Many people might be imagining various kinds of birds harmoniously sharing a bird feeder or splashing around a bird bath. In reality the usual animal kingdom rules also apply to the birds – bigger and stronger creatures will be the ones who get the biggest share. Often smaller birds don’t even dare to visit bird feeders that are popular among their bigger counterparts.
To take care of the tiniest visitors like finches, chickadees and titmouse you might consider getting a bird feeder designed specifically to accommodate these birds. You will mostly see 2 types of small bird feeders that are designed to ensure that small birds won’t be bullied or scared away by bigger ones:
- Caged small bird feeders that have a metal cage wrapped around a tube feeder. It only allows smaller birds to access the tube feeder inside as bigger birds won’t fit in between the cage wires.
- Bird feeders that are difficult to use for bigger birds. These are designed so that bigger birds have to take uncomfortable positions to get food or just don’t have enough space to access the feeding hole.
Based on the reviews, material quality, price and functionality I’ve narrowed down 5 best small bird feeders that you can order from the comfort of your home.
Let’s get browsing!
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5 Best Small Bird Feeder Overview
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5 Best Small Bird Feeder Reviews
1. Gray Bunny Caged Tube Feeder: Amazon best seller
It’s hard to beat the price and quality ratio of this bird feeder for small birds. It also happens to be one of the most sold small bird feeders on Amazon. Precisely sized openings allow inside smaller birds but not squirrels and larger, undesirable birds. However some people in the reviews section still report squirrels accessing the food by chewing through the plastic. So if you live in an area with a lot of these hungry visitors, this bird feeder might not be fully protected from their damage.
The cage is made of premium steel and as the manufacturer says it’s built to last a lifetime. The enclosed seed housing keeps up to 2.5 cups of seeds and four well-spaced feeding ports allows for multiple birds to feed simultaneously. Another great feature is that the manufacturer GrayBunny offers a 90 day money back guarantee. However, hopefully you will be too busy watching songbirds feasting at the feeder to use that option.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- High quality built
- 90 day money back guarantee
Cons:
- Some determined squirrels can still access the feeder
- SQUIRREL DETERRENT: Updated strong lid closure & the unique caged design makes our bird feeder squirrel deterrent and perfect for attracting...
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Durable, premium grade steel cage is weather/water-resistant and chew-proof for years of use! This cage feeder prevents...
- EFFECTIVE DESIGN: 4 Feeding Ports are well-spaced and located on multiple levels so birds can feed from all angles. Enclosed seed housing...
- ENTERTAINING & GREAT GIFT IDEA: A great gift idea for any occasion. Provides parents, nature-lovers, and children with daily enjoyment...
- GREAT SERVICE – We are so confident you’ll love the products that we give a 1-year warranty on the purchase. If, for some reason you are...
2. Roamwild Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder: Fully Squirrel And Large Bird Proof
This small bird feeder promises to 100% deter any pests and larger birds. They have a unique technology that make it happen – when a large bird, squirrel or rat lands on the perch, the perch hatch moves downwards closing off access to the food. Once the frustrated pest or bird moves off the perch, the hatch automatically returns to its open position awaiting for a small songbird visitor.
There is no assembly required – it’s ready to be put up on a tree right after unboxing. For refilling you just need to open the top lid. However you won’t need frequent seed refilling as it already fits 3 lbs of bird seed.
Pros:
- Unique method to keep large birds and pests away – perch hatch that automatically closes and opens
- Large bird seed capacity
- No assembly required
Cons:
- More on a pricier side
- NOW ALL METAL & NOW WITH A BIGGER 3LBS CAPACITY - 21”x 8 ”x 8” (w/hanger) - NOT JUST A 100% SQUIRREL PROOF BIRD FEEDER - ALSO BABY...
- WEATHER PROOF & WATERPROOF – KEEPS SEED DRY & FRESH – The PestOff bird feeder has a built in weather guard to keep the seed fresh and...
- NO SETTINGS TO ADJUST - AUTOMATICALLY PEST PROOF - The PestOff bird feeder has INDIVIDUALLY spring loaded perches that never need adjusting,...
- SO SIMPLE TO USE AND FILL - Simply open the lid and fill. No need to take the whole feeder apart to fill. The PestOff bird feeder simply...
- VERY LARGE capacity 3LBS so no need for constant refilling. Ideal for feeding sunflower hearts, safflower seed or any mixed seed mixes....
3. Woodlink Modern Farmhouse Caged Bird Feeder & Solar Light: Best Designed Small Bird Feeder
If you’re tired of the typical bird feeders and are looking for more elegant decoration for your yard, check out the Woodlink caged bird feeder. This is a sleek looking small bird feeder that also comes with a solar light. During a sunnier day the solar panel receives enough light to power the LED light for 5 hours in the night. It will bring a cozy atmosphere to your evenings in the garden.
The glass reservoir inside holds 0.7 quarts of bird seed which is on a smaller side but as refilling is very easy it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. This small bird feeder also comes with a metal hanger and is quick to set up and hang in your backyard.
Pros:
- Great design and quality
- Comes with solar powered LED light
- Durable metal construction
Cons:
- Small seed capacity
- Unique bird feeder with solar light for a bold look in your yard
- Glass reservoir holds 0.7 quarts of bird seed
- Metal cage surrounds the unit, discouraging squirrels and larger birds from dining
- White LED beneath the stepped cap illuminates in the evening
- Top solar panel powers the LED for an environmentally friendly hint
4. Westcharm Rustic Metal Caged Bird Feeder: For Vintage Design Fans
Westcharm has designed a very sturdy, rustic caged bird feeder for small birds that will also serve as an unique garden decoration. It also functions great. Thanks to the sturdy metal cage, squirrels and larger birds are discouraged to get in and small birds such as finches, nuthatches and songbirds can dine in peace.
The reservoir inside holds a generous amount of up to 3 ½ cups of seeds. This small bird feeder is also very quick to refill. It comes with a hanger but due to it’s flat bottom you can also place it on a flat surface. In that case be aware of cats and other animals that might interrupt the birds’ feasting.
Pros:
- Beautiful antique design
- Can be hung or put on a flat surface
- Easy to refill and maintain
Cons:
- Some medium sized birds can still peek inside
No products found.
5. Birds Choice NP435 Bird Feeder, 12-Inch, Green: For Less Seed Refills
While there are many caged small bird feeders on the market, Birds Choice has chosen to go for a different approach. Their bird feeder is designed so that the feeding holes are comfortably accessed only by smaller feathered creatures.The clear squirrel baffle around it serves as a deterrent for squirrels while at the same time protecting birds from the rain and snow and restricting access to the feeding ports for bigger sized birds.
This bird feeder has a large bird seed capacity. It can hold up to 5 lbs of bird seed which will spare quite a lot of time refilling. The build is very steady and it’s made from durable, UV-resistant materials that will stand up to harsh weather and general wear.
Pros:
- Squirrel baffle also shields birds from rain and snow
- Large seed capacity
- Durable materials
Cons:
- Some medium sized birds can still learn to access the seeds
- CLASSIC TUBE FEEDER: The Classic Tube Feeder has been a popular squirrel-proof option for over 30 years. 6" in diameter along with a UV...
- WEATHERGUARD: Included with a multi-purpose weatherguard that keeps seed dry and also shields birds from rain and snow as they eat....
- SQUIRREL PROOF: The dual baffle-weatherguard piece also stops pesky squirrels from getting to your bird feed, and also restricts larger...
- BIRDS CHOICE: We currently operate out of a 50,000 square feet manufacturing facility in Chilton, WI, employs 45 awesome team members, and...
- Includes [1] Hanging Classic Feeder with Baffle and Weatherguard| Material: UV resistant polycarbonate seed reservoir, aluminum ports and...
Small Bird Feeding Tips
Here are some facts about feeding your feathered friends. Eggshells that have been crushed are a great source of calcium for birds. It helps them stay strong enough to make the long travel. It also helps them have a safe and healthy nesting period, especially before the breeding season or migration. Birds need a lot of calcium for their bones and teeth. Giving birds a helping hand can save their lives because not all birds can find it readily.
However, eggshells must be well taken care of in order to eliminate the risk of bacteria like salmonella or other harmful substances. So it is not enough to simply leave them outside. Also, sesame seeds are an additional calcium bonus that can be added to the entire meal for a calcium boost.
Woodpeckers and other insect-eating birds love suet feeders. You can either prepare your suet or purchase suet blocks from a wild bird supply shop. In a wire cage that hangs from the side of a tree, suet bricks are usually situated. But suet should not be left outside in warm weather as it will rot.
What kind of bird feeder works best for small birds?
It can be challenging to choose the right bird feeder for your defenseless little feathered friends because there are so many different models on the market.
You should pick a feeder with tiny holes or perches. By doing this, larger birds or other predators won’t raid the feeder and steal all the food. Make sure the feeder is also well-made and durable. You don’t want it to break apart after a few uses or topple over in the wind.
Because they offer defense against predators like cats and squirrels, caged feeders are perfect for small birds. The cage bars have gaps between them that are both big enough for the small birds to poke their heads through to eat and small enough to keep out predators.
Final Thoughts
Are you looking forward to welcoming little songbirds into your yard? Thanks to their creative method to keep large birds and pests away, my top choice for a small bird feeder would be Roamwild Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder. However, there are other bird feeders for small birds that have a better design or lower price tag. Which one would you go for?
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Last update on 2023-09-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
