Are you willing to attract lots of adorable wild birds in your yard or garden? Then the easiest way is to offer them what they like most. Here the name sunflower seeds come. This food item is most popular among the birds and easily attracts them to your yard.
Plus, most seed feeders are compatible with sunflower seeds, but not all perform well. You need to offer the best bird feeder for sunflower seeds that is easy to access for birds.
Below are my selected top 8 sunflower seeds feeders that will fulfill your needs and be capable of grabbing the attraction of lots of birds.
Editor’s Choice
Squirrel proof
Squirrel Buster Bird Feeder
Birds can rest and feed
Perky-Pet B00303 Feeder
Ideal for large birds
Nature’s Way CWF3 Bird Feeder
Best bird feeder for sunflower seeds
Look out for a quick comparison of our selected 8 sunflower seeds feeders.
| Name | Item Dimensions | Perches | Capacity | Clinging option | Material | Mounting Type | Best For |
| Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder | 5 x 5 x 13.25 inches | 4 | 1.3-pound | Yes | Plastic, Metal | Hanging Mount | Squirrel and large proof |
| Droll Yankees Classic Bird Feeder | 8.75 x 8.75 x 28 inches | 4 | 5-pound | No | Plastic | Hanging mount | Deter squirrel |
| Perky-Pet B00303 Fly-Through Wild Bird Feeder | 6.7 x 6.7 x 14.76 inches | 2 fly through feeding stations | 2-pound | Yes | Metal | Hanging Mount | Birds can rest and feed. |
| More Birds Sedona Screen Bird Feeder | 8 x 12.5 x 8 inches | 4 | 2.8 pound | No | Alloy Steel, Metal | Hanging mount | Small birds friendly |
| Sorbus Bird Feeder Hanging Tray | 9.25” D x 21 ” H with hanging chain | Circular perch | Large amount | No | Alloy Steel | Hanging Mount | Budget-friendly |
| Nature’s Way Platform Tray Bird Feeder | 12 x 12 x 2.25 inches | Platform feeder | Large amount | No | Cedar | Hanging mount | Large birds |
| Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird | 11.2 x 11.2 x 11.3 inches | Circular perch | 2.5-pound | Yes | Metal | Hanging mount | Cardinals |
| Kingsyard Hanging Sunflower Seed Feeder | 7.36 x 7.36 x 18 inches | Circular perch | 1.5-pound | Yes | Metal | Hanging Mount | Small and mid-sized bird |
Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder
If you are not a beginner backyard birdwatcher, you know how painful it is watching squirrels raid your feeder bird seeds. Squirrel Buster Standard Feeder deals with this through its adjustable weight mechanism. The chew-proof material makes it unbeatable.
When squirrels or large bully birds land on the feeder, it will detect the extra weight and close the shroud down without harming them. Plus, you can control weight management. So, you can decide which bird can feed on the feeder or not.
The feeder comes with 1.3 pounds of black oil sunflower seed capacity. Its seed tube ventilation keeps the seeds fresh for a long period. Also, you can offer safflower seeds with sunflower seeds to attract more birds to your yard.
The hanging feeder comes with 4 perching ports. You can also witness the clinging birds due to the wire shroud surface area. You do not need to worry about cleaning and maintenance due to its easy dismantling features without using any tools.
However, the perches are not big enough, but they will get used to them after a few weeks.
Overall, the feeder always grabs its attention since it starts the journey. In the newer version, they focus on better construction. Also, it will be a suitable sunflower seed feeder in this price range that minimizes squirrels’ presence.
Pros
- Both perching and clinging birds can feed on the feeder.
- Withstand from beer and chipmunk attack.
- Extremely sturdy hanging hook.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Suitable for all birds.
Cons
- Some larger birds have difficulty standing on the perches
Droll Yankees Classic Sunflower Seed Bird Feeder
Another perfect squirrel-proof feeder but with a different mechanism. Droll Yankees Classic Bird Feeder feature with calibrated curved perches is weight sensitive. So, when squirrels or large birds land on the feeder, it detects it and collapses.
Plus, the feeder diameter is wide enough. For this, when a squirrel tries to access the ports from above, it will fail to hold for a long time.
Using its sturdy and durable stainless steel looped bail wire, you can hang the feeder. Its base and cap are made of heavy-duty metal, and the seed tube is UV-stabilized polycarbonate that does not fade with time.
You can offer all sorts of seeds in the feeder, but sunflower seeds work best. The 17-inch seed tube feeder can hold up to 5 pounds of birdseed and comes with 4 feeding ports. So, you can feed a large flock of birds without worrying about frequent refilling.
However, sometimes you notice moisture in the tube. It will be due to the four screws used to attach the metal base. You can use moisture taps there to solve the issue.
Pros
- Keep squire and large birds away.
- Ideal for where a large flock of birds is present.
- Good quality built.
- Won’t fade up.
- Durable hanging wire.
Cons
- Moisture can get into the feeder.
- The bottom perch is not chew-proof.
Perky-Pet B00303 Fly-Through Wild Bird Feeder
If you like to provide wild birds food and shelter when it rains outside or takes a rest, you should keep the Perky-Pet Feeder as your top pick. The feeder comes with a unique design than typical bird feeders. So, birds will take some time to use it, but they will love the feeder when they figure it out.
The feeder can hold up to 2 pounds of sunflower seed or peanut. For this, birds will not crowd on one side, allowing more birds to feed at once. Plus, the feeder is visible from all 4 sides due to the mesh design.
Plus, its durable and unique design increase the beauty of your yard or patio. Also, you can enjoy a variety of birds, including blue jays, woodpeckers, and cardinals.
You do not need to worry about cleaning and refiling. The wide-mouth opening makes the task more accessible than you think. Also, you should avoid using shelled sunflower seeds. The feeder is perfect for unshelled sunflowers seeds.
However, you will notice a little more seed waste compared to other feeders. Plus, if you like to invite doves in your yard, the feeder will fail to attract them.
Pros
- Birds can rest and feed in the feeder.
- Large seed capacity allow more bird presence.
- Easy to maintain and refill.
- Easy to hang.
- Beautiful design.
- Ideal for clinging birds.
- Can attract a variety of bird species.
Cons
- Take time to attract birds.
- More seed waste compared to other feeders.
More Birds Sedona Screen Bird Feeder
If you want to attract both perching and clinging birds in your yard, the feeder will be a good option. The clinging birds can feed using the mesh body, whereas perching birds can use the four ports to take their meal.
If you want to attract both perching and clinging birds in your yard, the feeder will be a good option. The clinging birds can feed using the mesh body, whereas perching birds can use the four ports to take their meal.
The metal construction with a yellow finish makes the feeder weather-resistant and rustproof. You can offer 3 pounds of birdseed to keep birds happy for a long time without refilling. Also, seeds will stay fresh and dry due to drainage holes and seed diverter.
Due to bit larger size of the mesh, you should fill the feeder with black oil sunflower seed and avoid using small or thistle. Plus, you can easily refill and clean the feeder due to the top and base twist-off features. But, you will find it difficult to clean the mesh on the feeder.
You should use a baffle when installing the feeder. Otherwise, squirrels will raid it and clean it out. But, they cannot damage the feeder. Plus, the unique design makes it quite impossible to squirrel empty it too quickly.
Pros
- Clinging and perching birds can feed on it.
- Rustproof and sturdy build.
- Several feeding stations.
- Seeds stay dry and fresh for a long time.
- Easy to clean the top and base.
- Attract a variety of bird species.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- Squirrels can easily access the seed.
- Wire mesh is difficult to clean.
Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF3 Platform Bird Feeder
Mourning doves are rarely visited on a feeder. If you want to attract them in your yard or other larger birds, then you should consider the platform bird feeder. The wide opening allows large birds to perch on the feeder and take their meal without issue.
You do not need to worry about this feeder’s longevity due to its rot-resistant premium cedar made. Plus, the tray feeder is crafted well, so a few woodpeckers can sit on the feeder at a time without facing any issues. Also, all connected hardware is made with rust-free material.
You can easily hang the feeder anywhere you want for its hanging mount built with Vinyl-coated steel. The wide opening makes the refiling and cleaning process super easy. You can remove the seed tray for easy cleaning.
The seed will stay dry and fresh for a long time as the seed tray has water drainage and air circulation features. Plus, you will also watch the beauty of small birds, but due to the staple side, you will miss their beauty if they land in the feeder’s middle.
Plus, the feeder is not squirrel-proof. The feeder is best for serving sunflowers seeds and seed mix, but you cannot provide small seeds for the large spacing in the mesh.
Pros
- Ideal for large birds and squirrels
- A few large birds can sit at a time
- Well crafted
- Easy to refill and clean
- Better drainage system
Cons
- Tiny seeds will fall
- Hooks work separately
Sorbus Bird Feeder Hanging Tray
Want a simple hanging sunflower hearts feeder? Then, it will be the right one for you. The feeder just follows the simple mechanism. Just pour it with seed and wait for the bird’s arrival.
Want a simple hanging sunflower hearts feeder? Then, it will be the right one for you. The feeder just follows the simple mechanism. Just pour it with seed and wait for the bird’s arrival.
The feeder is made with a mesh tray, and for mounting, you can use the hanging chain. Plus, the hanging chain is large enough to fit anywhere. You can also enjoy lots of small birds at once in the feeder due to the round tray.
The platform is made with a micro-mess tray and sidewalls that will reduce the seed spoil. But, you should avoid using tiny seeds on the feeder as the screen mesh size is a bit larger for those seeds. Also, water can drain out quickly and keep the seeds fresh and dry for a long time.
The wide opening provides enough space for the large birds to sit and take the food. But, due to the medium diameter, you cannot see more than two doves or other larger birds in the feeder at once. Plus, you will witness a shake when large birds land and take off from the feeder.
Pros
- Easy to hang, refill, and clean
- Seeds will stay dry and fresh.
- Ideal for small and mid-sized birds.
Cons
- The feeder is a little bit shaky when large birds perch and take off.
- Not ideal for small seeds.
Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder
If you eagerly want to attract cardinals and small birds in your yard, you should consider the feeder at the top of your list. The feeder can hold up to 2.5 pounds of black oil sunflower seed or sunflower chips, and hearts and can satisfy a lot of avian traffic without frequent refilling.
The circular perch and metal mesh make the feeder ideal for perching and clinging birds. Plus, the circular shape provides enough space for birds to feed without increasing traffic on one site.
The dome is large enough to provide the bird’s shelter and keep sunflower seed dry. You can easily open the above dome to fill it without creating any mess.
Plus, if there is too much rain and snow, you do not need to worry about seed damage as the seed tray comes with holes and construct as the water drains from around the tray.
The feeder is not squirrel proof. So, you cannot keep them away without placing any baffle. But, the good thing is they cannot damage the feeder and take all seeds at once as it metal-made.
However, the feeder is overweight the full of seeds. You need to make sure that the feeder is hanging mount is sturdy enough.
Pros
- Perfect small and midsize perching and clinging birds ( special target for cardinals).
- Durable and rust-proof construction.
- Easy to use and maintain.
- Seeds will stay dry and fresh.
- Attractive look
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Not squirrel proof.
- Overweight.
Kingsyard Hanging Sunflower Seed Feeder
Another cardinal and small birds friendly hanging sunflower seed feeder. The feeder is made with metals that ensure its durability and anti-UV coating keeps them looking new for a long time.
The feeder can hold up to 1.5 pounds which is enough to feed a large flock of birds all day long. The 360-degree circular perches can allow the birds like cardinals to get food easily and the metal mesh surface allows clinging birds to enjoy the meal without any mess.
You can easily lift the lid to fill and refill. Plus, the bottom is easily apart, which ensures easy cleaning. The bottom parts also come with drainage holes that keep the seed dry and fresh after rain and snow. However, the feeder cannot protect seeds from squirrel attacks.
Pros
- Constructed with durable material.
- Easy to clean and refill.
- Large capacity.
- Suitable to attract adorable small birds and cardinals.
Cons
- Not squirrel proof.
How to choose a sunflower seeds feeder?
A simple guide can help you choose and decide to purchase and select a bird feeder. Here is a complete guide that will help you to select a perfect sunflower seed feeder:
Feeder types: Sunflower seeds are the most popular among wild birds. Several feeder types are available in the market that is perfect for serving sunflower seeds to birds. The tube feeder is best for serving black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, or chips.
Also, you can use a hanging feeder, platform feeder, or hopper Feeder if you want to attract a variety of birds in one place. Overall, the type of feeder depends on which type of birds you want to attract to your yard.
Capacity: The factor depends on where you are located. If you live in a busy bird traffic area, you should choose a feeder that can contain as many sunflower seeds as 2 pounds or more. On the other hand, less than 2 pounds is enough.
Size and weight: The size of the feeder will depend on your yard, garden, balcony, or patio. Small size is preferable for a balcony or patio where large birds cannot perch.
You should select a mid-weight feeder that is not too heavy or lightweight. Lightweight feeders have tended to blow when there is wind. On the other hand, if you select an overweight feeder, it will be hard to choose a perfect place to hang, clean, and refill.
Easy to clean and refill: Your feeder should be easy to use and maintain. If you select a feeder that is hard to apart and clean and you need to follow the lengthy process, day by day, you will lose interest in doing this.
This means your feeder will be empty and unhealthy for birds, and you miss the beauty of adorable creatures and sometimes cause their health injury. So, select one which is easy to maintain and use.
Weatherproof: Consider selecting a feeder with a wide lid and holes in the bottom to protect the seeds from rain and snow.
Frequently Asked Question
Do Blue Jays eat sunflower seeds?
The blue jays most enjoy the peanut. Also, they enjoy eating sunflower seeds and other common bird seeds. But, if you want to attract them to your yard, you should provide a platform feeder for them.
Do birds crack open sunflower seeds?
It is not hard work for wild birds. They can easily crack and open sunflower seeds with the help of their beaks.
You can check out the article to know how small birds crack sunflower seeds.
Are sunflower seeds bad for wild birds?
The answer is a big no. Sunflower seeds have good nutrition for birds, providing them enough energy to survive in the wild. Plus, the bird who cannot break the shell of sunflower seeds also likes to take the seed.
Do squirrels eat sunflower seed?
You will be a little bit worried to hear that birds favorite sunflower seeds are also popular among sunflower seeds. If they access the feeder full of sunflower seeds, they will not hesitate to finish the seeds at once.
Do chickadees eat sunflower seeds?
Like other seed-eating birds, chickadees also take black oil sunflower seeds and hulled sunflower seeds. You can check out the article to find a few top chickadees feeders.
Final Words
As sunflower seeds are popular among both small and large birds, you need to select a feeder according to your needs. I listed the 8 best bird feeders for sunflower seeds in the article, which quickly grabbed the bird’s attention.
If you want to keep off large birds and squirrels from your yard, then you should use the Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder. For this, both large and small birds, you can select the Nature’s Way Platform Tray Bird Feeder.
If you have any further queries regarding this topic, let’s start a conversation in the comment sections.
