Bird feeders are a fun way to attract a variety of birds to your outdoor space. They provide valuable nutrients to your native bird species during winter months, and they also encourage birds to stick around and take care of your garden pests – win-win! In this guide, we break down the best bird feeders to streamline the browsing process and help you make the best decision for your outdoor space and your feathery friends.

Review the following considerations to determine your bird feeder criteria or skip ahead to discover the variety of garden bird feeders to choose from on Wayfair:

Before You Get Started
The Best Bird Feeders for Your Needs

Before You Get Started

Answer these questions to help narrow down your bird feeder selection and highlight key features you want to look for:

• Which bird species are native to your area? Research the types of birds found in your region or the ones you see on a daily basis to help guide your decision on which types of bird feeders you should go for. For example, suet feeders are known to attract birds like woodpeckers, while thistle feeders attract smaller birds like goldfinches. Knowing native bird species can also help you determine the best types of bird feed for your bird feeder.
• What type of bird feed do you need? You need to match your bird feeder with a compatible type of bird feed to ensure the best results. For example, thistle feeders pair well with nyjer seed, because goldfinches love it and the seeds are small enough for birds to access through the mesh holes. In contrast, hummingbird feeders are specifically designed with special dishes or wells to hold nectar feed, which these types of birds prefer.
• Where can you put the bird feeder? If you have trees in your backyard, you can use the branches for hanging bird feeders. Small patios may benefit from a bird feeder stand from which or on which you can hang or rest bird feeders. Window bird feeders suction to exterior window surfaces for the ultimate space-saving bird smorgasboard.
• What critters live in your area? Squirrels love bird seed just as much as birds do, so if your area has a large squirrel population, you may want to invest in a squirrel-proof bird feeder. This will keep squirrels from eating all the bird seed, damaging bird feeders, or dumping bird seed on the ground. Have deer? Make sure to hang bird feeders high enough to keep them out of their reach. Bears also enjoy bird seed, so it’s very important to place bird feeders away from exterior doors or patio areas to ensure your safety.

Tip!

Want to learn more before you choose the right bird feeder for your outdoor space? Check out our Types of Bird Feeders guide for all the information you need.

The Best Bird Feeders for Your Needs

We've got you covered whether you want to cater to smaller birds, protect against squirrels, stay on budget, or create a diverse bird sanctuary. Check out these must-have bird feeders to discover which ones you can't live without.

Quick Note:

We chose these items based on high customer ratings and positive customer reviews.

Best Budget-Friendly Bird Feeder: Fly the Chalet Hopper Bird Feeder

The Fly the Chalet hopper bird feeder is a great budget-friendly choice, whether you're a beginner bird enthusiast or someone looking for an inexpensive option that doesn't skimp on quality. At under $25, it's a great starter bird feeder to attract birds to your outdoor space. Made from durable, shatterproof plastic, this feeder can withstand a few bumps and scratches from weather events or pesky squirrels. The Fly the Chalet feeder comes with a built-in hanging hook to suspend from tree branches or mounting hooks and has a fun, gazebo-style roof to keep seeds and birds dry. The bottom feeding tray provides a convenient place for birds to perch as they enjoy a quick bite or take a moment to rest.

What customers say:

"I love this feeder. It’s light, but sturdy enough to handle every bird that’s using it!"

"Love this feeder! Easy to fill! Great construction!"

"GREAT FEEDER. INEXPENSIVE"

Most Versatile Bird Feeder: Rockleigh Decorative Bird Feeder

The best bird feeders offer a variety of feeder options so you can attract a diverse group of birdlife to your outdoor space. The Rockleigh decorative bird feeder does just that! It comes with a wire feeder, suet feeder, tube feeder, and peanut feeder to accommodate a variety of feed types all-in-one package. The two lower hooks have adjustable features so you can move them up or down to accommodate bird feeders of different sizes. In addition to the Rockleigh's four hanging feeders, it also comes with a water dish and a platform feeder tray. Each fit into their own holders lower on the pole.

Another plus: There's no need for a tree branch, wall-mount, or another anchor for this bird feeder. This is because the Rockleigh comes attached with 9" ground stakes at the base for a quick and easy ground installation. Standing at just over 6' when installed in the ground, this bird feeder is the perfect height to enjoy bird-watching from afar.

As a heads up, the blue and orange feeders pictured above do not come with this bird feeder, so you have two additional hooks to play around with.

What customers say:

"Plenty of hooks for various feeds. I have so many birds that visit this feeder."

"This is a great bird feeder! Lots of options to keep the birds coming for more. Recommend!"

"My outdoor birds enjoy it immensely. I like the availability of different foods and a bath!!"

Most Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder: Czarnecki Squirrel-Be-Gone Country-Style Hopper

In search of bird feeders that are squirrel proof? Look no further than the Czarnecki Squirrel-Be-Gone country-style hopper feeder. It has a weighted platform that doesn't move when birds perch on it, so they can easily access the seeds. However, the weight of a squirrel on the perch automatically closes the feeder holes. This makes it virtually impossible for squirrels or even birds weighing 1 lb. or more to access the seeds. This includes birds like crows or ravens. Large songbirds like robins, doves, and cardinals should have no trouble accessing the seeds.

The Czarnecki feeder is also made of rust-resistant metal, so it can withstand outdoor weather conditions and run-ins with determined squirrels. Mount this feeder on a pole or hang it from a mounting hook for the best results.

What customers say:

"This bird feeder is exactly as it describes, it really prevents the squirrels from getting into this bird feeder. Now sit back and watch the squirrels try to figure this one out!"

"Finally birds not squirrels! I had tried everything but nothing worked until this feeder. I love the design and should save money as the seeds should last much longer."

"Squirrels were driving me crazy eating all the bird feed. This solved my problem."

Best Tube Bird Feeder: Alsibianoes Ebern Designs Tube Bird Feeder

This panoramic tube bird feeder pairs a streamlined design with functional features to benefit you and your local birds. It comes in four colors: red (pictured above), blue, brown, or copper and it's fade-resistant. The top of the feeder comes off easily when you need to clean or refill it, and it has a sure-lock cap system to keep the top securely in place. The top also overhangs the tube and the suspended perch to keep seeds dry and provide shelter for songbirds of all sizes. This feeder comes with a built-in hanging cable you can easily attach to a mounting hook or tree branch.

What customers say:

"We live in the Northeast, in the USA, and the sparrows, cardinals, blue jays, blackbirds, chickadees, pigeons, and doves love it."

"Love this bird feeder and so do the birds. They have a firm footing and can shuffle around the base rather than having to flutter from peg perch to peg perch."

"It is easy to fill up with seeds, and so many birds come to it throughout each day."

Best Platform Tray Bird Feeder: Leandro Platform Tray Bird Feeder

The Leandro platform tray bird feeder caters to birds both small and large. You usually see platform or tray configurations used for large wild bird feeders, since there's more surface area to accommodate multiple large birds at a time. This feeder has a strategic design to keep large birds from spilling seeds onto the ground. A removable metal grid acts as a perch for birds to rest on as they nibble at the seeds below, while it also prevents birds from moving the seeds and creating a mess. You can also remove the suspension hanger and place the Leandro feeder on the ground or on low-lying surfaces to cater to ground-foraging birds like blue jays. This is why platform tray styles make the best bird feeders for blue jays.

What customers say:

"I love my bird feeder. Perfect for birds of all sizes!"

"Great. Keeps large birds from throwing food out. Well-engineered!"

"Love this feeder. Still going strong after a few years. Easy to clean and big enough for several doves to eat together."

Best Window Bird Feeder: Tranquility Window Bird Feeder

Window feeders are the best bird feeders for up-close birdwatching because they stick right to the window and allow the birds to come to you. The Tranquility window bird feeder is convenient, whether you're short on balcony space, lack outdoor space altogether, or just want to enjoy birdlife from the comfort of your home. This feeder comes with rubber landing perches to provide an extra layer of comfort (encouraging longer stays!) and has an overhead roof to keep seeds and bird visitors dry. The feeder mounts to clean window surfaces with three heavy duty suction cups. You can remove the bottom of the tray to refill the bird seed, or shovel in additional seeds with a small scooper instead.

What customers say:

"PURRFECT for a cat who loves bird watching. Our 7-month kitten sits by it all day."

"I love this...the birds are mesmerizing, especially the cardinals....and the suction cups are heavy-duty."

"Love this feeder. The feeding tray separates from the base for easy refills and cleaning."

Most Functional Hopper Bird Feeder: Woodlink Hopper Bird Feeder

Keep things laid-back and functional with this traditional hopper bird feeder. It has room for 5 lbs. of bird seed with dual-side perches for birds to access. However, the hopper feeder also has plenty of room for two suet cakes on either side. Additional suet feeders allow you to attract a wide range of birds that you wouldn't see otherwise, like starlings, woodpeckers, and different types of jays. This bird feeder is super easy to clean. Simply lift one of the roof sides for quick access to the inside of the feeder. Another added bonus, this hopper bird feeder comes fully assembled and has a built-in metal hanger you can easily attach to a hook or suspension cable.

What customers say:

"It's very sturdy, well-built, and easy to fill with plenty of birdseed to keep my feathered buddies happy."

"This is a quality product. The fact that you can put suet on the feeder is a plus."

"It is absolutely perfect. My birds are the envy of the neighborhood."

Most Decorative Bird Feeder: Sunflower Decorative Bird Feeder

Cool bird feeders like this one are outdoor decor you can enjoy even without bird activity. The Sunflower Decorative Bird Feeder combines artistic craftship with functional openwork metal to hold up to 2 lbs. of seeds. A hangable chain helps suspend the feeder from mounting hooks or branches, while the yellow glass petals glow in the sunlight. The sunflower appearance also creates a fun theme when paired with sunflower seeds – just an idea!

What customers say:

"This flower bird feeder is very lively with vibrant yellow colors. I used it to put a suet in instead of seeds. It fits perfectly. It brings life to the yard."

"Adds some nice character to my flower garden. Nice size and the birds enjoy it!"

"This was a hit with my local birds immediately. I have other feeders, but they prefer this one."

Best Feeder for Small Birds: Levesque Wild Caged Tube Bird Feeder

The best bird feeders for small birds provide a level of protection so birds can enjoy a quick snack without worrying about predators or larger birds. The Levesque Wild Caged Tube Bird Feeder has a protective metal cage around a traditional tube feeder, as well as a handle on the top so you can hang the cage from a hook. The tube feeder has four separate feeding stations to maximize the amount of birdlife you can witness at any given moment. The small openings in the metal cage work perfectly for songbirds like finches, wrens, and chickadees to fit through, while keeping larger birds and squirrels out. If you're looking for bird feeders for finches and other small feathery friends, this feeder is the way to go.

What customers say:

"It’s a great bird feeder. Only the small birds get in. We had a woodpecker try several times but never got into the feeder."

"Big enough to let small birds in and small enough to keep squirrels and starlings out. Chickadees, tufted titmice, wrens, and sparrows are regular visitors."

"My backyard birdies love this feeder because it keeps all the bigger birds away! I am really glad I got it."

Best Hummingbird Feeder: Wanner Hobnail Vintage Hummingbird Feeder

This hummingbird feeder adds a touch of vintage design to your outdoor space, while attracting hummingbirds to feed. It comes in red (pictured above) or pink glass and has a fun hobnail texture for a cool impact. It holds up to 16 oz. of nectar at a time and has four flower-shaped feeding stations for hummingbirds to choose between. Made with weather- and water-resistant glass, this hobnail-style feeder combines style with durability for long-lasting use. Hang this hummingbird feeder on a mounted hook from its built-in metal hanger.

What customers say:

"According to my hummingbirds, this is the best feeder in the neighborhood. Our sweet water lasts about one week and the glass is clear enough to see the water level."

"The hummingbirds absolutely LOVE it! They come around all day, every day. Definitely worth buying."

"The red glass really attracts the little hummingbirds; it’s such a treat to watch them buzz in and out."

Tip!

Get more tips on the best bird feeders for specific types of birds in our guide How to Attract Birds to Your Yard or check out these guides for products birds will love even more than you!

To make birds feel at home:
Types of Birdhouses: Choose the Right Home for Your Feathered Friends

To help birds cool off and stay clean:
The 8 Best Birdbaths for Your Garden

Ready to get bird-watching?