Finch Feeders

The term "finch" refers to a family of birds. A great resource on these different types of finches and where they are during the year (range maps) can be found at the CornellLab of Ornithology's website allaboutbirds.org. You can browse the different type birds in the finch family at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/browse.aspx.

Out of all the finches, some of the most common and popular are the American Goldfinch, the Purple Finch, House Finches, Pine Siskins, and Common Redpolls.

Finch Tube Feeders - Tube feeders typically consist of a clear, polycarbonate (plastic) tube with plastic end caps on each end (although some higher end models consist of copper or brushed-nickle components. They come in different lengths to support the number of birds that typically visit your backyard and have different feeding port options. Some designs on the market support easy-to-clean and easy-to-fill options and options to help make them "squirrel-resistant". Also, tube feeders with smaller ports (the slits the food comes through) are designed to attract and feed smaller birds. Tube-shaped feeders are the most common feeder type found in the market today. The advantages of the tube feeder is that the food/seed/mix stays pretty fresh and dry and can be chosen to suit any number of birds. Some tube feeders are even extendable so that they can hold more seed during times when more birds are present.

Metal Mesh Feeders - Metal mesh feeders are usually a tube-shaped feeder consisting of a fine metal mesh. The metal mesh allows more finches to cling to the feeder without being limited to the number of feeding ports. Metal mesh feeders are also a bit more squirrel-resistant.

Upside Down Finch Feeders - Upside down finch feeders are usually a tube feeder that has the feeding port below the perch (where the finches stand). This port/perch arrangement attracts finches that don't mind eating upside down (like the American Goldfinch and Pine Siskin) while dissuading others (like the House Finch).

Thistle Sack Finch Feeders - Thistle sack feeders (sometimes referred to as a "thistle sock") are mesh sacks full of the smaller thistle/Nyjer seed that birds pull through the holes in the material. Thistle sack feeders allow several finches to cling to the in different positions at once. Thistle sack feeders are a cheap alternative to the more expensive tube feeders and some can be refilled. The main disadvantage of a thistle sack feeder is that the seed can become wet, which can lead to mold/bacteria that is harmful for the birds. Therefore, when using thistle sack feeders, it's important to make sure the seed is getting used up every few days.

Squirrel Proof Finch Feeders - Squirrels have been a challenge since the beginning days of backyard birding. Today, several feeders exist that try to protect the feeder's contents using all sorts of ingenious ideas. For example, some feature feeding ports that close when the weight of a squirrel triggers a mechanism attached to the perch. Others simply "whirl" the squirrels off or place a cage around the feeder that only smaller birds can get through.

Finches, in general, will eat a variety of seed (and insects). That being said, there are certain types of seed that finches prefer. Several wild-bird mixes exist on the market, but some backyard birders prefer to buy bulk food such as black oil sunflower seeds since it can prove to be lower cost in the long run. Here's some of the preferred food types for finch feeders.

• Specialty Finch Mixes - These products can contain a combination of thistle/Nyjer, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, etc. that finches and other similar wild birds enjoy. These mixes can usually be placed in a finch tube feeder designed to hold Nyjer/thistle since the smaller pieces can be easily retrieved through the smaller ports.
  
  
• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds and Striped Sunflower Seeds - Sunflower seeds are preferred by most wild birds (and squirrels). Black oil seeds have a thinner shell than striped sunflower seeds so are easier to crack open. Striped sunflower seeds can be effective in dissuading other species (like sparrows and blackbirds) from taking the seed since they have a harder time cracking the shell. Some folks use shelled sunflower in feeders. If you do, be careful because shelled sunflower seeds can spoil quickly and grow harmful bacteria. Make sure any shelled sunflower is eaten within a day or two.
  
  
• Nyjer/thistle is a particular seed that is cultivated in Africa and is a favorite of smaller finches like the American Goldfinch and the Pine Siskin. This seed is best used in feeders designed for it due to its small size (upside down finch feeders are great for this). The name "Nyjer" is the technically correct name for the seed, but it is still often referred to as "thistle" or "niger" in wild bird mixes. Nyjer is more expensive since it is imported and has to be treated so that it or any other weed seeds cannot germinate and spread through North America. Since it is expensive, Nyjer should be used in feeders with smaller ports (like upside down finch feeders or feeders labeled "Nyjer") to prevent unnecessary spillage. Another advantage of Nyjer is that squirrels aren't very fond of it.

Here's some tips on using finch feeders. If you have any that you'd like to add, please let me know via the reader feedback section of this lens.

• Finch feeders should be placed near cover like a tree or bushes for a quick getaway in the event a predator (e.g. hawk) decides to spoil the feeding frenzy and as a resting spot in between feedings. It is usually recommended that the feeder is placed about 10 feet from the cover. Too close to the cover, and there is the risk of squirrels getting to the feeder or cats getting to the birds.


• Provide a fresh water source (e.g. birdbath) if possible. Be sure to keep it clean and mold-free.


• If hanging a feeder near a window, try to ensure that the feeder is within 3 feet of the window. It is estimated that window collisions kill millions of birds each year. Keeping the feeder close reduces the chance of a fatal collision since the birds won't have reached top speed yet.


• Change seed/mix regularly. If there is an absence of birds to your feeder, it may be a result of stale or spoiled seed. Old, spoiled seed is a breeding ground for mold and bacteria that can be harmful to birds.


• Clean feeders often to avoid mold and bacteria. Some feeders are dishwasher safe. For a thorough cleaning, use a 10% bleach solution. Also note that on many tube feeders, the bottom-most seed (below the bottom-most feeding port) can easily spoil. The bottom feed below the last port can get moldy,etc.


• Regularly clean up unused seed and shells beneath the feeder since it too can become a breeding ground for mold/bacteria.