Finch Feeders

Attract a crowd of colorful feathered friends

In North America, there are few friendlier, more vivid birds than finches. They've been described as splashes of color on Nature's canvas, and the description couldn't be more true. Finch feeders allow you to feed your backyard buds without any fear of bigger birds scaring them away from the feeder. These models are especially built to make eating easy for these cheerful little birds.

A finch feeder is essentially a tube feeder that allows the seed that finches love to stay dry and run through the feeding ports better. Finches eat thistle or Nyjer seeds, which are small and easy for them to swallow. Some finch feeders are built to attract only certain kinds of finches and discourage others, or you can buy certain food that attracts the species you want to see.

A finch feeder is essentially a tube feeder that allows the seed that finches love to stay dry and run through the feeding ports better. Finches eat thistle or Nyjer seeds, which are small and easy for them to swallow. Some finch feeders are built to attract only certain kinds of finches and discourage others, or you can buy certain food that attracts the species you want to see.

Some feeders can be made out of loosely woven fabric bags that allow the finch to poke its beak through, but discourage other, bigger birds and squirrels that can't see the food. However, these are not recommended because squirrels can easily tear holes in the fabric and waste the expensive Nyjer seed. If you want to attract different species of finches, you can try a satellite bird feeder for smaller types like goldfinches.

Finches are finicky birds, so you'll have to keep the feeder to their specifications if you want to attract and keep them in your yard. These little birds prefer their seed clean and dry, so checking the feeder for mold, mildew and moisture regularly will keep them happy. The seed should run out of the feeder smoothly and not clump or stick to the sides. Change the seed every month or sooner if it's been wet. If the birds are not eating the seed after these steps, then change the seed to something else - it could be that they don't like what you're offering, or dislike the way that you've presented the seed. It may be that you gave them a not-so-fresh bag. Keep trying - when feeding finches, perseverance is the way to go.

Hang your feeder away from other birds and squirrels, so that your finches can feed in peace. Make sure to hang it where predators can't sneak up on the birds. Some experts suggest that you set up a perch for the birds to wait on while the feeder is busy, but it's your choice. Either way, you'll have a yard full of color, cheer and happiness when you feed finches.