There is a wide range of bird feeders available in the market and it becomes difficult to select the one that would suit your backyard. So, here we have narrowed down the best bird feeders for finches available in 2024.
What are The Different Types of Finch Feeders Available?
Finch feeders are of 4 types:
1. Sock Feeders
Sock feeders are meant for Nyjer seed storage. Finches can cling to this feeder directly as they are made of nylon netting, making it durable and allowing multiple birds to feed at the same time.
2. Tube Feeder
Tube feeders appear like hollow tubes where clean and dry seeds can be kept. They have metal feeding ports and are squirrel-proof. The size of the perches under the feeding port varies and based on that finches are easily attracted to it.
3. Upside-Down Feeder
Upside-down feeders vary in their position and the feeding port is located below the perch, thus, a bird can hang upside down while eating the seeds.
4. Mesh Feeder
Mesh feeders are made of wire mesh design making them squirrel-proof. These are quite durable and finches get enough space to settle and eat, as they have a circular perch platform.
10 Best Finch Feeders – Must Haves for Bird Watchers
Finches are indeed interesting birds, they range from 5 to 6 inches and make a fascinating view for bird watchers. They are seen in a variety of colors ranging from bright yellow to white, brown, and even black.
1. Stokes Select 38194 Finch Bird Feeder
Stokes Select 38194 Finch Bird Feeder is beautifully designed, it is not only practical but also economical. It is made of high-density plastic and metals. The feeder is rust-proof and is tolerant to every kind of weather. It has the capability to carry a load of .6 lb
Pros:
- The feeder is easy to clean and sterilize, and the design is attractive and elegant
- It is easy to fill due to its wide opening
- Seeds can be mixed and nothing will rot or get wasted
Cons:
The seed-holding capacity is less when birds arrive in large flocks.
2. Perky-Pet No/No Green and Black Finch Feeder
Perky-Pet No/No Green and Black Finch Feeder is a sock feeder that is both sustainable and durable. It is environment friendly and made of a unique mesh design allowing the birds to perch. The bird seeds also get distributed evenly and birds can eat from all sides. It is squirrel-proof and comes with a tray at the bottom, to prevent the wastage of seeds.
Pros:
- It is easy to clean and can be added to the dishwasher
- It can feed 10 to 15 birds at a time
- Birds can perch or cling to the feeder without any hassle
Cons:
- The color might seem to be unattractive to the finches
- This bird feeder is costly
3. Droll Yankees CJTHM36Y Thistle Feeder
If there are too many finches gathering in your backyard, then Droll Yankees CJTHM36Y Thistle Feeder would be the best choice. It provides the birds enough space to enjoy the food, giving every bird an equal chance. Being an elongated feeder it is a popular comforting feeder among the finches. The metal top and base last a long time, being made of zinc. It is 36 inches in length and can be easily hung from trees or by the window. It comes with UV stabilization and would never get discolored.
Pros:
- It is made of stain-proof stainless steel
- The metals zinc-based would keep the feeder lasting for a long time
- It is easy to fill and can be hung in any higher places
- The small ports allow only finches to have the seed
Cons:
- It has more than 15 ports making the feeder too crowded
- You might have to fill the bird feeder often
4. Woodlink MINIMAG2 Mini Magnum Nyjer Feeder
Woodlink MINIMAG2 Mini Magnum Nyjer Feeder is one of the most beautiful and functional feeders. It has a simple design which adds an aesthetic value to the backyard. It can hold around 3/4 pounds of seed and having a mesh design can allow the birds to perch or cling to the feeder easily. This bird feeder has a stainless tray at the bottom to prevent seed wastage. Also, being a mid-range feeder you get enough time to refill it.
Pros:
- It is made of durable material and has a mesh screen
- The metal is guaranteed to last for a long time
- It can be easily hung by a window or patio
- The bird feeder is easy to clean and easy to open top for refilling
- It has drain holes to prevent moisture and keep seeds fresh
Cons:
- Smaller seeds such as thistle can leak from the metal mesh
5. Kaytee 100033941 Finch Sock Feeder
Kaytee 100033941 Finch Sock Feeder has proven to attract finches quite easily, it is a traditional bird feeder which is designed like a mesh bag. It has a capacity of 26 oz and can be hung anywhere in your backyard. This is a perfect feeder for small-billed birds and also keeps the thistle fresh. It can withstand every weather and so the birds won’t face scarcity of food.
Pros:
- It has a mesh traditional design
- The bird watcher is easy to refill
- It can withstand every weather due to its premium material quality
Cons:
- Small seeds can leak from the bag
- It tends to get discolored after some time
6. Bird Quest SBF2Y Spiral Thistle Bird Feeder
Being yellow in color, this Bird Quest SBF2Y Spiral Thistle Bird Feeder can easily attract finches. It also has practical use and the spiral design helps the birds to perch easily. The 17-inch tube finch feeder can accommodate a lot of birds without any hassle. It is made of aluminum and has a molded see-through tube which makes it easier to monitor the remaining seed quantity. It has a durable design and is also budget-friendly
Pros:
- There are many thistle ports which make it easier for many birds to feed at a time
- It is easy to clean and has the capability to store enough thistles
- It has a spiral design making it easy for the birds to perch
Cons:
- The port numbers are limited to nine
- The feeder should be entirely full for the birds to use all the ports
7. Brome Squirrel Buster Finch Bird Feeders
If you get too many feathered visitors, then Brome Squirrel Buster Finch Bird Feeders would be the perfect match. You can fill it with enough seeds and it also keeps away the pests. It also ensures that the food is not stolen away by the invaders. It can be easily hung on the tree or any other preferable spot. This bird feeder also has a metal cage that keeps the exterior safe, and it is made of chew-proof material, which would prevent squirrels.
Pros:
- It is squirrel-proof
- There is no hassle of setting it up or installing
- It is UV resistant and the color won’t fade away
- It also has a seed-level indicator
Cons:
- The bird feeder is non-adjustable
- It gets difficult to refill it at times.
8. More Birds 38194 SeedFeed Stokes Select Finch Feeder
More Birds 38194 SeedFeed Stokes Select Finch Feeder is made of durable material which makes it long-lasting. It also has the capability to tolerate harsh outdoor environments and the ever-changing weather. It is sturdy, and rust-free, and the flower-like appearance makes your garden look elegant. It provides the convenience of easy cleaning and refill by just twisting the lock. There are built-in drainage holes that keep the seeds fresh and dry, without mold formation.
Pros:
- It has a hassle-free design, easy to clean, and refill
- It is made of high-quality material with a twisted lock design
- This birdhouse keeps the seeds fresh and mold-free
Cons:
- The capacity is less when compared to other feeders available in the market
9. SEWANTA Finch Bird Feeders For Outside Set of Two
SEWANTA Finch Bird Feeders come in a set of two and are made of metal. The roof and tray have a sunflower-like structure which attracts the birds and also prevents seed wastage. It can hold 5 pounds of seed and is easy to hang with its adjustable chain. The design is durable, made of heavy-duty steel, and weatherproof. It also has a rust-preventing coat and a drainage hole to keep the seeds dry and fresh. It provides the convenience of washing and refilling without using any other tool and it also provides easy-to-monitor seed-level features.
Pros:
- The birdhouse is attractive and made of durable material
- It is easy to use, wash, and refill
- It has a see-through screen feeder
- The bird feeder can accommodate many birds at a time
Cons:
- The top cover is small and so during rain, the seeds at the bottom get wet.
10. iBorn Finch Feeders for Thistle Seed
iBorn Finch Feeders is a copper bird feeder and comes with a hanger for easy-to-hang flexibility. It also has a 0.8 capacity and being an all-metal bird feeder it can deal with the ever-changing weather. It comes with four ports which are sufficient for feeding a small group of birds. This bird feeder is easy to lift, refill, and clean. It also provides a feature that can help to monitor the level of seeds. You can install it on tree branches, feeding stations, or even on poles.
Pros:
- It is made of high-quality construction with four standing ports
- it is easy to clean, refill, and maintain
- The bird feeder has a hook that makes it easy to hang
Cons:
- Small birds cannot reach the last seed level
How to Use a Finch Feeder?
After getting a finch feeder you must know how to use it so that finches get attracted and arrive on the feeder. To start with, fill the feeder with thistle seeds and hang it near the tree, where the birds can easily see, and you can also keep an eye on it from a distance. Hang it at least 15 feet away from the water source and ensure that dogs or cats are unable to reach it. Keep the bird feeder clean, and sterilized, so that birds can visit regularly.
How to Attract Finches?
To attract finches, here are the aspects you need to keep in mind:
- You must add bright-colored plants and seed-bearing plants. You can also add ribbons that would imitate the presence of other birds.
- Do not remove the weeds from the yard; some finches prefer a weedy garden. Birds also love the seeds that come from weeds such as milkweed, tarweed, and ragweeds.
- Do not use chemicals that kill weeds or any spray that prevents the growth of plants.
- Try to avoid pesticides, as these prove to be toxic for the birds in terms of health and nesting.
- Finches never empty the bird feeder; rather they half eat the seed and leave the rest, so you need to check regularly and refill the feeder from time to time.
How to Choose the Right Finch Feeder?
You need to consider certain criteria to choose the right bird feeder, such as –
- Choose a feeder that can accommodate sunflower seeds and nyjer seeds, and avoid the messy ones.
- It should be colorful (yellow or orange) and interesting so that the finches are attracted to it.
- The feeder should be easy to maintain, easy to clean, and must have a proper drainage system.
- It should be flexible enough so that you can hang it anywhere in your backyard.
- The feeder should be able to hold at least 2 pounds of seeds so that you do not have to refill it now and then.
- Opt for a metal mesh feeder which would last for a long time and it would be rust-free and the finches can easily reach out to the seeds.
What Type of Food Finches Like to Eat?
Sunflower kernels are the best seeds that finches would prefer due to their black color, high-fat content, and a good source of nutrition. They also like nyjer seeds which are specifically designed for finch feeders. These are small, long-lasting, and high-energy sources. Other than this, they also like to eat a variety of plant seeds.
Where Should You Place the Finch Feeder?
The finch feeder should be placed near a shrub or tree so that predators do not spot the finches or the bird feeder easily. However, do not keep it too close to the shrubs, otherwise squirrels might invade it. Remove every temporary bird feeder and wait patiently as finches take time to get used to new feeders. Also, remove any kind of bird detters or distractions surrounding the bird feeder. It should be hung at least 5 to 6 feet off the ground, which would keep the birds from predators.
