How To Attract Birds To Your Feeder, According To An Expert

There's nothing quite as delightful as getting a visit from a little backyard bird. From bluebirds to woodpeckers to hummingbirds, these avian beauties add music and movement to yards and gardens all throughout the South. Not only are they lovely to look at, they keep the insect population down and are a huge contributor to proper pollination.

Just as birds come in all different shapes, colors, and sizes, each species is attracted to different feeders and feed. In fact, some birds don't eat seeds at all. All bird species have their own set of behavioral patterns and diets that dictate which types of feeders they are more likely to frequent. Learn from the expert how to attract more birds to your feeders so you can enjoy the company of feathered friends.

Types Of Food For Birds

While most people think of a typical black oil sunflower seed mix when envisioning food at a bird feeder, there are a multitude of other foods that birds enjoy.

"In the wild, many backyard birds will eat seeds, insects, fruits, nuts, and more," says Farr. "All birds have their own preferences according to different biological factors."

Below are common types of food at birds feeders and what they will likely attract:

Black Oil Sunflower Seed

Black oil sunflower seed is widely available and will appeal to the most amount of species. This seed is a favorite of cardinals, finches, nuthatches, and many more. "This is a great option for those with just one feeder or those newly interested in birding," says Farr.

Peanuts

Peanuts are high in protein and provide birds with a great source of energy. They are enjoyed by a wide variety of species and can attract different birds depending on whether the peanuts are in-shell or not. "Smaller birds like chickadees and titmice will prefer unshelled peanuts to make it easier for their smaller bills," says Farr. "Larger birds like jays, crows, and grackles will like the shelled peanuts."

Mealworms

Mealworms are the larvae of darkling beetles and will appeal to bluebirds all year round. They are available to purchase live or freeze-dried from your local bird or garden supply store. It is recommended to purchase mealworms from a North American supplier to ensure proper quality and compatibility with your garden.

Nectar

According to the Adirondack Council, hummingbirds consume about half their body weight in bugs and nectar everyday. You can purchase hummingbird nectar from your local bird or garden supply store, or you can make it yourself using just sugar and boiling water.

Fruit

If you have any leftover fruits, consider leaving them outside for birds to enjoy. "Some birds like chickadees, bluebirds, and waxwings particularly love berries like juniper, blueberries, and raspberries," says Farr. "Other birds like tanagers, orioles, and grosbeaks love oranges." You can also purchase dried fruits to put inside a feeder.

Suet

Suet is defined as rendered beef fat, and suet cakes are a mixture of suet, seeds, fruit, and other bird-friendly mix-in. These are high-calorie, high-protein treats that many species enjoy. "Suet attracts insect-eating birds like woodpeckers, wrens, nuthatches, and titmice," says Farr. It is recommend to only use suet in cooler weather so the beef fat does not go rancid.

Types Of Bird Feeders

Bird feeders come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different types of feed.

"Some feeders are shaped a certain way to support certain types of birds and foods," says Farr.

Below are common types of feeders and what each one is meant for:

Tube Feeders

Tube bird feeders are some of the most common and support a large range of bird species. These have a long and skinny shape with multiple perches for birds to sit and eat seeds like sunflower seeds. "This feeder will attract cardinals, titmice, chickadees, and more, but it will also attract more aggressive birds like grackles," says Farr. Some tube feeders are weight-sensitive to deter larger birds and squirrels.

Tray Feeders

Tray feeders are flat platforms with bird seed in them that typical hang from a hook or sit on your deck. The tray is completely open for birds to have plenty of space to land and eat. "These feeders are great for attracting bigger birds like mourning doves and ground-feeding birds like sparrows," says Farr. Look for feeders with holes or mesh on the bottom to allow for drainage. 

Suet Feeders

There are a few different types of suet feeders, but one of the most common is a cage feeder. This style of feeder has a grid-style cage with a suet cake in it for birds to grab onto. Suet feeders are small and attachable to decks, poles, and trees, and they will attract nuthatches, wrens, woodpeckers, and more.

Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird feeders, or sugar water feeders, come in a variety of bowl-like shapes and have very small openings for hummingbirds to place their beaks inside and drink the nectar. "Most hummingbird feeders have a pop of red on them to attract them visually," says Farr.

Finch Feeders

Finch feeders are usually a tube-shaped feeder that holds the tiny black thistle seed. "American goldfinches love the black thistle seeder, and most finch feeders will have spots to hold over a dozen finches at one time," says Farr.

Log Feeders

Log feeders are tubes, or logs, filled with a solid bird food like peanut butter or suet that typically attracts woodpeckers. "Log feeders are a great DIY project that won't cost any money," says Farr. "Just find a small log in your backyard and drill some holes into to make an easy, effective bird feeder."

3 More Tips For Attracting Birds To Your Feeder

While no plan is foolproof, there are plenty of ways to increase your chances of getting some feathered friends to your feeders.

Feeder Placement

Not all birds like to be high in the sky—there are a multitude of species that are ground feeders and rarely visit a bird feeder high up on a deck. According to the Audubon Society, "sparrows, juncos, and towhees usually feed on the ground, while finches and cardinals feed in shrubs, and chickadees, titmice, and woodpeckers feed in trees." Place all feeders accordingly to ensure the most amount of birds visiting.

Overall Environment

Even with a feeder, it's important to make sure the environment in which it sits is preferable for birds. This means making sure there are ample water sources, nesting materials, plants, and other factors that help birds thrive.

Clean Feeders Regularly

Keeping all bird feeders clean is necessary in ensuring that the birds at your feeder are happy and healthy. "If you don't regularly clean your bird feeders, disease are more likely to spread and harm birds all around your community," says Farr. Be sure to follow any instructions for how to properly clean your feeders.