What Type of Bird Feeders Attract Which Birds? A Guide to Choosing the Right Feeder for Your Backyard Visitors

If you're new to backyard bird feeding or simply looking to attract more feathered friends, choosing the right type of bird feeder is key. Different birds prefer different feeder styles, seeds, and feeding locations. This guide will help you match the best bird feeder to the birds you want to welcome into your yard.

1. Tube Feeders – Great for Finches, Chickadees, and Nuthatches

Tube feeders are one of the most popular bird feeder styles, featuring multiple ports and perches along a clear cylinder filled with seed.
Attracts: Goldfinches, House Finches, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Titmice
Best seed: Nyjer (thistle), black oil sunflower seeds, safflowerPro tip: Choose a metal tube feeder with small ports to deter squirrels and larger birds.

2. Hopper Feeders – Perfect for Cardinals, Jays, and Grosbeaks

Hopper feeders look like little houses and dispense seed as birds feed from the tray below. They're ideal for medium to large birds.
Attracts: Cardinals, Blue Jays, Grosbeaks, Sparrows, Doves
Best seed: Black oil sunflower seeds, mixed bird seedBonus: Many hopper feeders are weatherproof and hold a large amount of seed, making them great for low-maintenance bird feeding.

3. Platform Feeders – A Favorite for Ground Feeders and Mixed Flocks

Platform or tray feeders are open and accessible from all sides, making them a magnet for a variety of birds.
Attracts: Mourning Doves, Juncos, Sparrows, Cardinals, Jays, even Wild Turkeys
Best seed: Cracked corn, millet, mixed seed, fruitNote: Because they're open, platform feeders can attract squirrels and need frequent cleaning.

4. Suet Feeders – Essential for Woodpeckers and Winter Birds

Suet feeders hold blocks of high-energy fat mixed with seed, ideal for cold weather and insect-eating birds.
Attracts: Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Chickadees, Wrens
Best food: Suet cakes (plain or mixed with peanuts, fruit, or insects)Tip: Cage-style suet feeders are most common and can be hung from trees or poles.

5. Nyjer (Thistle) Feeders – Specialized for Finches

These narrow mesh or sock-style feeders are designed for Nyjer seed, a favorite of small finches.
Attracts: American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, Redpolls
Best seed: Nyjer (thistle) onlyReminder: Nyjer can spoil quickly—keep it fresh by storing it in a cool, dry place.

6. Peanut Feeders – For Jays and Clinging Birds

Peanut feeders are typically mesh feeders that dispense whole or shelled peanuts.
Attracts: Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Titmice
Best food: Whole or shelled peanuts (unsalted)Bonus: These feeders are great for winter feeding, when birds need extra protein and fat.

Final Tips for a Bird-Friendly Backyard

• Offer a variety of feeders to attract more species.
• Place feeders near shrubs or trees for cover and safety.
• Keep feeders clean to prevent mold and disease.
• Add a bird bath or water source to complete your backyard bird sanctuary.

By matching the right feeder with the birds you want to attract, you'll create a diverse and lively bird feeding station. Whether you're hoping for the cheerful chirps of finches or the bright flash of a cardinal, the right bird feeder makes all the difference.Looking to buy? Check out our hand-picked bird feeders and start building your backyard bird paradise today!