Best Bird Feeders 2023 - Forbes Vetted

The best bird feeders provide a wonderful opportunity to observe and attract birds to your surroundings, filling your outdoor space with a flurry of activity and a euphony of sounds. Plus, they’re designed to comfortably accommodate your feathered friends while deterring seed-stealing pests like squirrels. Our top pick for 2023 is the Droll Yankees Onyx Clever Clean and Fill Mixed Seed Bird Feeder for its roomy capacity and ease of cleaning, but there are plenty of other great options that made our list.

The Kingsyard Recycled Plastic Suet Bird Feeder's two-sided wire mesh design enables birds to access ... [+] the suet from both sides simultaneously, accommodating multiple woodpeckers or other birds at once. Sc Adapter With Inner Shutter

According to Jennifer Tyrell, engagement manager at the bird conservation and habitat restoration society Audubon South Carolina, having a bird feeder is a valuable addition to any home. “Anyone can benefit—adults find stress relief, children learn about species in their yards and home-bound individuals find entertainment and purpose in watching and maintaining bird feeders,” she says. Conor Gearin, managing producer at the nonprofit organization BirdNote, also emphasizes that bird feeders can help residents identify birds in their area and better understand their behaviors.

When selecting a bird feeder, Tyrell advises considering how you’ll want to mount or hang it, whether it’s squirrel-proof and how easy it is to clean. If it happens to look nice in your yard or on your deck, even better. With these factors in mind, here are the top bird feeders on the market right now.

The Droll Yankees Onyx feeder is an excellent choice for feeding a large number of birds effortlessly. With its generous height of 19.6 inches and a 2-pound capacity, you can fill it with plenty of seed and let the birds enjoy without constantly refilling it. Cleaning is a breeze with its removable base, and the spring-loaded top allows for easy one-handed opening and filling. Four ports can feed multiple bird simultaneously, while the base serves as a convenient perch for birds to rest or wait their turn, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching and observation. As an added bonus, the feeder offers lifetime guarantee against squirrel damage.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its diverse bird population, including being home to various species of woodpeckers. The Kingsyard Suet Bird Feeder is specifically designed to cater to these unique birds, thanks to a tail prop that allows woodpeckers to rest as they enjoy their meal. The feeder's two-sided wire mesh design enables birds to access the suet from both sides simultaneously, accommodating multiple woodpeckers or other birds at once. Made from recycled plastic and stainless steel mesh, the Kingsyard feeder is a durable and sturdy option that can withstand all four seasons. Plus, it won’t absorb water when it’s wet, so you don’t have to stress about the rainy season.

The Twinkle Star bird feeder is a budget-friendly option priced at just $15. It features an attractive lantern design and can hold over 2 pounds of seed, so you won't have to refill the feeder frequently. It’s equipped with clear panels, allowing you to easily monitor the seed levels and observe birds from various angles. Additionally, the roof of the feeder can be easily removed for convenient cleaning. Choose from eight different color options, including a bright yellow.

The hopper-style Perky-Pet Sun And Star Lantern feeder holds a large amount of bird seed, only releasing small quantities at a time to help minimize the risk of mold. Plus, the attractive lantern shape adds to the aesthetic appeal of your backyard decor, while the rust-proof metal exterior ensures it’s built to last in outdoor conditions.

Equipped with four perching areas allowing multiple birds to feed simultaneously, it’s designed to provide an enjoyable birdwatching experience. The roof can be easily removed, allowing for quick and convenient refills of bird seed, and you can hang the feeder or mount it on a pole, depending on your preference.

Hummingbirds have unique feeding needs—they eat nectar; not seed—that requires a specialized feeder. The Aspects 367 was thoughtfully designed to provide four ports for hummingbirds to snack, while a special moat keep ants away and raised "flowers" divert the rain and prevent dilution of the nectar inside. The feeder—which simply hangs from a branch—is easy to pull apart for cleaning. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, just in case.

Squirrels are a common issue with bird feeders—they’ll steal all the seed, leaving little to none for the birds. The Brome Squirrel Buster has a genius design to shut down squirrel invaders quickly. Under normal circumstances, the openings in the shroud line up with the feeding ports, giving birds direct access to food. But when a squirrel jumps on the feeder, the weight of the animal automatically causes the shroud to move down, closing access to the ports. (No squirrels are harmed in this process.) Once the squirrel jumps off, the ports open again. The seed ports are designed to accommodate perching and clinging birds for high bird traffic, while the tube itself allows humidity and hot air to escape through vents, keeping seeds fresh.

Cardinals will eat at a range of feeders but, if you have an affinity for them and wish to attract more to your yard, the Droll Yankees cardinal feeder is a great option. The feeder features a domed lid that provides coveted protection for cardinals while they nosh, keeping them safe from rain or direct sunlight. The feeder can hold up to a pound of seed, while the UV-stabilized polycarbonate cover keeps birds from overheating underneath. Drainage holes help lower the risk of mold. You can mount this feeder on a pole or hang it from a tree—the option is yours.

Interested in observing birds up close? The Nature’s Hangout window feeder is designed to attach to your window using weatherproof suction cups, allowing you to enjoy a close-up view of birds in action just inches away.

Standout features include a padded perch where birds can rest while they eat, providing them with a comfortable feeding experience. And it’s a breeze to fill the feeder—simply slide out the tray, fill it with seed and slide it back in place. When it’s time to clean, simply wipe it down with a cloth. Drip holes in the bottom keep your seed dry and lower the risk of mold.

Platform bird feeders attract a variety of birds and they’re simple to use: Just place your bird seed on the top tray, and you're good to go. With no ports to navigate, a number of birds can dine together at once. The feeder is crafted from bamboo and features a patented seed tray that lifts out for easy cleaning. The tray is weather-resistant and doesn’t require assembly—simply hang it up, sit back and enjoy watching your new visitors.

Balconies can be tricky spots for bird feeders given that there are no trees or ground to put a pole into. This Bolite feeder offers an easy solution: two meta seed trays and one plastic water tray that clamps onto your railing to keep it in place. (An adjustable hand knob helps you to get a tight fit.) The stand is crafted from heavy-duty metal with a weather-resistant and rust-proof finish to help your feeder stand up to the elements. To clean the feeder, just remove the trays, wipe them down and put them back in place.

To choose the best bird feeders, we interviewed two bird experts for their input on important features to look for in these products. Next, we analyzed the market to identify the most popular options, narrowing down the selection based on specific needs, thoughtful design elements and overall value. We also took into consideration reviews from real owners to make sure we have a full view of how these feeders perform across a range of homes over time.

There are different types of bird feeders and the best option for you is one that fits your needs. “If you have little to no outdoor space, you might consider a feeder that attaches to a window or window frame that will attract small birds,” says Gearin. “If you have a yard, or are choosing bird feeders for a shared green space, there are many different styles of feeders available.” Plus, it’s crucial to look for a feeder that discourages squirrels. “Spending extra on a pole system with a baffle, or a squirrel-proof feeder will save you time, money and frustration in the future,” says Tyrell. And if hummingbirds are more your speed, you’ll need a special feeder like the Aspects 367 Hummzinger Ultra Hummingbird Feeder, that’s designed to dispense nectar instead of seeds.

Bird feeders are generally made from plastic, composite wood or metal, and some have a mix of several materials. There is no “right” material, but those made with plastic will likely need to be wiped down from time to time (something you should technically be doing anyway to keep your feeder clean). Metal feeders run the risk of rusting, which is why it’s crucial to look for models that state they’re rust-proof.

Most bird feeders are fairly easy to maintain: You simply fill them when they’re low and wipe them out from time to time. But you’ll want to clean any type of feeder often—ideally every week—to lower the risk of disease building up. “Be ready to devote some time and energy to refilling your bird feeder and cleaning it at least once per week with a dilute bleach solution to prevent birds from getting sick and spreading disease,” Gearin says. Keep this in mind as you shop. “A hard-to-clean feeder won't get cleaned often enough and will harbor mold, mildew and disease,” advises Tyrell.

If you wish to attract smaller birds while deterring larger ones, using a tube-style feeder is recommended. According to bird experts, larger birds like grackles, doves and jays are unable to perch on the shorter perches typically found on tube feeders. This design feature makes it more difficult for them to access the food. While it may be inevitable to see some larger birds visiting your feeding area, especially if there are seeds on the ground, or notice hawks that are usually attracted by the presence of smaller birds—investing in a tube feeder can significantly reduce the likelihood of larger birds interfering with the feeder itself and the food inside.

If you're looking for a "feeding frenzy" experience and enjoy seeing a large number of birds at once, tray feeders or hopper feeders with multiple perches are your best bet. These types of feeders can release a significant amount of seeds, attracting a crowd of birds to your feeding area. However, it's important to note that many of the seeds may end up on the ground, which can attract doves and sparrows. While it can be fun to have multiple birds visiting simultaneously, keep in mind that the high seed volume in these feeders can lead to faster seed consumption and higher costs in the long run. Additionally, squirrels may take notice of the abundant food source and try to access the feeder. On the positive side, tray feeders and hopper feeders are typically easier to clean compared to other feeder types. This makes maintenance and hygiene more convenient.

When selecting bird feed, it's important to consider the preferences and nutritional needs of different bird species. While cheaper seed mixes may contain seeds that many birds ignore, opting for high-quality options can attract a wider variety of birds. According to the bird experts, a good seed blend includes black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts and white millet, which provide good nutrition and attract a diverse range of bird species. Black oil sunflower seeds, in particular, are favored by many bird species. However, specific foods can also target particular bird species. Nyjer (thistle) seeds are attractive to finches, while suet—when provided in a specially designed suet feeder—can attract nuthatches and woodpeckers. Millet is a preferred seed for ground-feeding birds like doves and sparrows. To maximize the diversity of bird species visiting your feeding area, it's recommended to have different types of feeders with various food options.

I write about business, finance and technology in the K-12 and higher education sectors. Prior to joining Forbes, I worked at Inside Higher Ed as a business and governance reporter, and before that I worked as a digital producer for Politico. I graduated from St. Olaf College in 2018 with a degree in political science.

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NSJ is a journalist and editor specializing in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, culture. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Grazia, The Guardian, Telegraph Fashion, The Sydney Morning Herald.

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I am an updates writer for Forbes Vetted, and I optimize content related to fashion, beauty, and travel. Before joining the team, I was a commerce writer for Bustle Digital Group as well as a freelance entertainment journalist with regular contributions to ScreenCrush, PopCrush, and more. I have a B.F.A. from Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and I currently reside in Long Beach, California.

I'm a freelance journalist and product reviewer specializing in parenting and education. My writing has been featured by AARP, Scholastic, Insider, Yahoo, MSN, AAA and more. I spent six years as a high school English teacher, and then began writing full time after my daughter was born. I'm the proud mom to her as well as twin boys (and a fur baby). I have a bachelor of science in education from Penn State and a master of arts in education from Michigan State. You can learn more about me or connect with me on my website.

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