Whether most people realize it or not, the sight of a bird is just a beautiful thing to behold. The way they preen their feathers up on that branch, or the way they sing their beautiful songs in the morning makes a bird a beautiful creature to have around you. Having birds around is something that most people would love to have.
Unlike dogs and cats, not all species of birds like to live their lives around humans. The parrot family, doves and finches are just a small part of what’s available with birds. To a birding enthusiast, these pet species may just be the entrance of a beautiful rabbit hole that is the bird family. There is a whole lot that is out there, ready to be discovered. All it needs is some way to study them.
While it may be fun to head to your nearest library to get all the information you need, some things are just better when you experience them in person. Reading about birds may just end up sending your interest through the roof, and force you to find ways to learn more. As a birding enthusiast, you have a good idea of what you can do to learn more.
Feeding birds has always been an excellent way to get the birds to come to you. This is actually an excellent way for the birding enthusiast to observe the subject of their interest at closer distances instead of having to rely on a pair of binoculars. You also wouldn’t need to go to the nearest park to observe them.
To accomplish this, there are a lot of ways to do it. However, it is by using window bird feeders that makes the experience a much better prospect for any birding enthusiast. Imagine having the opportunity to observe birds right from the comfort of your own home. The possibilities are endless!
Before getting too far ahead of yourself, you know that you will have to find a window feeder to settle on before your fantasies start coming to pass. Here are 15 of the best window feeders for you to choose from.
What Exactly Is A Window Feeder?
The types of animal lovers in this world vary wildly. You have your run of the mill pet owners who just won’t do without their cat and dog. There are others who love everything that’s out there in the wild, whether they slither or bound across the ground. And then there are people like you who answer to both ornithophile and aviphile.
A window feeder is a fairly simple construct. It is a bird feeder that is meant to go on your window. This makes it easy for you to observe the different bird species up close, fulfill your hobby and maybe learn a few things. As it is with almost everything in the world, you have two different options to choose from when deciding on a window feeder.
Comparison table for the variety of window feeders
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspects 407 Jewel Box | 6 x 8.5 x 2.2 inches | 10.4 ounces | Aspects |
| Nature’s Gear Hangout Large Bird Feeder | 9.5 x 4.3 x 9.2 inches | 1.6 pounds | Nature Anywhere |
| Nature’s Gear XL Bird Feeder | 4 x 5 x 12 inches | 1.3 pounds | Nature Anywhere |
| Nature’s Gear Anywhere Window Bird Feeder. | 10 x 4.25 x 9.75 inches | 1.25 pounds | Nature Anywhere |
| Nature’s Gear’s Upgraded Window Bird Feeder | 7.9 x 4 x 7.5 inches | 1.2 pounds | Nature Anywhere |
| Nature’s Gear Pure View Feeder | 13.3 x 7 x 4 inches | 1.25 pounds | Nature Anywhere |
| Kettle Moraine Woodpecker Feeder | 6.3 x 6.3 x 2.9 inches | 10.4 ounces | Kettle Moraine Woodworking, Inc. |
| Wild Birds of Joy Feeder | 13.5 x 6.6 x 5.9 inches | 1.3 pounds | Wild Birds of Joy |
| Perky-Pet Birdscapes Feeder | 5.6 x 6.88 x 7.78 inches | 8 ounces | Perky Pet |
| Perky-Pet Hummingbird Feeder | 3.45 x 5.52 x 8.56 inches | 11.2 ounces | Perky Pet |
| HHXRISE Acrylic Window Feeder | 12.4 x 6.9 x 2.8 inches | 1.39 pounds | |
| GrayBunny GB-6851 | 12 x 4 x 5.25 inches | 1.65 pounds | GrayBunny |
1) Aspects 407 Jewel Box
- Gold painted buttons
- Super soft cotton
If you are just starting out on your birding journey, you realize that you have a lot to learn. This means you have to start small before scaling on to larger sizes of window feeders. If the previous statement hasn’t given you a hint yet, this window feeder is small and best for beginners.
It is also a specialized feeder. It is geared towards the feeding of the most interesting bird endemic to the Americas; the hummingbird.
This feeder comes with three separate pots that three different hummingbirds can use to suck nectar out of, simultaneously. It is large enough to have three birds feeding, and other birds perching around the edge of the feeder. The red color of the lid guarantees hummingbirds will always be attracted to the feeder.
The feeder does come with a moat meant to keep ants away from the nectar. The downside is that you will have to take it off the window every time you need to refill it.
Pros
- Very easy to clean.
- The design helps deflect precipitation away from nectar.
Cons
- Needs to be taken down every time it needs refilling.
2) Nature’s Gear Hangout Bird Feeder
- 🌿 AMAZING CLOSE UP VIEWS OF YOUR FAVORITE WILD BIRDS! Made from high transparency, see-through acrylic so you can study the beautiful markings of each bird. Makes bird watching fun and easy from the comfort of your own home while relaxing in your favorite chair, working at your desk, making dinner in the kitchen, and more. Kids and pets also love to watch the birds sitting inches away from their faces.
- 🌿 ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF WILD BIRDS WITHOUT NEEDING BINOCULARS! If you are looking for a top-of-the-line bird feeder, to attract birds right to your window, you will love our Nature’s Hangout Outdoor Window Bird Feeder! It is made from high transparency, see-through acrylic so you can study and appreciate the beauty of local bird species. Now you can enjoy bird watching from the comfort of your home while drinking your morning coffee, making dinner, or working at your desk!
There are companies that specialize in producing things to the point they end up becoming synonymous with the things they develop. At the mention of electric cars, the image of Tesla is immediately conjured. Similarly, Nature’s Hangout has made a name for themselves when it comes to window bird feeders.
This model is the birders best tool. Constructed from clear acrylic, this feeder lets you observe the birds unobstructed. The two removable trays make it quite easy to clean. They also allow you to put different types of seeds or bird feed on the feeder. The suction cups are excellent and stick to the window like its life depends on it.
Pros
- Is best for all kinds of birds.
- Is large enough for different seeds.
- Is very easy to clean.
Cons
- Is easily accessible to raccoons and squirrels.
3) Nature’s Gear Window Bird Feeder
Nature Gear have made it their business to provide avid birders with quality products. This is the second product from their already impressive lineup. This one gets even better when compared to the previous one.
If you already are an avid birder and are looking for something larger, this should be the first option you turn to. This window feeder is designed to feed multiple birds at the same time. It doesn’t matter what size the bird decides to perch on it.
The feeder is also designed with a sloping roof. This is a great aid to keeping the seeds free and clear of any precipitation due to changes in weather. You can put in your seeds and feed birds in any weather condition.
There also is a perching rod so the birds can hang out after eating to their fill. That’s a great opportunity for a photoshoot.
Pros
- Excellent views with the open back.
- Very easy to clean and refill.
Cons
- The open sides could aid squirrels and raccoons.
4) Nature’s Gear Anywhere Window Bird Feeder
- THE BEST GIFT FOR BIRD AND CAT LOVERS! See colorful wild birds from up close. Just sit in your kitchen and have fun discovering wild birds. Suitable for finch, cardinals, woodpecker, jay, bluejay, robin, goldfinch and hundreds of other bird varieties. Just set up your camera and enjoy!
- SLIDING SEED TRAY MAKES IT EASY TO FILL, AND CLEAN. No need to remove the whole feeder. Simply slide the dispenser out and fill, with no mess! The sliding tray holds up to two cups of bird seed. Four HEAVY DUTY SUCTION CUPS ensure your birdfeeder is out of squirrels reach and will never fall. Ever.
This is just another from the long list of excellent window bird feeders that Nature’s Gear has been putting out. This one comes in the design of a traditional house with the roof sloping on both sides. This is an excellent way to keep the bird feed protected from precipitation.
The clear acrylic construction continues with this model, and so does the sliding tray for ease of cleaning and refilling. The only thing you have to think about is whether you want medium to large birds as part of your birding experience. This feeder is on the smaller side, so is best for smaller birds.
Pros
- No risk of bird food going bad as it is protected from precipitation.
- Does not require any assembly.
Cons
- Is small for such excellent quality.
5) Nature’s Gear’s Upgraded Window Bird Feeder
As a company, Nature’s Gear really do listen to the complaints of customers and birders in general. The Anywhere feeder is an excellent quality feeder, the only problem is it is not so favorable to birds that are medium to large in size and that’s the only place this upgrade does not rise to expectations.
This newer feeder is made using the same clear acrylic that’s great for visibility. It also has the same sloping roof design of the previous model meant to keep the seeds free from precipitation. Even though the design may look basic, it is still a durable and functional feeder that is still miles better than some models in the market.
And as an upgrade, it fails to be larger than the previous model. This size still works for the birding enthusiast that wants all kinds of birds perching on their feeder.
Pros
- Perching birds will love it all year round.
- Very easy to keep clean.
Cons
- The upgrade didn’t cater for larger birds.
6) Nature’s Gear Pure View Feeder
It’s impossible not to crush on the feeders that Nature’s Gear have been putting out. This one takes a different step from the other designs. While the others were a singular body construction, this feeder is divided into separate parts held together by four pillars. Those parts are the roof of the feeder at the top, and the feeding tray and water tray at the bottom.
This means that the window you mount it to will be the only thing between you and the perfect shot of the birds currently perched on the feeder. With a good quality camera, one can only imagine the kind of photography you would be doing.
Pros
- The view is amazing. Only the window is between you and the bird.
- The inclusion of a water tray means the bird can hangout for longer.
Cons
- Can be quite costly for many birders.
7) Kettle Moraine Woodpecker Feeder
- Attract Woodpeckers to Your Window
- 2 Powerful Suction Cups
While a good number of birds are able to take to the air, not all of them have the same feeding habits, or even feed on the same things. The seed eater may seem like the majority, but others like hummingbirds feed on different things. This particular feeder is meant for the woodpecker and other insect eater that have different feeding mannerisms.
In essence, this feeder is a wire mesh cage outfitted with two strong suction cups so it can hang from your window. The mesh is to help the woodpeckers perch while they feed on the suet cake that you will have put inside for the birds to enjoy.
Pros
- Is very affordable.
- IT is constructed from durable material.
Cons
- It does not offer any protection from the elements.
8) Wild Birds of Joy Feeder
- CLEAR VIEWING OF BEAUTIFUL BIRDS IN VIVID DETAIL - The transparent, clear acrylic construction makes bird watching picture perfect from the kitchen window or the comfort of your living room. Watch all your songbirds, cardinals, blue jays, finches, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, sparrows, goldfinches, woodpeckers, wrens, bluebirds and more enjoy themselves through this completely see through birdfeeder.
- HOURS OF ENJOYMENT AT AFFORDABLE PRICE - Great fun for the curious child, elderly parent or grandparent and even the family cat or dog. With a deep seed tray, fill this feeder with your favorite mixed seed blends, nyjer, black oil sunflower, safflower, peanuts, mealworms and suet then sit back and enjoy hours of enjoyment.
If you are not entirely convinced of the quality that Nature’s Gear has been putting out in spades, then you might as well try out a different product from a different company. While Nature’s Gear is definitely one of the best, that statement doesn’t really mean that they’re the only ones who provide quality.
Wild Birds of Joy are also a great manufacturer, and that is evident through what you get with this feeder. The acrylic construction of this feeder offers excellent views, doesn’t matter whether the sun is on a scorching mission, or precipitation is falling from the sky. And just to protect the seeds from any precipitation, the feeder comes with a roof to cover them.
The suction cups it comes with are some of the strongest you can encounter on the market and it also comes with a black bar that birds can use to perch on after feeding. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a water tray. This would have made it the perfect hangout for seed-feeding birds in your area.
Pros
- It is an all-weather design.
- It includes a money-back guarantee in case of dissatisfaction.
Cons
- It is only meant to accommodate two or three small birds.
9) Perky-Pet Birdscapes Feeder
- Weight-activated seed protection covers ports under a squirrel’s weight
- Tough all-metal construction with removable roof for easy filling
Here is an entry from a company that has been working hard to get into the same league as Nature’s Gear. Unlike many others who are attempting to emulate every little thing, Perky-Pet are coming up with their own designs. While this is a great way to take things, the designs they come up with may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
This design is the embodiment of the previous statement. The design is meant to represent a house with the roof sloping to the sides, but an additional curve to it makes it look playful and even cartoonish in certain circumstances. This doesn’t in any way detract from what the feeder can do.
It is made from clear plastic which allows you to observe birds unobstructed while you are in the house. This is the perfect little feeder for all the little birds in your area. The medium and larger birds like pigeons will find it a tight squeeze if they attempt to feed.
Pros
- Very easy to set up.
- Best option for the beginner.
Cons
- Entire feeder has to come off the window for cleaning.
10) Perky-Pet Hummingbird Feeder
- Feeder attaches directly to windows for up-close bird watching
- Three hollyhock-inspired ports are soft & flexible for a natural feel
The hummingbird is a fascinating work of art. The rapid flapping of its wings and how it manipulates air to hover at one point is an amazing thing to watch, and even capture if you have a camera capable of fast frame rates. Getting them out in nature is always best, but not always ideal. What you can do instead is use a feeder to get them to come to you.
For the perfect shot, this is a feeder that was constructed to facilitate that. The feeder is built with a crystal-clear vertical shaft that’s great at holding up the feeder. The shaft also has a one-way mirror effect, allowing you to get up close to the birds. It also allows you to see the level of nectar left in the feeder.
Pros
- Very easy to clean.
- Is very easy to set up out of the box to the window.
Cons
- Two feeding ports may be too little in an area with a greater density of hummingbirds.
11) HHXRISE Acrylic Window Feeder
- CLEAR VIEWING OF BEAUTIFUL BIRDS IN VIVID DETAIL - With a tray that holds up to 3 cups of seed, watch cardinals, blue jays, finches, juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, titmice, sparrows and more enjoy themselves through this completely see through, transparent feeder.
- STICKS TO WINDOWS FOR LONGER - Where most feeders only come with 3 suction cups with moderate adhesion, this feeder is specially designed to come with four extra strong suction cups to keep it securely affixed to your kitchen window for longer. Initial setup may be easy, but we want you to have to do it only once.
This entire review may look like an ode to the efforts of Nature’s Gear but it is entirely unintentional. It is just the other manufacturers sometimes make them look so good, like in this case. If you are looking for something in the caliber of the Nature’s Gear Pure View Feeder, then this is your best bet. Oh, and it doesn’t cost as much.
This feeder follows the exact same design of the Pure View which are two separate parts; the roof and the feeder, held together by four pillars. This design offers great visibility from inside the house. Works best if your window is tinted or has a one-way mirror effect to keep you from spooking the birds.
The one innovation it has made over the Pure View is the hole it has on its roof. It does come with three great suction cups, but the hole is there just in case you feel like suspending the feeder from a rope instead of sticking it on your window.
Pros
- It comes with two feeding trays as well as a water compartment.
- Great price for an excellent product.
Cons
- It may need some TLC to make it last long.
12) GrayBunny GB-6851
- 🌿 AMAZING CLOSE UP VIEWS OF YOUR FAVORITE WILD BIRDS! Made from high transparency, see-through acrylic so you can study the beautiful markings of each bird. Makes bird watching fun and easy from the comfort of your own home while relaxing in your favorite chair, working at your desk, making dinner in the kitchen, and more. Kids and pets also love to watch the birds sitting inches away from their faces.
- 🌿 ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF WILD BIRDS WITHOUT NEEDING BINOCULARS! If you are looking for a top-of-the-line bird feeder, to attract birds right to your window, you will love our Nature’s Hangout Outdoor Window Bird Feeder! It is made from high transparency, see-through acrylic so you can study and appreciate the beauty of local bird species. Now you can enjoy bird watching from the comfort of your home while drinking your morning coffee, making dinner, or working at your desk!
This last option is a simple design that covers the essentials and doesn’t attempt to be showy like the others. It is a simple design with a flat roof and two seed compartments to enable you to load different mixes. The tray is large enough to accommodate four cups of bird feed or seeds.
It also comes with a black rod that birds can use as a perch and is also made from a clear acrylic, just to keep in step with what the market has been putting out. This version is quite a thick construction than what the others have been putting out, which should lessen your worries if you are worrying it will smash down on the ground and break.
It is overall a simple design that is also quite easy on the pockets.
Pros
- Has drain holes to keep seeds from getting wet.
- Is great for feeding a large variety of seed eaters.
Cons
- Does not offer great protection from the efforts of raccoons or squirrels.
What are the types of window feeders?
As an avid bird watcher, you know that turning it into a hobby will require some little investment in a bird feeder. Not only is this a worthwhile investment into your hobby, but it’s also great at helping you find ways to attract different bird species. The net effect of this is it will increase your general knowledge on several bird species. Unlike most things, window feeders aren’t complicated. There are only two types of these;
1) On-window feeders
This type of feeder is made to stick directly on your window and gives you a clear view of the birds feasting on the seeds you put there. This type of feeder can utilize either suction cups, which help it to stick on the surface of the window, or they may utilize Velcro straps to hold them in place. These feeders are typically made of plastic or a clear acrylic.
The thing with on-window feeders is they tend to be smaller than the other type. They are also partitioned so you can have different types of seeds on the feeder. If you’d like, you could also have a number of them mounted on the window to cater for different types of birds.
The advantage of this type of feeder is that they can be mounted high enough to ward off the enterprising efforts of squirrels and raccoons. This also encourages birds to dine at the window feeder as cats and other predators cannot reach them as well.
2) Windowsill feeders
The second option is to have a windowsill feeder. These are usually attached to the windowsill either by nailing down or using hinges. These tend to be larger, with some taking the entire width of the window and are typically made of wood.
There is a subtype of the windowsill feeders known as solarium feeders. These tend to protrude into the home across an open window, while others will tend to be secured by a closed window. The action of anchoring them to the window could be by a tension rod which allows the feeder to be suspended from the sill. This option allows the window to be closed completely.
These two are just the basics. From here, you can choose to have various accessories such as one-way mirrors. These allow you to get up close to the birds while they are feeding as you can see them from inside the house and they cannot see you from the outside.
The type of feeder you choose will be highly dependent on your preferences. If you have a specific bird you are targeting, its behaviors should also be factored in when choosing a bird feeder. Typically, solarium bird feeders require that the window they are mounted on be open. This of course means feeding during winter months is out of the question, and can also be a problem for alarm systems.
What Should You Consider When Buying A Window Bird Feeder?
While bird feeding might be something you are enthusiastic about, it isn’t down to just putting a bird feeder out there and hoping they will come. You will have to consider various things before you get out your wallet to pay for one. Here are a few things you should think about.
1) Consider Weatherproofing
There are very few places that have little variation in weather conditions all year round. Unfortunately, a good chunk of the United States is not in those zones. This means the bird feeder you choose should be able to withstand extremes in weather conditions.
When choosing a bird feeder, settle for one that is guaranteed to withstand the sweltering heat of the summer as well as the freezing cold of winter.
2) The bird you are after
As an avid bird watcher, you already know that different birds enjoy different seeds. Some like the hummingbird prefer nectar to seeds. As you go out to get a bird feeder, you may want to decide whether you want a general seed feeder for a large variety of birds, or something specific like a hummingbird feeder.
Also, some feeders are designed to keep away large birds which are known to scare the smaller ones. This helps when the birds you are targeting are smaller in stature, or you want to separate the smaller ones from the larger ones.
3) The Size
Window bird feeders come in all manner of sizes. The windowsill feeders especially can be quite large in comparison to on-window feeders. This offers various advantages to you.
With a large feeder, you are able to put in more seeds. This means you can attract larger species of birds, as well as the smaller ones. Also, filling it will mean less trips outside to go refill them. This can be of particular importance during the winter months where going out to refill the feeders can feel like a real hassle.
4) Ease of refilling
Even though the feeder is right on your window, it doesn’t mean that it is quite easy to refill. This is especially true of on-window feeders and the position at which you have mounted them. Some may force you to attempt your best imitation of a contortionist. If that seems like too much, the only option they leave you is having to walk outside the house to refill them.
In situations of adverse weather conditions like winter, walking out of the house can be quite a hustle, and hassle. What you can do instead is pick a feeder that will be easier to refill from inside the house.
5) Ease of use
This is of course, from the perspective of the birds. Putting out a bird feeder is just the first part of attracting birds to the feeder. How easy it is to use from the perspective of the birds will be one the reasons they choose to spend a significant amount of time on your feeder, thus giving you excellent viewing time.
When choosing a window bird feeder, it would be best to consider one with a perching area. As they feed, they can do so comfortably from the perch. It can even become an area for your bird to hangout when they are done feeding. This, combined with the food, will help keep the birds returning to your feeder every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Choosing a bird feeder is highly dependent on the kind of person you are. Whether you re the glass is half full or half empty kind of person will greatly influence your choice of bird feeder. This, of course, is because of the variety of options available to you.
There are hundreds of design options available in the market. Choosing the right product is just a matter of figuring out what you want to accomplish with the bird feeder. This will help narrow down your options to the bird feeder that will best serve your purpose.
