Attracting Backyard Birds: Bird Feeder Selection

Release Date: 7/31/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-uw192-2003

Agriculture

Abstract

Before placing bird feeders in your backyard, consider the bird species you would like to attract. Different birds are attracted to different bird feeders and foods. The following suggestions are useful guidelines, but it is best to experiment. Try a variety of feeders and foods located in different spots around your yard.

About this Publication

This document is WEC 162 (formerly titled Birdfeeders: What to Consider When Selecting), one of a series of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date September 2003. Revised April 2011. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Hostetler, M. E., Main, M. B., & Voigt, M. (1969). Birdfeeders: What to Consider When Selecting. EDIS, 2003(16). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-uw192-2003

Authors

Emma V. Willcox

former regional specialized agent, UF/IFAS Extension

Mark Hostetler

Contact

Specialist

University of Florida

professor and Extension specialist, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Gainesville, FL

View Mark Hostetler's Profile

Martin Main

Specialist

University of Florida

professor, UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and director, Florida Master Naturalist Program, Gainesville, FL

View Martin Main's Profile

Maena Voigt

former research assistant, Florida Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

Also available in

Spanish

Publication #WEC 162

Disclaimers

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication do not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.