Window feeder: which birds use it
Suction-cup feeders on the glass are the safest possible placement for collisions: birds leaving cannot build up speed.
Is a window feeder right for your yard?
| Holds | Sunflower, hearts, mixes |
|---|---|
| Best for | Chickadees, Titmice, House Finches, Nuthatches, Cardinals |
| Not for | Windows squirrels can reach from a sill or ledge |
| Squirrels | Depends on the window |
| Cleaning | Easy |
| Budget range tracked | under $25 to under $50 |
Window feeders from budget to premium
Budget ranges are a guide; the button shows the current price on Amazon.
What other feeders pair well with it?
- Tube feeder: The workhorse for small clinging birds. Metal ports resist squirrel chewing.
- Hopper feeder: A house-shaped reservoir with a wide ledge. The best all-round feeder for cardinals.
- Platform or tray feeder: Draws the widest range of species, including ground feeders. Needs a mesh floor for drainage and daily cleanup.
- Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder: A spring-loaded shroud drops over the ports under a squirrel's weight. The most reliable squirrel-proof design at a hanging feeder.
Ranked picks: Best window bird feeder.
Other feeder types
Tube feeder · Hopper feeder · Platform or tray feeder · Ground tray · Weight-activated squirrel-proof feeder · Caged tube feeder · Nyjer (finch) tube · Nyjer sock · Suet cage · Tail-prop suet feeder · Peanut mesh feeder · Peanut wreath · Hummingbird feeder · Oriole feeder · Mealworm feeder · Smart camera feeder
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After the checklist, a few short emails, then a couple a month at most. Unsubscribe anytime.Frequently asked questions
What birds use a window feeder?
chickadees, titmice, house finches, nuthatches and cardinals use it most. Suction-cup feeders on the glass are the safest possible placement for collisions: birds leaving cannot build up speed. It is not a good fit for windows squirrels can reach from a sill or ledge.
What do you put in a window feeder?
Sunflower, hearts, mixes. Use one food per feeder so birds are not tossing unwanted seed on the ground to reach what they want.
Is a window feeder squirrel-proof?
Depends on the window. The only complete protection for any feeder is a smooth pole with a baffle whose bottom edge sits 4 to 5 feet up, placed at least 10 feet from trees, fences, decks and roofs.
How do you clean a window feeder?
Easy. Every two weeks, or weekly in wet weather, empty it, scrub with hot soapy water, soak in a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water for ten minutes, rinse well and let it dry completely before refilling.
How much does a good window feeder cost?
Listings we track run from under $25 to under $50. The cheapest models work, but mid-priced ones usually add metal ports, sturdier hangers and easier cleaning, which is what decides whether a feeder lasts one season or ten.
