Hopper feeders are one of the most popular styles. Some of their features include:
- Different sizes available
- Large hopper feeders do not need to be refilled as often as many tube feeders
- Manufactured in a variety of styles and designs
- Easy to fill
- Many designs are easy to clean
- They attract a large variety of birds
Some hopper feeders have a spring-loaded arm that can cover the feeder ports. Birds are too light to move the arm. When squirrels land on the arm, it lowers and covers the feeder ports.
A typical wooden hopper feeder is on the left. The Gazebo-shaped feeder on the right is similar in function to hopper feeders.
What you should know…
- Hopper feeders are available in different types of wood. Treated lumbar should not be used in feeders. Cedar or fur are good choices.
- Several manufacturers are now making hopper feeders out of recycled materials. These feeders look nice and last forever.
- Check the design carefully. Some hopper feeders are hard to clean.
See more feeder types:
- Dome feeders – Dome feeders are useful for protecting birdseed from rain and snow. They are typically used by smaller birds, such as finches and chickadees, who can cling to the sides of the feeder.
- Platform feeders – Platform feeders are useful for holding a variety of bird food, including seeds, fruit, and suet. They are typically used by ground-feeding birds, such as sparrows and doves, as well as larger birds, such as jays and cardinals.
- Peanut feeders: these 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.
- Suet feeders – Suet feeders hold suet cakes, which are high-energy food sources that are particularly attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
- Tube feeders – Tube feeders generally hold 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.