Bird feeder placement distances
These are the working distances used by feeder makers, the American Bird Conservancy (windows) and wildlife agencies (squirrels and cats). They are rules of thumb, not laws, but each one exists because of a specific failure.
| Distance | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| From a window | Under 3 ft or over 30 ft | Close feeders stop birds building lethal speed; far feeders keep them out of reflection range |
| Sideways from trees, fences, decks, roofs | At least 10 ft | Squirrels jump about 8 to 10 ft horizontally |
| Baffle bottom edge above ground | 4 to 5 ft | Squirrels leap about 5 ft straight up |
| Below an overhanging branch | At least 10 ft clear | Squirrels drop onto feeders from above |
| From dense shrubs | 10 to 12 ft | Close enough to escape hawks, far enough that cats cannot ambush |
| Feeder height | 4 to 6 ft | Above squirrel leap with a baffle, low enough to refill |
| Between feeders | 3 ft or more | Reduces squabbling and spreads out disease risk |
| Ground tray height | A few inches | Keeps millet off wet soil |
| Hummingbird feeders apart | 10 to 15 ft or out of sight of each other | One dominant male cannot guard them all |
Poles and baffles that hit these distances
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Check your own spot against all of these at once with the feeder placement calculator.
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Used only to send the checklist.Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to put a bird feeder?
In a quiet spot you can see from the house, either within 3 feet of a window or beyond 30 feet, at least 10 feet from anything squirrels can jump from, and 10 to 12 feet from dense shrubs birds can escape into. Mount it on a pole with a baffle 4 to 5 feet up. Sheltered from prevailing wind is a bonus in winter.
Should bird feeders be in sun or shade?
Partial shade is ideal. Seed and suet spoil faster in full sun, and nectar ferments quickly in heat. Morning sun with afternoon shade keeps food fresher and gives birds a comfortable spot. In winter, a sunny, wind-sheltered position helps birds stay warm while feeding. Smart feeder cameras should face away from direct sun to avoid glare.
How far apart should bird feeders be?
About 3 feet or more between seed feeders lets several birds feed without constant squabbling and reduces disease spread at crowded ports. Hummingbird feeders should be farther apart, 10 to 15 feet or out of each other's sight, because a single territorial male will try to guard every feeder he can see.
Is it bad to put a bird feeder near a window?
Not if it is very close. A feeder within 3 feet of the glass, or stuck on the window itself, is one of the safest placements because birds cannot gain speed before touching the glass. The danger zone is roughly 3 to 30 feet away. Adding collision markers spaced 2 inches apart on the glass makes any window safer.
Can I hang a bird feeder from a tree?
You can, but squirrels will reach it, and a branch close to the trunk gives cats cover. If you use a tree, choose a branch far from the trunk, hang the feeder at least 10 feet below the branch using a long wire, and add a dome baffle above it. A pole placed in the open with a baffle is far more reliable.