Feed & Feeder Types | Avian Connection

Feeder Types

Some feeders may be more appropriate for certain birds and feeds. Use the food you wish to offer and the birds you want to attract to determine the right feeder for your yard. Use the left and right arrows to scroll through the gallery below to learn more.

Platform Feeders

These feeders are any flat, raised surface onto which food is spread. Ideally, they should have protection from the rain and plenty of drainage holes. These can also be a good alternative for ground feeding birds to get cleaner seed with greater protection from predators on the ground. They attract most species of feeder birds. Larger and smaller feeders can be used to attract larger and smaller birds, respectively. Note that since these feeders may have birds standing directly in the feed it is important to monitor for bird droppings mixed in with the food and clean accordingly to avoid the spread of disease.

Hopper Feeders

These feeders have a tray/platform at the bottom into which a central hopper of feed empties. The hopper and tray should be protected by a roof, and the tray should have drainage holes to keep seed dry. They attract most species of feeder birds. Larger and smaller feeders can be used to attract larger and smaller birds, respectively.

Feed Types

Some feeds may be more appropriate for certain birds. A basic feed like black-oil sunflower seeds may be appropriate to attract a large variety of birds at first. Later on, certain types of feed can be used to attract more specific species. Mixing seeds together can be an option to increase nutritional value. Use the left and right arrows to scroll through the gallery below to learn more.

Black-oil Sunflower Seed

This is the most common type of seed offered at North American feeders. It is high in fat for energy and has thin shells making it a good choice for a wide variety of birds. Cardinals, finches, sparrows, woodpeckers, and others favor this seed. It could be used successfully in a hopper feeder, cylinder feeder with larger portholes, or scattered on a platform feeder.

Safflower Seed

These resemble a white sunflower seed and carry the same benefits being high in fat for energy, but with a bit thicker shell. It is a good choice for large-billed birds, such as cardinals. It could be used successfully in a hopper feeder, cylinder feeder with larger portholes, or scattered on a platform feeder.