8 Great Birdfeeder Options for 2025
(And Which Birds They’re Actually Good For)
If you’ve ever watched a cardinal try to land on a dainty tube feeder—or seen a squirrel chew a plastic feeder into confetti—you know that not all birdfeeders are created equal.
The good news? 2025 is a fantastic year to upgrade your backyard setup. We’ve got smarter cameras, tougher all-metal designs, eco-friendly materials, and specialty feeders for everything from finches to orioles. And even better news? If you’re new to the fun of bird feeding, let a former wild bird seed store manager help you find the best choice for your birds.
In this guide we’ll walk through 8 great birdfeeder options for 2025, including:
Why metal beats plastic when squirrels are involved
Why tube feeders favor small birds (and leave cardinals and jays grumpy)
The specific birds and foods each feeder is best for
Before You Buy: A Quick 2025 Birdfeeder Checklist
Before we dive into specific models, it helps to think about three big questions:
1. Which birds are you hoping to attract?
Finches & siskins → Nyjer/thistle tube or mesh feeders
Chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, small woodpeckers → Mixed-seed tube feeders, suet, small hoppers
Cardinals & jays → Larger perches or tray/hopper feeders; most narrow tubes are just too tight
Bluebirds → Mealworms and protected bluebird feeders
Orioles → Jelly, nectar, and fruit on bright orange feeders
2. Have your squirrels become part of your family?
If you squirrels wait on your back deck railing for breakfast or chirp at you from the trees if the peanuts are gone - you may have a problem.
This is where material matters. Squirrels are fun but they can be insistent, damaging and expensive. Metal feeders are far superior to plastic when it comes to controlling squirrel damage. Metal mesh and metal ports resist chewing and hold up better in weather, while plastic tubes and ports can be easily gnawed open, wasting seed and shortening the feeder’s life. Many modern finch and mesh feeders are now all-metal, no wood, no plastic, specifically to thwart squirrels.
You can further stack the odds with baffles—cone- or dome-shaped barriers on poles or above hanging feeders that block climbing squirrels. Proper placement (about 4 feet off the ground and 8–10 feet from launch points like fences or tree trunks) makes a huge difference. Don’t hang feeders from trees if you have neighborhood squirrels.
3. How much maintenance are you okay with?
Tube and mesh feeders need regular emptying to prevent moldy seed. Seasonal thorough cleaning will keep diseases under control.
Hoppers and trays collect hulls and debris and should be emptied often. Both should be covered as inclement weather will spoil seed quickly.
Smart feeders with cameras need Wi-Fi, charging or solar, and occasional app updates.
Once you’ve thought that through, you’re ready to pick your lineup.
Tube Feeders & Bird Size: A Quick Reality Check
Tube feeders are fantastic for small songbirds, but their narrow perches and tight seed ports are really designed for smaller species like finches, chickadees, and titmice.
That means:
Great for: buntings, finches, chickadees, nuthatches, small woodpeckers
Frustrating for: cardinals and jays, which are usually too big to balance comfortably or reach the ports
For grosbeaks (cardinals and larger relatives) and jays, think hopper or platform feeder for them—and let the little birds dominate the tubes.
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1. Feed Garden Metal Tube Feeder – A Tough Everyday Workhorse
If you want a simple, all-purpose feeder that stands up to squirrels better than flimsy plastic, the Feed Garden Metal Tube Bird Feeder is a strong contender.
This tube feeder features a metal top, metal base, and six metal feeding ports, making it much more chew-resistant than plastic models. It’s designed for mixed seed and can host several small birds at once.
Best for:
Chickadees
Titmice
Goldfinches and House Finches
Nuthatches
Why it’s great in 2025:
All-metal feeding ports resist squirrel chewing and everyday wear.
Simple to hang from a shepherd’s hook or beam.
Transparent tube lets you see seed level at a glance.
Heads up:
This is still a tube design, so cardinals and jays will struggle to use it comfortably. Pair it with a hopper or platform feeder if you want to cater to larger birds. Consider filling with one type of seed (e.g. millet or black oil sunflower) and putting a different seed like peanuts (hulled or whole) in a covered platform for larger birds.
2. Finch Nyjer Mesh Tube Feeder – A Finches-Only Buffet
Finches are tiny, energetic, and obsessed with Nyjer (thistle) seed. A dedicated Nyjer mesh tube feeder keeps the good stuff flowing for your goldfinches and siskins without wasting seed. Nyjer can be more expensive than other types of seed so don’t serve it to non-finches who are likely to just toss it on the ground.
Many modern Nyjer feeders use an all-metal mesh cylinder with powder-coated finish to resist rust and chewing, and they often hold 1.5–2.5 lbs of seed—a nice capacity that still stays fresh.
Best for:
American Goldfinch
Lesser Goldfinch
Pine Siskin
House Finch
Why it earns a spot in 2025:
All-metal construction (no plastic or wood) greatly reduces squirrel damage and extends feeder life. Amazon
Mesh walls turn the entire cylinder into a feeding surface, so many birds can cling at once.
Tiny mesh openings are tailored to Nyjer, which also reduces waste and spillage.
Pro tip:
Hang your Nyjer feeder in a quieter corner—finches don’t mind a bit of distance from high-traffic human areas.
3. Wildpark Squirrel Proof Feeder – When You’re Done Negotiating with Squirrels
If your local squirrels are relentless, the Wildpark Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder is built for exactly that battle.
This feeder uses a robust metal frame paired with hard polycarbonate panels, making it extremely difficult for squirrels to chew through. The roof helps shield seed from rain and snow, and the design is meant to be “virtually squirrel proof” when combined with good placement.
Best for:
Mixed backyard flocks: chickadees, titmice, grosbeaks, woodpeckers
Some cardinals, depending on how they manage the perches
Why it’s a 2025 standout:
Heavy-duty metal and hard plastic construction resists gnawing and weather.
Good capacity (around 5 lb of seed) for fewer refills.
Works well as a central “main” seed feeder in your yard.
Make it even better:
Mount it on a pole at least 8’ from trees or buildings with a properly placed baffle to further cut off squirrel access.
4. Solution4Patio Cedar Hopper Bird Feeder – A Classic Look, Modern Features
For birders who love a traditional wood feeder but still want smart design, the Solution4Patio US Cedar Hopper Bird Feeder hits a sweet spot.
This handcrafted feeder is made from U.S. cedar, a naturally weather-resistant wood that adds a warm, natural look to your yard. It’s designed as a hopper with four-sided feeding, plus two suet cages and capacity for about 5+ pounds of seed, making it a multi-use station.
Best for:
Cardinals
Blue Jays
Mourning Doves (under the feeder)
Chickadees, titmice, and woodpeckers on suet
Why it shines in 2025:
Cedar construction naturally resists pests and is safe for birds when properly finished.
Multiple feeding surfaces (seed plus suet) encourage a diverse bird community at one station.
The roof and windows help protect seed and let you monitor fill levels.
Note on squirrels:
Wood can still be chewed, so if squirrels are a major issue. Mount this feeder 8’ or more away from trees, fences and buildings.
5. Smart Feeder with Camera – Close-Up Birdwatching from Your Phone
Smart bird feeders have truly come into their own by 2025. Popular models now offer HD or 2K video, motion alerts, and even AI bird identification, letting you see who visited your feeder even while you’re at work.
A typical smart bird feeder with camera includes:
A weather-resistant housing
Built-in or attachable camera (often with night vision)
Wi-Fi connection and smartphone app
Optional solar roof for low-maintenance charging
Best for:
Birders who love ID, photography, and social media
All backyard bird species
Anyone who wants to watch birds from indoors
Why it’s a must-mention for 2025:
AI features can identify bird species and keep a log of visitors.
Great for kids, classrooms, and new birders learning common backyard visitors.
Some models allow live sharing with friends and family.
Be realistic, though:
These feeders aren’t always the toughest against squirrels. Many are plastic with some metal reinforcement, so think of them as your “special viewing station”, not your only seed source. Pair with sturdier metal feeders to take the brunt of daily feeding and gnawing. Use protective measures when hanging or mounting to discourage squirrels if that’s your preference. Sometimes offering deer corn or similar closer to the trees keeps the squirrels from bothering your tech feeders.
6. Havenature Bluebird Feeder – A Tiny Dining Room for Mealworm Lovers
Bluebirds have special dietary needs—they prefer mealworms and soft foods over standard seed, and they can be easily out-competed by starlings and jays.
The Havenature Bluebird Feeder is designed with 1½" fly-through openings that welcome bluebirds but discourage larger, aggressive birds. Seed or mealworms sit inside a protective cage, which also helps reduce spilled food and rodent attraction.
Best for:
Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds
Chickadees, nuthatches, and wrens (they’ll also sneak inside!)
Why it’s perfect for 2025 bluebird fans:
Protects pricey mealworms from being gobbled by starlings.
Caged design discourages squirrels and larger birds from accessing food.
Hanging design makes placement flexible and easy to monitor.
Tip:
Keep this feeder in a more open, visible area—bluebirds like open habitat and away from high traffic feeders. You can consider feeding them rehydrated dried mealworms (easier to store) but it may take a little time. You can also offer cut up fruit (raisins, oranges, grapes) in tiny pieces but, again, be patient.
7. Dutchcrafters Plastic Oriole Feeder – Eco-Friendly, Bright, and Built for Jelly
Orioles don’t care about sunflower seeds; they’re drawn to fruit, jelly, and nectar—and to the color bright orange.
They nest in woodlands and brushlands and may not be common in city or suburban backyards unless you have lots of shade trees nearby.
Dutchcrafters offers several plastic “poly” oriole feeders made from recycled plastic lumber. These feeders often include jelly cups, fruit slice holders, and sometimes nectar cups, all arranged on bright orange platforms that orioles can’t resist.
Best for:
Baltimore, Bullock’s and Orchard Orioles (in south Texas and Arizona, several other species of orioles will visit fruit feeders too)
Other fruit-loving birds (sometimes tanagers or catbirds and mockingbirds will investigate)
Why it belongs on a 2025 list:
Poly lumber is made from recycled plastic (like milk jugs), offering long-lasting, splinter-free performance and resisting rot and warping.
Built-in jelly jars and fruit rods make it easy to present orioles’ favorite foods. Orioles love grape jelly (but who doesn’t?).
Bright orange coloring is intentionally chosen to attract orioles overhead.
Note on squirrels:
Poly is tougher than many thin plastics, but still not as chew-proof as metal. Use this feeder mainly during oriole season and consider bringing it in at night if squirrels are persistent.
8. Ground Tray / Platform Feeder – A Peace Treaty for Ground Feeders (and Squirrels)
Not every feeder has to be squirrel-proof. In fact, one clever 2025 strategy is to give squirrels and ground-feeding birds their own space with a ground tray or platform feeder.
Metal mesh tray feeders are praised for being durable, easy to clean, and perfect for ground feeding birds and, yes, for squirrels and chipmunks, too. The recycled plastic is quite tough but critters can still damage it if they really want to.
Since this feeder is exposed to the elements, dump rain-drenched seed so it doesn’t spoil.
Best for:
Mourning Doves
Blue Jays
Sparrows and juncos
Squirrels and chipmunks (on purpose!)
Why it belongs in your 2025 setup:
Metal mesh floor provides drainage to prevent soggy, moldy seed.
Placing easy seed down low can actually reduce raid attempts on your more protected hanging feeders.
Great for photos and for kids to observe birds and critters up close.
Just be sure to clean frequently and avoid over-loading with seed, especially in areas where rodents are a concern.
⭐ Bonus Feeder Spotlight: The Classic HummZinger Hummingbird Feeder
If you’re already planning your 2025 feeder upgrades, there’s one more beloved option worth adding to your backyard setup — especially if you love color, motion, and high-energy aerial acrobatics.
The HummZinger hummingbird feeder is a time-tested favorite among birders for its ultra-simple, easy-clean design, bright red top, and shallow nectar tray that makes feeding natural for hummingbirds while discouraging bees and wasps. Its built-in ant moat, UV-stable polycarbonate construction, and drip-free engineering have made it a long-lasting classic in thousands of gardens.
Why the HummZinger deserves a place in your yard:
Ease of cleaning — the lid pops off and the entire tray is wide and shallow, making it one of the easiest nectar feeders to sanitize
Bee-resistant feeding ports to reduce insect competition
Perfect for beginners learning to attract hummingbirds
Durable, warp-resistant materials that stand up to sun and heat
Great visibility for watching hovering hummingbirds up close
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy ruby-throats, black-chins, or other seasonal hummingbirds right outside your window, this is one of the best feeders to start with.
⭐ Coming Soon: A Full Guide to Hummingbirds
Be sure to watch for my new post on hummingbirds, coming in just a few weeks!
It will cover:
how to attract hummingbirds throughout the season
nectar recipes (and what not to use)
the best feeder placement
how to prevent ants, bees, and mold
migration timing and regional tips
the top hummingbird feeders for 2025
Stay tuned — you won’t want to miss it!
Matching the Right Feeder to Your Birds
Here’s a quick cheat sheet based on the feeders above:
Love small songbirds (finches, chickadees, titmice)?
Feed Garden Metal Tube Feeder
Finch Nyjer Mesh Tube Feeder
Want a “main” seed station with good squirrel resistance?
Wildpark Squirrel Proof Feeder
Solution4Patio Cedar Hopper Bird Feeder (plus a baffle)
Obsessed with photos and bird ID?
Smart Feeder with Camera as a dedicated close-up station
Focused on specialty species?
Havenature Bluebird Feeder → mealworms
Dutchcrafters Oriole Feeder → jelly, fruit & orioles
Trying to keep the peace with squirrels and ground feeders?
Metal mesh ground tray or platform feeder
Squirrel-Smart Strategy for 2025
To really make these feeders shine:
Choose metal wherever possible for your heavy-use seed feeders; metal truly outperforms plastic in the squirrel-chewing Olympics.
Add baffles and smart placement (away from jump-off points like fences and trees).
Offer a ground tray as a distraction for the squirrels - an easier option hopefully leaving the other feeders to the birds.
Keep everything clean and well-stocked—healthy birds and fresh seed mean more visits and better viewing.
Final Thoughts: Build a Mini “Feeder System,” Not Just One Feeder
The real magic in 2025 isn’t just owning one great feeder—it’s creating a small system that works together:
A metal tube for small birds
A Nyjer mesh feeder just for finches
A hopper or tray for cardinals and jays
A smart feeder for close-up video and ID
Plus specialty feeders for bluebirds and orioles when they’re in town
Combine that with metal construction, smart squirrel strategies, and regular maintenance, and you’ll have a busy, joyful backyard that keeps you entertained all year long.