For your own protection, FeederWatch recommends wearing gloves whenever you handle feeders, a mask when raking or sweeping beneath them, and washing your hands thoroughly afterward.
Hummingbird feeders need more attention. Change the sugar water at least every 3 to 5 days, and more often in hot weather, according to All About Birds. FeederWatch suggests cleaning the feeder every couple of days, ideally at each refill, and the Ornithological Council says to change the solution daily in hot weather and every two to three days in cooler weather. Where they differ, the shorter interval is the cautious choice.
The feeder type changes what to watch for. FeederWatch says conjunctivitis, the House Finch eye disease, spreads through exposure to eye discharge, and that tube feeders with ports are especially risky for it, so those are the ones to clean and disinfect with extra care. Salmonella and trichomoniasis spread when birds eat contaminated droppings, and tray feeders collect them, so FeederWatch suggests considering retiring tray feeders if you see birds with those symptoms.
Fluffed feathers, lethargy, abnormal growths and crusty eyes are signs of illness. Clean more often and consider disinfecting. FeederWatch says taking feeders down helps mainly where few neighbors feed birds, and can backfire where feeding is popular, and the Ornithological Council says the evidence that it limits disease is mostly lacking. If you see a sick bird, the Council says not to pick it up or try to catch it right away. Watch its behavior, then call a local wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinarian for guidance.
If you cannot keep up with this routine, feed only during the times of year you can. FeederWatch points out that native plants are among the best ways to support birds. Our post on Wild Ones and native plants is a good place to start.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best bird feeder for a beginner?
A tube feeder filled with black-oil sunflower seed, hung from a branch or shepherd's crook with a squirrel baffle, according to All About Birds. Add a second feeder type once you see who visits.
What seed should I start with?
Black-oil sunflower. FeederWatch calls it the most common seed offered at feeders in North America and a favorite of cardinals, chickadees, finches and sparrows.
How often should I clean a bird feeder?
About every week or two for seed and suet feeders, according to Cornell, and more often in heavy use or wet weather. The Ornithological Council suggests at least monthly, or every two weeks if debris builds up. Hummingbird feeders need cleaning every couple of days, ideally at each refill.
How many bird feeders should I put out?
Several different types draw the most variety, per All About Birds. Each feeder you add is another one to keep clean, so match the number to the time you have.
How close should a feeder be to trees and shrubs?
Close enough for birds to use the cover as refuge, but not so close that strong branches give squirrels and cats a jumping-off point. FeederWatch says about 10 feet seems a good compromise.
What should I do if I see a sick bird at my feeder?
Do not pick it up or try to catch it right away, says the Ornithological Council. Watch its behavior and call a local wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinarian for guidance. FeederWatch also suggests cleaning your feeders more often and considering disinfecting them.
Can I feed birds if bears live nearby?
FeederWatch recommends against any feeding except when bears are hibernating. Check with your local wildlife authority for the dates in your area.
This article is general information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For a persistent or worsening symptom, or any concern about your health, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.
The short version
Choose the feeder for the birds you want, hang it close to cover but out of reach of jumping squirrels, and clean it on a schedule, every week or two by Cornell's guidance. For a next step, read which birds eat suet, or browse the full WildYard range.
Keep reading
- What Birds Eat Suet? The Backyard Species You'll Actually Attract
- Squirrel Feeder Guide: Types, What to Look For & the Best Setup
- Meet Wild Ones: the native-plant half of a backyard habitat
- More from our backyard bird guides
Written by The WildYard Editorial Team. Last reviewed October 7, 2026.
