Looking for a bird feeder to attract avian creatures to your backyard?
If you love watching feathery creatures and want a close-up look at your favorite songbirds in your free time, you need a feeder to magnetize them.
But with thousands of options online, finding the right feeder can be challenging.
So, we put together a list of the 10 best bird feeders of 2023 that we personally think would give you the best bang for your buck.
In particular, you’ll discover:
- a two-in-one bird feeder that allows you to provide both seed mix and suet cakes to your feathery friends
- a solar-powered smart feeder with an HD camera that enables you to watch the birds even if you’re at work
- and a squirrel-proof feeder with a weight-activated seed shield to deter pesky bird predators
After countless hours of research, here are the top bird feeders we can recommend:
The Best Bird Feeder Reviewed In This Guide
- FlowaFoli Metal Bird Feeder with Double Suet Cage (Check Price)
- SWEETFULL Solar Bird Feeder (Check Price)
- HARYMOR Smart Bird Feeder (Check Price)
- Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Tube Feeder (Check Price)
- LUJII Glass Hummingbird Feeder (Check Price)
- Kingsyard Metal Mesh Bird Feeder (Check Price)
- AMishToyBox.com Oriole Bird Feeder (Check Price)
- WenMixer Window Bird Feeder (Check Price)
- DutchCrafters Poly Covered Ground Feeder (Check Price)
- Squirrel Buster Nut Feeder (Check Price)
10 Best Bird Feeders of 2023
When choosing a bird feeder, you have to consider the bird’s species and needs.
For example, while most birds feed on seeds and grains, some species, like hummingbirds, love nectar, so they need a secure nectar feeder.
On the other hand, birds like cardinals, chickadees, starlings, woodpeckers, nuthatches, jays, and wrens enjoy suet cakes during winter. Suet cakes are animal fat combined with other ingredients like peanuts and bird seeds.
If you want to attract these birds to your backyard or provide for their needs during the cold season, get a suet feeder for them.
To help you find the right feeder for your backyard birds, we compiled the top-rated feeders that are proven reliable and cost-effective below.
1. Best Overall Feeder: FlowaFoli Metal Bird Feeder with Double Suet Cage
We’re kicking off this list with the most cost-effective and dual-purpose FlowaFoli metal feeder.
It comes with a sturdy roof and double suet cages on the side and has a large seed capacity of 6 pounds.
You can use it no matter the time of the year, thanks to its robust metal construction.
Yes, this is not just an aesthetic option but also a practical and weather-resistant feeder you can utilize for bird feeding for a long time.
And if you’re worried about the squirrels, worry no more because this feeder is squirrel-resistant, although adding a squirrel baffle can make it even more secure.
But what can this dual-purpose feeder offer, and what are its drawbacks?
We’ll dig deeper into that below.
PROS:
Sturdy Construction
What we like the most about this feeder for birds is it’s made of metal and not plastic. We can guarantee that this bird feeder is one of the toughest and most durable feeders we have ever come across.
It’s solid and doesn’t crack easily, and its protective coating lasts long.
Multipurpose Feeder
Aside from having a seed container, you can also attach the suet feeder to the sides of the main body anytime you want.
This allows you to provide food not just for those who love seeds but also for those who feed on suet cakes.
Heavy-Duty Cord
It’s designed with your bird’s safety in mind because it has a highly reliable cord that does not break off easily, which is crucial for feeders like this.
Hassle-free Opening and Cleaning
Cleaning is a breeze for this bird feeder.
Just lift the roof, and you can already fill it in and clean the insides.
CONS:
No Clamp or Lock For the Lid/Roof
One of the downsides of this feeder is that the roof or lid lacks a clamp or lock because it only sits over the top.
May Develop Rust Over Time
Since it’s made of metal, you must know that it will eventually develop rust over time, and you may need to repaint it to keep it protected.
But overall, this is a cost-effective feeder that’s worth every buck.
2. Best Budget Feeder: SWEETFULL Solar Bird Feeder
If you want a bird feeder with leveled-up aesthetics, look no further than the Sweetfull solar feeder.
Its top-notch design combines a solar lantern and a feeder in one product.
And when this lantern lights up at night, the word beautiful is just an understatement for this magnificent, dual-purpose masterpiece.
It comes with a hook that allows you to hang it outdoors.
The magic happens as the bird eats more seeds, and the container lowers because more light shows and appears brighter.
But if you want it to add color to your backyard or patio at night, leave the feeder about half an inch.
This way, the lid can fit, and it can emit more light.
This heavy-duty solar feeder made of metal has a weight capacity of 2 pounds, and it’s available in two size options.
PROS:
Solar Powered Feeder
Since it’s solar-powered, you can attach this elegant feeder to any place in your garden without worrying about the power sources.
Solid Seed Holder
The seed holder is reliable and allows the bird to perch on the edges while eating seeds.
Beautiful Ornamental Design
You can elevate the look of your garden with this picturesque ornamental feeder, which easily blends in with any furniture and exterior design.
CONS:
Light May Attract Bugs
If you live in an area with lots of bugs, this isn’t ideal for you because its light may attract such kinds of insects and may become a nuisance to your area.
Might Get Clogged
You may need a screwdriver to unclog the seeds in the dispenser holes when they get wet due to heavy rains.
3. Best Smart Feeder: HARYMOR Smart Bird Feeder
If you want to take your bird-feeding experience to the next level, this Harymor smart feeder is for you!
It’s not your ordinary bird feeder because it has a camera that lets you witness the birds feeding on it day and night.
The best part of it is it can send you real-time notifications whenever a bird visits your feeder, so you won’t ever miss any bird-watching opportunity.
With the help of an AI app, it can identify the bird’s species through photos and audio.
You can even share it with your friends and family.
This 2L bird feeder is also equipped with a 5200 mAh battery and dual solar panel, so you don’t have to worry about power outages at all.
With this feeder, you can observe different bird behaviors and gain a deeper understanding of them.
If you’re an avid bird watcher, this will surely be a game-changer for you!
PROS:
Wi-Fi Connectivity and User Friendly App
Connecting the feeder to your local Wi-Fi network and downloading the app is relatively easy.
Furthermore, the app is easy to use.
You can easily customize the video settings, motion alerts, and feeding schedules.
HD Camera
The camera was discreetly placed at the center of the feeder and let you watch the birds without disturbing their natural behavior.
Furthermore, the spot-on video and image quality will make your experience even more enjoyable.
Large Capacity
Since it can accommodate around 2 liters of bird seeds, you can rest assured many birds can benefit from your provision.
Comes with a Bird Stand
Birds can eat comfortably because it comes with a perch or bird stand and allows you to watch the birds up close like it’s eating right in front of you.
Waterproof Construction
Since the container comes with a roof, it can withstand any weather weather conditions, whether rainy or harsh summer.
CONS:
Needs Subscription for AI Bird Identification
This innovative device requires you to download the app and pay $4.99/month for an AI bird identification subscription plus 5GB/month of cloud storage.
Not Squirrel-Proof
Since this is not squirrel-deterrent, you must install siren alarms to repel the bird predators.
4. Most Squirrel-Resistant Feeder: Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Tube Feeder
If squirrels constantly wreak havoc in your feeder, this is the perfect solution for you!
But how does it repel squirrels?
This feeder features a sure-lock cap that prevents squirrels from lifting the lid and a metal frame that makes it more challenging for squirrels to chew around the ports.
It also boasts a weight-activated seed shield that was designed to accommodate birds’ weight but not squirrels.
So when a squirrel tries to access the feeder, the ports will close off.
Even if the strongest and toughest squirrels can somehow manage to get into the feeder, they won’t be able to enjoy a big meal, thanks to its smooth, round finish.
This squirrel-proof feeder comes with four feeding ports and ladder-style perches.
But to ensure no squirrels can reach the ports without activating the seed shield, hang the feeder with at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides.
PROS:
Shake-Resistant
This feeder is four times more shake-resistant than others.
Therefore there will be less seed waste mess on the ground, and you’ll be able to save money on feed.
Improved Visibility
Since this feeder provides better visibility, birds will feel more secure perching and feeding on it, and they’ll stick to your feeder longer.
Easy-Cleaning
Another feature you’ll love in this device is it’s easy to clean and refill, thanks to its removable lid and wide mouth for the seed reservoir.
So cleaning every nook and cranny is a breeze!
CONS:
Beware of Aggressive Birds
If your birds and squirrels are aggressive, you need to look out and make sure they won’t chew the plastic flexports.
Otherwise, the seed will pour out and attract more squirrels.
Tiny Openings
Since its star-shaped openings are tiny, it’s best not to put sunflower or safflower seeds into it because the birds won’t be able to get them out.
5. Best Nectar Feeder: LUJII Glass Hummingbird Feeder
If your goal is to attract hummingbirds into your backyard, look no further than this mind-blowing bird feeder made of glass and metal.
Its gorgeous design will leave not just the birds but also your guests in awe.
With a capacity of 36 fluid ounces, this feeder can attract lots of backyard birds.
It doesn’t just provide food for hummingbirds because it can also add color to your garden and provide a resting place for your avian friends.
Many avian lovers found hummingbirds buzzing around this feeder within just a few minutes after putting this up.
But we can’t blame them because even we can’t stop gushing over this hand-blown glass feeder.
It comes with a rustproof metal base cover with 5 perches 5 feeding ports, and an S hook.
And you can also easily check the nectar levels anytime because it’s made of translucent glass.
PROS:
Elegant Design
Honestly, the main selling point of this feeder is its eye-catching visuals, and what makes it even more interesting is it’s available in 5 different colors.
Easy Refill
Refilling the top is a breeze and can easily hold up to four cups of sugar water solution.
Metal Ant Moat
This is essential for every nectar feeder, and we’re glad it comes with a metal ant moat that helps deter ants.
Just fill it with water, and it’s good to go!
CONS:
Leak Tendencies
Since this is made of glass, there’s a chance the liquid will leak, especially if something knocks over it or you accidentally drop it.
Rust-Resistance
This product claims to be rust-resistant, but it still can develop rust over time.
However, the good news is you can get it replaced if the rusted one still falls within the warranty period.
6. Best Thistle Feeder: Kingsyard Metal Mesh Bird Feeder
If you prefer thistle feeders with sleek and practical designs, we’ll introduce to you the Kingsyard feeder!
It caters to mixed seed blends such as millet, milo, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
Due to the feeder’s size, this is ideal for goldfinches, sparrows, chickadees, and nuthatch.
Since it has a maximum capacity of 2.5 pounds, you won’t have to refill it very often.
And you don’t need to worry about the water collecting inside because it contains draining holes.
Furthermore, these birds enjoy this feeder because it allows them to grasp onto the mesh while enjoying the feed.
It’s not as visually pleasing as other feeders, but it definitely does the job.
PROS:
Multifunctional
What we like about this feeder is you can hang it anywhere in your backyard, patio, or outside your kitchen or window.
Anti-Rust Coating
It can withstand extreme temperatures for a long time with no rust problem, thanks to its rust coating.
It may eventually wear off over time, but at least it’s sturdy and serves its purpose.
Durable Construction
We find this bird feeder’s quality reliable and can serve your birds for quite a long time.
It’s chew-proof since squirrels and other birds can’t easily gnaw the mesh, although they can still access the seeds.
CONS:
Seeds Get Wet
The mesh construction does not protect the seeds, so they can easily get wet.
The best solution to this is to put only enough amounts the birds can consume.
Otherwise, the bird feed will get spoilt, or the bacteria and fungus will grow on the seeds.
Does Not Offer Squirrel Protection
This will work for you if you live in an area with no pesky squirrels.
But unfortunately, if squirrels are playing too much of a villain in your avian’s world, this is not for you.
7. Best Oriole Feeder: AMishToyBox.com Oriole Bird Feeder
Orchard Oriole, Baltimore Oriole, and other types of Oriole love vibrant orange, so if you want to attract them into your backyard, adding an orange feeder is a surefire way to do that.
It features a sturdy roof, two orange holders, and two cup holders.
It’s not just a feeding station for Orioles, but it can also serve as a resting place and a perfect addition to your garden.
Since it offers two feeding options for the Orioles in your area, more birds can benefit from it.
PROS:
Comes with a Cover
Unlike other oriole feeder designs, this design comes with a roof that can cover oranges and the nectar or mealworms you put into the glass cup.
Easy to Clean
The seamless finish and removable cups allow you to clean this feeder easily.
Just wipe it with a damp cloth, and you’re done with the upkeeping!
CONS:
Slippery Surface
Since it’s made of plastic and not entirely wood, it tends to get slippery when wet, making it challenging for the Orioles to hold onto it and eat.
Hefty Price
This is thrice the price of an ordinary Oriole feeder, so it’s slightly more expensive than others.
But it’s justifiable since it provides more space and security for your avian friends.
8. Best Window Feeder: WenMixer Window Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for transparent window feeders that will enable you to watch the birds closely right at your window, this is a great option for you.
You can rest assured this is sturdy, safe, and reliable for the birds because it contains powerful self-adhesive hooks and a rubber strip that helps birds stay on the feeder for a long time.
But this feeder only accommodates Oriole, cardinal, Blue Jay American Robin, and finches.
PROS:
Multipurpose Feeder
This feeder features two feeding compartments to provide seed mix and mealworms to your bird.
On top of that, it also comes with a bird bath where the birds can drink and take a splash to refresh themselves.
Better View
Since this feeder has a giant viewing window, you can clearly see the birds enjoying their food without harming or scaring them away.
Easy Upkeeping
This open window feeder is easy to clean because of its lid-free design, and a simple wipe is enough to remove the dirt.
CONS:
Open for Squirrels
Since it doesn’t come with a cover or lid, this leaves an open invitation to squirrels around the area.
Warping and Discoloration
Since it’s made of plastic, you can expect warping and discoloration over time due to increasing heat, especially in the summer.
9. Best Ground Feeder: DutchCrafters Poly Covered Ground Feeder
If you prefer a ground feeder but you’re you don’t want to get the bird seeds wet, here’s a solution for you!
This DutchCrafters’ covered ground feeder was designed to accommodate birds who love to forage on the ground.
But to avoid getting the seeds wet, it was raised off a little, and a poly roof was added.
If the moisture still makes it through into the seeds, the aluminum mesh floor can drain it, thus keeping your seed mix dry and preventing molds and fungi from growing.
PROS:
Weatherproof Design
You won’t have to worry about leaving the feeder outdoors because this covered ground feather is protected from both heavy rain and snow.
Sturdy Construction
What we like about poly lumber is its fade and crack-resistant construction, so your birds can enjoy this feeder for a long time.
Hassle-free Upkeeping
Its stainless steel is rust-resistant, and the feeder itself is easy to clean. Just wipe it with water and soap, and you’re done!
CONS:
Hefty Amount
This is definitely more expensive than ordinary ground feeders, but the additional amount you pay is worth it because the quality is top-notch.
Not Squirrel Proof
This feeder isn’t high enough, so squirrels can still jump right into the feeder if they want to.
But if you want to deter them, you must raise it using a 10-ft. pole.
10. Best Peanut Feeder: Squirrel Buster Nut Feeder
Providing peanuts has never been easy, thanks to this smart feeding device.
This squirrel-proof feeder has two meshes, so you have the freedom to explore the foods that attract birds, like cardinals, doves, jays, and chickadees.
The smaller mesh is best for sunflower seeds, dried mealworms, and suet nuggets, while the larger one is for bigger nuts.
What makes this even more interesting is you can choose what kinds of birds are allowed to eat in your feeder.
It’s made possible by the feeder’s adjustable spring mechanism that helps you control how much weight it will support.
If you want to prevent larger birds from feeding on the seed mix, you just need to rotate the dial toward the “-” sign.
But for better protection against squirrels, we recommend giving an 18-inch (47 cm) clearance for this feeder wherever you hang it.
PROS:
Deters Squirrel
Although this can’t really deter squirrels up to 100%, it can help keep the squirrels out.
Even if they can make it to the feeder, they can’t access the nuts and seeds since the feeding port closes right away.
Interchangeable Meshes
One of your favorite features of this feeder is the interchangeable meshes with two different sizes that let you accommodate different types of feed.
CONS:
Expensive
This is more expensive than other peanut feeders, for it’s proven sturdy and outweighs the features of other feeders.
Attractive for Crows
Since crows like peanuts, they might compete with other birds in consuming the feed you prepared for your backyard birds. And they can scare smaller birds away.
FAQs About Bird Feeders
We also collected different questions about bird feeders and compiled them for you to give you more insights into this bird feeding activity.
What is in a bird feeder?
Bird feeders are tools that contain bird food such as millet, sunflower, safflower, rapeseed, and canola.
It’s a place where birds can eat peacefully and freely any time they feel the need to do so.
Why should we make a bird feeder?
Even if you don’t raise or keep birds in your home, it’s best to set up a bird feeder to offer entertainment and fun to other birds and get closer to nature.
What are the characteristics of a bird feeder?
Your chosen bird feeder must be sturdy enough to withstand extreme weather and squirrels, and it must be easy to assemble and clean.
What is the simplest bird feeder?
The simplest bird feeder to make is the pine cone feeder because all you need is a pine cone, some strings, and the food or treat you will use.
But you can also make a bird feeder out of a plastic bottle.
How do you make an eco-friendly bird feeder?
You can use an orange peel as an eco-friendly bird feeder.
Just cut it in half, then poke four equidistant holes with a nail and put the string on each hole.
However, it’s not durable and might eventually rot.
When should I make my bird feeder?
The best time to put a bird feeder outside your home is when food is scarce, such as during extreme weather, migration, and in late winter or early spring.
What should you not put in a bird feeder?
Avoid putting avocado, onion, garlic, chocolate, and salt in the bird feed because these human foods are actually toxic for birds.
Final Tips on Choosing The Best Bird Feeder
Birdwatching is fun, and it helps release dopamine and boost our mental well-being.
But you can only make it happen if you have a feeder that entices these avian creatures and provides their needs.
So make sure you get the right feeder that fits the bird’s needs you want to attract.
You also need to consider the durability and cost-effectiveness of the product to get the most value out of every buck.
If you want a budget-friendly, multi-purpose feeder, and squirrel-resistant feeder, the FlowaFoli Metal Feeder is the way to go.
But if you want to level up your birdwatching experience and see the birds up close, get a feeder that comes with an HD camera and Wi-Fi connectivity like HARYMOR.
However, if you want to keep the feeder simple and elegant, SWEETFULL Solar Feeder is right for you.
These feeders can accommodate small to medium-sized birds that feed on seeds.
But if you want to look out for hummingbirds and provide for their nectar needs, look no further than the stunning LUJII Glass Hummingbird Feeder.