Types of Bird Feeders and Which Birds They Attract

Written by Carrissa, founder of Chirp Nook, a birdwatching educator and nature content creator.

Shopping for bird feeders can feel overwhelming, especially if you are just getting started. Tube feeders, hopper feeders, suet cages, platforms, each one promises more birds, but not all feeders attract the same species.

The truth is that bird feeders are designed around how birds naturally eat. Choosing the right feeder type does more than fill your yard with birds, it helps reduce waste, limits competition, and can even help keep squirrels from taking over.

Below is a complete guide to the most common types of bird feeders, which birds they attract, and which options work best if squirrels are part of your backyard ecosystem.

Table of Contents: 1. Tube Feeders 2. Hopper Feeders 3. Platform Feeders 4. Suet Feeders 5. Nyjer Feeders 6. Nectar Feeders 7. Stacker Feeders 8. Squirrel-Resistant Feeders

Tube Feeders

Tube feeders are one of the most popular bird feeders, and for good reason. Their narrow design and small feeding ports are ideal for smaller songbirds and naturally limit access to larger birds and animals.

Birds attracted to tube feeders

• Finches (American Goldfinch, House, Purple)

• Chickadees (Black-capped, Carolina)

• Nuthatches (White-breasted, Red-breasted)

• Tufted Titmouse

• Indigo Bunting

  
  

Best seed for tube feeders

• COOL BIRDS Cardinal & Crew

• COOL BIRDS All Birds

• Audubon Park Songbird Supreme

• Lyric Supreme

• Lyric Delite

Shop Tube Feeders:

• Kingsyard Tube Feeders

• Royal Wing Tube Bird Feeder

• Kingyard Rain Proof Tube Feeder

Hopper Feeders

Hopper feeders are the classic house shaped feeders many people picture when they think of backyard birding. They hold a large amount of seed and attract a wide variety of birds.

Birds attracted to hopper feeders

• Northern Cardinal

• Blue Jay

• Finches (American Goldfinch, House Finch, Purple Finch)

• Chickadees (Black-capped, Carolina)

• Nuthatches (White-breasted, Red-breasted)

• Tufted Titmouse

• Sparrows (Song, White-throated, White-crowned)

• Dark-eyed Junco

• Mourning Dove

  
  

Best seed for hopper feeders

• COOL BIRDS All Birds

• Audubon Park Songbird Supreme

• Lyric Supreme

Shop hopper feeders

• More Birds Hopper Feeder

• Birds Choice Hopper Feeder

• Kingsyard Hopper Bird Feeder

  
  

Hopper feeders are excellent if you want steady activity throughout the day and enjoy watching multiple species feed together.

Platform Feeders

Platform feeders are flat trays that allow birds to feed naturally. They are especially appealing to ground feeding birds that may not visit hanging feeders.

Birds attracted to platform feeders

• Northern Cardinal

• Blue Jay

• Mourning Dove

• Dark-eyed Junco

• Sparrows (Song, White-throated, White-crowned, House)

• American Robin

• Red-winged Blackbird

• Common Grackle

• European Starling

  
  

Best seed for platform feeders

• COOL BIRDS Nut & Fruit

• COOL BIRDS No Mess 

• Audubon Park Nut & Fruit

• Lyric Woodpecker No Waste

• Royal Wing No Waste Big Bites

• Royal Wing Fruit & Nut

  
  

Shop platform feeders

• Kingsyard Platform Feeder

• Kingsyard Platform Feeder with Cover

• Royal Wing 3-in-1 Platform Feeder

• Royal Wing Cedar Hanging Bird Feeder

Suet Feeders

Suet feeders hold high energy suet cakes made from fats, seeds, and insects. They are especially important during colder months and nesting season.

Birds attracted to suet feeders

• Woodpeckers (Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, Pileated)

• Northern Flicker

• Nuthatches (White-breasted, Red-breasted)

• Chickadees (Black-capped, Carolina)

• Tufted Titmouse

• Carolina Wren

  
  

Best suet options

• Lyric Fruit & Nut Suet

• Lyric Delite Suet

• Lyric Peanut Pieces Suet

Shop suet feeders

• Kingsyard Double Suet Feeder

• Birds Choice Suet Feeder

• Birds Choice Suet Feeder Large

• Royal Wing Suet Feeder

In warmer months, always use no melt suet to prevent spoilage. If you want to attract woodpeckers, suet feeders are one of the most effective tools you can offer.

Nyjer Feeders

Nyjer feeders are designed for very small seeds and finch species. They feature tiny feeding ports that prevent larger birds from feeding.

Birds attracted to nyjer feeders

• American Goldfinch

• Pine Siskins

  
  

Best seed for nyjer feeders

• Audubon Park Nyjer Sock Feeder

• Royal Wing Nyjer Seed

Shop nyjer feeders

• Audubon Park Nyjer Sock Feeder

• Kingsyard Thistle Tube Feeder

• Kingsyard Mesh Tube Feeder

  
  

Nectar Feeders

Nectar feeders are specifically designed for hummingbirds and feature bright colors that help attract them.

Birds attracted to nectar feeders

• Hummingbirds (Ruby-throated, Rufous, Anna’s, Black-chinned)

• Baltimore Orioles

  
  

Best nectar to use

• Homemade nectar made from plain white sugar and water (4 cups water : 1 cup sugar)

Shop nectar feeders

• Kingsyard Hummingbird Feeder

• Royal Wing Hummingbird Feeder

• Birdfy Smart Hummingbird Feeder

Avoid red dye or artificial coloring. Clean nectar feeders frequently to keep hummingbirds healthy and returning all season long.

Stacker Feeders

Stacker feeders are designed specifically for seed cakes or seed cylinders, not loose seed. These feeders allow multiple seed cakes or cylinders to be stacked vertically on a central rod or post, creating a dense, long lasting food source.

Because the food is compact and tightly bound, stacker feeders attract birds that cling, peck, and feed from all angles, rather than birds that scoop seed from trays.

Birds attracted to stacker feeders

• Woodpeckers (Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, Pileated)

• Northern Flicker

• Nuthatches (White-breasted, Red-breasted)

• Chickadees (Black-capped, Carolina)

• Tufted Titmouse

You may also see occasional visits from cardinals or finches, especially if the seed cakes contain sunflower or peanut pieces.

Best food for stacker feeders

• Seed cakes

• Seed cylinders

• Nut based or insect based blends

• Suet and seed hybrids

Shop stacker feeders

• Royal Wind Stacker Feeder

• Audubon Park But & Fruit Stacker

  
  

Stacker feeders are ideal for offering variety. Many birders stack different flavors or blends to attract a wider range of species.

Squirrel-Resistant Bird Feeders

If squirrels visit your yard regularly, feeder choice matters. While no feeder is completely squirrel-proof, some designs are far more effective than others.

Feeders that help deter squirrels

• Tube feeders with metal ports

• Caged feeders that allow only small birds through

• Weight activated feeders that close when heavier animals climb on

  
  

These feeders protect your seed supply and reduce frustration without harming wildlife.

Shop squirrel-proof feeders

• Birds Choice Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder with Pole Mount

• Squirrel-X Bird Feeder

  
  

Pairing these feeders with pole baffles and smart placement makes a huge difference. If squirrels are a constant issue, check out this article: How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Bird Feeders

Why Using Multiple Feeder Types Matters

One of the most important bird feeding tips is simple: variety brings variety.

Different birds prefer different feeder styles, food types, and feeding heights. Offering multiple feeder types spreads birds out, reduces competition, and increases the number of species you will see.

A beginner friendly setup might include:

• Hopper feeder for larger songbirds

• Tube feeder for smaller birds

• Suet feeder for woodpeckers

  
  

You can always expand based on which birds visit most often.

Final Thoughts

The best bird feeder is not the most expensive one. It is the feeder that matches the birds you want to attract and works with your backyard setup.

By choosing the right feeder types, using quality seed, and placing feeders thoughtfully, you create a space birds trust and return to every day!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, which helps support Chirp Nook and keeps this content free. Thank you for supporting my work.

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