It’s not a bad idea to hang some bird feeders in your backyard in the winter because natural food sources of birds become more scarce during this period of time.
To help beginners find the best bird feeders for winter and make fool-proof purchase decisions, our team of experienced reviewers and bird lovers has researched, tested, then compiled this list.
Here are the best bird feeders for winter you can buy in 2024:
- Small Capacity (Hopper Bird Feeder): Samhe Outside Wild Bird Feeder
- Best For Large Birds (Hopper Bird Feeder): Flamepark Vintage Pineapple Mesh Solar Bird Feeder
- Best For Dried Mealworms (Tube Bird Feeder): Brome 1024-V01
- Best For Cracked Corn (Tube Bird Feeder): LCSEVEN Bird Feeder for Outside
- Best For Sunflower Seeds (Window Bird Feeder): Nature Anywhere 2022
- Best For Snowy Days (Window Bird Feeder): Foxup Window Bird Feeder
- Large Capacity (House Bird Feeder): Perky-Pet 339
- Best For Peanuts (House Bird Feeder): Sherwoodbase Ridge Wild Bird House Feeder
- Best For Suet (Others): Grivnsmir Suet Ball Feeder
- Best For Fruit (Others): Woodlink GGPLAT
| 10 Best Bird Feeders For Winter | ||
|---|---|---|
Small Capacity | Samhe Outside Wild Bird Feeder
| |
Best For Large Birds | Flamepark Vintage Pineapple Mesh Solar Bird Feeder
| |
Best For Dried Mealworms | Brome 1024-V01
| |
Best For Cracked Corn | LCSEVEN Bird Feeder for Outside
| |
Best For Sunflower Seeds | Nature Anywhere 2022
| |
Best For Snowy Days | Foxup Window Bird Feeder
| |
Large Capacity | Perky-Pet 339
| |
Best For Peanuts | Sherwoodbase Ridge Wild Bird House Feeder
| |
Best For Suet | Grivnsmir Suet Ball Feeder
| |
Best For Fruit | Woodlink GGPLAT
| |
Small Capacity: Samhe Outside Wild Bird Feeder
- 1-pound capacity
- A unique accent in the yard – the cat-shape design
- Ready to hang - fully pre-assembled
- Wish the ledge at the bottom was larger
- It could be more stable for birds to swing off
The Samhe Outside Wild Bird Feeder is a small-capacity one. It can accommodate 1 pound of various seeds and nuts to attract birds.
What impressed us the most is the unique cat-shaped design and durable build that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Besides, the heavy-duty iron wires hold up against birds' abuse.
We pretty much like the metal mesh construction which allows you to see the amount of food inside the bird feeder or watch birds enjoying your seeds from your windows in the winter.
As a big plus, this hopper bird feeder comes fully pre-assembled and is ready to hang right out of the box.
| Samhe Outside Wild Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 6.3 x 6.3 x 7.1 inches |
Material | Metal |
Capacity | up to 1 lb. |
Highlight Features | 1-pound capacity the cat-shape design fully pre-assembled |
If you are finding a winter hopper bird feeder with the smallest capacity, look no further than the Samhe
Best For Large Birds: Flamepark Vintage Pineapple Mesh Solar Bird Feeder
- Attractive at night – the solar-powered top lighting
- Make sure to always provide fresh seeds – a dispenser
- Best for large birds – the 3-pound capacity & extra-large landing area
- Not 100% squirrel-proof
- Not drain well
The two solid reasons that we decide to choose the Flamepark for large birds are 1) the large capacity, up to 3 pounds and 2) the extra-wide ledge at the bottom that provides a large landing area.
On the other hand, this hopper bird feeder is durable enough to accommodate several large birds at a time.
But the dispensing feature is our favorite.
You don't need to worry about clogged feeding hoppers or seeds uncontrollably falling into the feeding tray. Only when the feeding tray has room, the dispenser will automatically allow new seeds to fall.
Lastly, this bird feeder can double as a nightlight thanks to its solar-powered top light.
| Flamepark Vintage Pineapple Mesh Solar Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 7.8 x 7.6 x 7.9 inches |
Material | Metal |
Capacity | 3 lbs. |
Feeding Port | Tray-style feeding ports |
Highlight Features | the solar-powered top lighting a dispenser the 3-pound capacity & extra-large landing area |
The Flamepark Vintage Pineapple Mesh Solar Bird Feeder is built to be sturdy, durable, and strong enough to not only hold 3 pounds of food but also the extra heft of large birds when they are perching on it.
Best For Dried Mealworms: Brome 1024-V01
- Able to accommodate dried mealworms
- Best for cardinals - a patented ring system
- Squirrel-proof design
- Expensive
The Brome 1024-V01 is manufactured with Cardinals in mind. It boasts a patented ring system that provides a custom grip for this bird to perch safely to enjoy the food.
This tube bird feeder can accommodate 5.1 pounds of bird foods, such as nuts, seeds, and dried mealworms.
Thanks to the large capacity, you don't have to go out and refill this bird feeder so frequently in the winter.
The product itself is specifically made to be squirrel-proof. But don't worry, it just prevents squirrels from stealing the food without harming or killing them.
| Brome 1024-V01 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 6 x 6 x 23 inches |
Material | Polycarbonate |
Capacity | 5.1 lbs. |
Highlight Features | Able to accommodate dried mealworms a patented ring system Squirrel-proof design |
The Brome 1024-V01 is a great choice for dried mealworms that we have ever found.
Best For Cracked Corn: LCSEVEN Bird Feeder for Outside
- Keep cracked corns always fresh – the water-drainage system
- Long-lasting – weather-proof, chew-proof, and rust-proof design
- A bit tricky to attach the tube base to the top
If there are many cardinals and doves in your surroundings, then they all share one thing in common: cracked corn, their favorite food. Of all the bird feeders we tested, the LCSEVEN is best for corn.
There are many water holes on the base of this bird feeder, making it well-drained and keeping cracked corn always fresh. The whole design is weatherproof. And, the feeding ports are wide enough to not be easily clogged.
Note: This bird feeder can accommodate 3.4 pounds of cracked corn.
| LCSEVEN Bird Feeder for Outside Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 12.48 x 7.05 x 6.93 inches |
Material | Metal |
Capacity | 3.4-Pound |
Feeding Port | 4 feeding ports |
Highlight Features | the water-drainage system weatherproof, chew-proof, and rust-proof design |
In need of a tube bird feeder for cracked corns? Pick the LCSEVEN Bird Feeder for Outside
Best For Sunflower Seeds: Nature Anywhere 2022
- Able to keep two different seeds separately – half-split feeding tray design
- Attractive & sturdy - 4mm-thick premium polycarbonate
- Easy to refill – the feeding tray can slide out/in
- The perch sits too high
- The holes for draining water are so small
If you like to feed your birds with two different seeds but don't want them to mix together in the bird feeder, then Nature Anywhere 2022 is right for you.
The feeding tray of this bird feeder is splitted into two zones so that you can keep two kinds of foods separate. This tray can hold two cups of bird food and is designed to suit multiple kinds of seeds - such as sunflower seeds.
A great plus is, you can slide it out for cleaning or refilling seeds.
The whole bird feeder is made of 4mm-thick premium polycarbonate, which is sturdy, transparent, and stylish.
| Nature Anywhere 2022 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 4.33 x 9.84 x 9.84 inches |
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | two cups |
Highlight Features | half-split feeding tray design that can slide out/in 4mm-thick premium polycarbonate |
If you want your bird feeder to hold sunflower seeds and another kind of seed separately to attract more birds, consider the Nature Anywhere 2022
Best For Snowy Days: Foxup Window Bird Feeder
- Hold up against snowy days – temperature ranges of 10 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit
- Not prone to falling off - Super-strong adhesive pad
- Not for medium to large birds
The Foxup Window Bird Feeder is built to withstand temperatures from 10 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. That means it can hold up to snowy winters and scorching hot summers.
But what impressed the most is its adhesive pad which stays stuck every season without falling off, no matter if it is strong rain and wind, insanely dangerous levels of UV, thick snow, or freezing rain and ice.
Like the previous option, this one is 100% see-through and easy to clean.
| Foxup Window Bird Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 11.4 x 4.7 x 3.86 in. |
Material | Acrylic |
Highlight Features | temperature ranges of 10 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit Super-strong adhesive pad |
If the winter in your area is icy and snowy, then the Foxup is the best window bird feeder on the market.
Large Capacity: Perky-Pet 339
- You don’t have to refill so many times - 8-pound capacity
- Versatile – able to be pole-mounted or hung
- Built-to-last - rust-resistant powder coated metal construction
- Heavy and bulky
- Hard to latch the roof on
Boasting an all metal construction with rust-resistant powder coating, the Perky-Pet 339 is not only built to last but also strong enough to accommodate up to 8 pounds of bird food.
Making this house bird feeder outstanding from other counterparts is that you can either hang it on a tree branch or mount it on a pole.
Besides, it is perfectly squirrel-proof; the perch will be automatically covered under the weight of squirrels.
| Perky-Pet 339 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 11.82 x 14.4 x 10.71 inches |
Material | Metal |
Capacity | 8 lbs. |
Feeding Port | 1 |
Highlight Features | 8-pound capacity able to be pole-mounted or hung rust-resistant powder coated metal construction |
Seeking a durable house bird feeder for winter with the largest capacity, look no further than the Perky-Pet 339
Best For Peanuts: Sherwoodbase Ridge Wild Bird House Feeder
- Best for peanuts
- Durable - weatherproof coated metal construction
- Wish the feeding tray was bigger
From the perches and feeder platform to the drain holes, this house bird feeder is extremely friendly to wild songbirds.
It is made of weatherproof coated metal to stand the test of time.
It can hold 2 pounds of bird foods, such as safflower seeds, peanuts, Niger seeds, and more. To refill, you just need to open the top roof. This bird feeder is also a breeze to clean.
| Sherwoodbase Ridge Wild Bird House Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 4.92 x 4.92 x 10.63 inches |
Material | Metal |
Capacity | 2 pounds. |
Highlight Features | Best for peanuts weatherproof coated metal construction |
Out of the house bird feeders we tested, the Sherwoodbase is best for peanuts.
Best For Suet: Grivnsmir Suet Ball Feeder
- Best for suet balls – the 0.4”-high lozenge network design
- Easy to refill – the 2”-wide top lid
- Not support the weight of large, heavy birds
If you are looking for the perfect bird feeder to accommodate suet balls, then the Grivnsmir is a great choice.
It has a lozenge network design so that birds such as blue jays, woodpeckers, and cardinals can easily get food, but squirrels don't. The top lid is also designed for easy refilling. It is 2" wide for suet balls to fit through.
This bird feeder is made of iron and heavy-duty stainless steel, so it is chew-proof and rust-resistant.
| Grivnsmir Suet Ball Feeder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 5.1 x 5.1 x 5.1 inches |
Material | Metal |
Highlight Features | the 0.4”-high lozenge network design the 2”-wide top lid |
The Grivnsmir Suet Ball Feeder is a great pick to accommodate suet balls due to its smart lozenge network design.
Best For Fruit: Woodlink GGPLAT
- Eco-friendly - 90% post-consumer recycled plastic
- Ideal for fruits and natural bird foods – the tray design
- Not squirrel-proof
The Woodlink GGPLAT is proudly made in the US, which ensures the quality. It is built of 90% post-consumer recycled plastic and a weather-tolerable metal screen bottom with water drainage holes.
Wires and hanging cable are included.
We would say this bird feeder is a great choice if you want to feed your birds with fruits and natural foods so that they can get more nutrients during winter. Besides, it’s not squirrel-proof.
However, you will need to refill and clean the product frequently because it has no roof or protection walls.
| Woodlink GGPLAT Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 12.63 x 12.75 x 2.13 inches |
Material | Plastic |
Capacity | 3-4 pounds |
Highlight Features | 90% post-consumer recycled plastic the tray design |
If you want a bird feeder for fruits, check out the Woodlink GGPLAT
How To Choose The Best Bird Feeder For Winter?
Capacity
You should choose a winter bird feeder that can keep a great amount of food. There are two good reasons for this:
1. It’s often very cold during winter, and you might not really want to go out to refill your bird feeders so many times, right?
2. Because natural food sources become more scarce in the winter, more and more birds will come to your feeders
But take note that it’s only good to have bird feeders with large capacities when they are well-protected against moisture.
If the bird feeders cannot resist humidity, rain, or fog, the foods that they accommodate will be prone to spoil and mold, which encourages bacteria growth and causes diseases to those birds that eat the food. Or, you will have to go out and replace the food frequently.
To protect bird foods against moisture and rain, you should opt for pre-drilled feeders.
Protection
When it comes to the protection degree of winter bird feeders, you should consider two things:
- How tough these bird feeders are to protect themselves from the harsh weather conditions
- How protective they are to keep the food from getting blown away or getting wet
- Although the winter weather in each region is different, it is generally cold, snowy, rainy, and/or stormy, along with strong wind. So, quality bird feeders must be able to protect foods from such harsh conditions.
- Here are the features you should focus on:
- Durable covers - To keep the food from strong wind, snow, and storms. Note: To keep the bird food dry, the cover should extend several inches over the edge of the bird feeder
- Rust-resistant metal base and powder-coated base - To keep the bird feeder long-lasting
Ease Of Cleaning
To minimize the time that you have to go out during winter, remember to opt for bird feeders that are easy to clean.
Due to the snow and ice buildup, bird feeders are prone to get dirty in the winter. So, it's a sure thing that you will have to clean them frequently to keep the bird food fresh.
Look for those models that are:
- Easy to wipe
- Not prone to discolor
- Easy to clean off dust or spoilt food
From our experience, bird feeders that have these two features are a breeze to clean:
Pre-drilled holes – because they help enhance the air circulation inside the bird feeder, keeping the food fresh longer while preventing mold and bacteria effectively
Removable bases – because you can remove them to clean the tubes
Squirrel-Proof Design
During winter, the natural food sources of all wild animals will become scarce, meaning that your bird feeders will attract not only birds but also other animals. Squirrels are good examples.
If you want to stop them but don’t like to hurt them, then choose squirrel-proof bird feeders or bird feeder poles.
Which Brands Make The Best Bird Feeder For Winter?
Brome Bird Care
Brome Bird Care is a Canadian company specializing in squirrel-proof bird feeders and owns the Squirrel Buster® brand. They own many patents and apply them to the manufacturing process, which makes their products leading in the squirrel-proof category.
In terms of durability, user-friendly design, and sustainability, Brome Bird Care is unbeatable.
LCSEVEN
LCSEVEN is dedicated to manufacturing bird feeders. They provide a variety of products for different types of birds. Making them stand out from the rest is the balance between affordable prices and quality.
Nature Anywhere
We appreciate Nature Anywhere because of its customer-oriented products. They all are easy to assemble and low-maintenance so that consumers of all ages can use them with no difficulties. Quality is another notable of Nature Anywhere's products.
Foxup
We like the story behind the brand of Foxup and admire their keen interest in wild bird protection. Foxup has been a member of the wildlife protection association for a long while. But above all, their products are high-quality, aesthetic, and easy to care for at affordable prices.
Perky-Pet
Perky-Pet is probably one of the longest US companies in bird feeders and bird feeding accessories, since 1958. It is also the one that created the world's first commercial hummingbird feeder. Speaking of usability and quality, Perky-Pet is hard to beat.
Sherwoodbase
Sherwoodbase distinguishes itself from the rest by providing handcrafted bird feeders made of heavy-duty metal box material for ease of cleaning and top-tier durability. Their products are unique, long-lasting, and highly practical.
FAQs
Should I use bird feeders in the winter?
Yes, you should use bird feeders in the winter. During this period, birds need more food to have enough fat and energy and keep their body warm. But at the same time, their natural food sources like berries, seeds, and insects, become scarce.
Where do I hang bird feeders in the winter?
In the winter, you should hang bird feeders from a place that's several inches on a deck or off the ground. Or, hang them from a tree.
When should I put out my winter bird feeder?
You should put out your winter bird feeders and begin feeding birds in the fall (or during September and October).
That's the perfect amount of time for birds in your area to get aware of this new food source and increase the chance that they come to your bird feeders during winter for food.
When should I stop feeding birds for the winter?
It depends on the winter bird species in your area and the time they choose to leave. Some winter birds wait until late April to leave. In this case, you should wait until early May or even June to stop feeding birds.
How often do I clean a bird feeder?
It depends on the weather and usage. If there are a lot of birds using your bird feeders and/or the weather is wet, it is recommended to clean a bird feeder 2-3 times every 2 weeks.
On the contrary, once per 2 weeks is fine.
Conclusion
The best bird feeders for winter should be durable enough to survive the harsh weather conditions and provide enough food for the birds around your house. All the winter bird feeders in this review have features that seek to do just that. We hope that you find this article helpful for you. Thanks for reading!
Harry RamosI’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!
