As the name suggests, dome feeders have a feeding station covered by a dome (usually plastic). The dome prevents snow and rain from falling on the feeding station. The dome can also be used to help smaller birds feel more protected.
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Who Come To Dome Feeders?
There are many bird species that are commonly seen at dome feeders. One of the most popular is the black-capped chickadee, a small bird with a distinctive black cap and bib. Chickadees are a year-round resident in much of North America and can often be seen flitting back and forth from the feeder to nearby trees. They are known for their friendly, curious behavior and are a favorite among bird enthusiasts.
Another common bird at dome feeders is the house finch. These small birds have brown and red plumage and are known for their melodious song. They are also a year-round resident in much of North America and can often be seen perched on the feeder or nearby branches, singing their hearts out.
Other popular birds at dome feeders include the American goldfinch, the downy woodpecker, the tufted titmouse, and the white-breasted nuthatch. Goldfinches are easily recognizable by their bright yellow plumage and are often seen hanging upside down from the feeder. Downy woodpeckers are black and white with a distinctive red patch on the back of their head and are often seen pecking at the feeder for insects. Tufted titmice are gray with a distinctive tufted crest on their head and are known for their acrobatic behavior around feeders. White-breasted nuthatches are gray with a white belly and are often seen climbing up and down tree trunks and branches in search of food.
This Aspect’s dome feeder is ideal for feeding fruit or mealworms, as these Eastern Bluebirds will attest.
What you need to know…
- Dome feeders are usually hung, not pole mounted.
- If you have bluebirds in your area, a small dome feeder is one our favorite feeder choices.
- Larger dome feeders, such as the Droll Yankees unit above, provides some protection from squirrels.
See more feeder types:
- Hopper feeders – Hopper feeders are useful for holding larger quantities of bird seeds, and they can be used by a variety of bird species, including jays, cardinals, and grosbeaks.
- Peanut feeders – Peanut feeders are useful for holding peanuts and other nut-based bird food, and they are typically used by birds such as woodpeckers, jays, and nuthatches.
- Platform feeders – Platform feeders are useful for holding a variety of bird food. They are typically used by ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and doves, as well as larger birds, such as jays and cardinals.
- Suet feeders – These feeders are useful for holding suet, which is particularly attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
- Tube feeders – Tube feeders are useful for holding small seeds, such as nyjer, and are typically used by finches and other small birds that can cling to the sides of the feeder.
- Window-mounted feeders – Window-mounted feeders are useful for people who have limited space in their yards.