There Are Several Different Types Of Bird Feeders Available

To start, all you need is a bird feeder filled with seed that's attractive to the birds in your area. There are several different types of bird feeders available:

Hopper feeders are usually made of metal, wood, or plastic. A large hopper or container holds the seed, with holes or levered dispensers to allow the birds to access the seed on a small tray or spout. Hopper feeders will accommodate many types and sizes of birds and are a good choice for beginning bird watchers. The downside is that the seed is exposed to the elements and to plundering critters.

Tube feeders have perches and feeding ports around a hollow tube. They're designed for smaller perching birds and may be geared for specific types of birds. For example, finch feeders have small openings to dispense tiny thistle seeds and short perches that discourage other birds. Since birds have to reach in the tube for seeds, they are more squirrel-resistant than open feeders.

Platform feeders are open and flat, sometimes with a roof to shield rain and drainage holes to prevent flooding. They can accommodate large crowds of birds and can either be placed high, for perching birds, or near the ground, for ground-feeding birds. Platform feeders can be used with any kind of bird food, such as seed, peanuts, or even bits of fruit or suet.

Suet Feeders are usually made of wire mesh and designed to hold cakes of suet or other fatty food. Suet cakes are made from rendered beef fat mixed with seed or fruit and allowed to harden. They may be purchased premade, or you can make them yourself. Suet feeders are particularly useful during the winter when birds need to increase their fat intake in order to stay warm.

Mesh Feeders come in various shapes and sizes and can be made of wire, plastic, or fabric. Birds feed by pulling seed through holes in the mesh. Peanut feeders are wire mesh tubes with large openings for dispensing shelled peanuts. Sock-shaped fabric feeders often come prefilled – just hang and enjoy. Other feeders are designed for specific proprietary seed or food cakes.

Nectar feeders are different from other feeders in that they use a liquid, rather than solid, food and are specifically designed to attract either hummingbirds or orioles. Nectar feeders consist of a reservoir which is filled with a liquid solution of sugar and water, with small perches and feeding openings for hummingbirds' long bills or larger openings to accommodate oriole beaks.