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Best Bird Feeder for Sunflower Seeds – (Top 7 Picks)

Selecting the best bird feeder for sunflower seeds can be a difficult task, especially if you are new to bird watching.

The best bird feeders on the market come equipped with certain features that make them stand out from other models. Different models have different benefits and drawbacks which is why it is important to compare them before purchasing one.

In this article, I will review the best bird feeders for sunflower seeds available on the market. Hopefully, my reviews will help you find the product that best suits your needs.

So without any further ado, let’s get started

In a Hurry? Check out my Top Recommended Feeders for Sunflower Seeds

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Best Bird Feeder for Sunflower Seeds

1. Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/4 Metal Perches

Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Best Bird Feeder for sunflower seeds

Coming up number one on my list of recommended bird feeders is the Squirrel buster standard bird feeder. There are a lot of things that make it one of the perfect choices when it comes to choosing a bird feeder.

Let’s take a closer look at some of its features and see how this feeder can be an excellent choice for your yard. The first thing that I love about this bird feeder is its super minimal design.

It is made of metal and it has the classic cylindrical shape which makes it blend in beautifully with your backyard. This feeder comes with 4 metal perches that are located at different levels. This is what prevents squirrels from hanging off the perches of this feeder.

The fully enclosed design ensures that large squirrels will not be able to use their claws to reach the seed. This is one of the best features of tube feeders as it reduces the risk of squirrels.

This model comes with one of the strongest and most durable hanging hooks available on the market today. This means that you can hang it off your tree or your post without worrying about it

Things I Like About This Bird Feeder

  • It has an extremely durable hanging hook.
  • The unique design allows birds of different sizes to feed at different levels.
  • Suitable for all kinds of small birds.
  • Very easy to refill
  • Highly affordable

Things I Don’t Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Not Chipmunk Proof
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2. Brome Store Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder

The second option to go for when it comes to choosing the right tube feeder for bird seed is the Brome store squirrel buster plus. This model has all the features that make it stand out from other bird feeders in its price range.

The fully enclosed design prevents large, strong squirrels from using their claws to access your seeds. The cylindrical shape of this feeder makes it blend seamlessly with your backyard. It is designed to be used with all kinds of small, medium, and large birds.

The polycarbonate structure of the feeder allows it to be extremely durable. It will resist all kinds of weather conditions including strong winds and harsh temperatures.

This model offers a large capacity to ensure that you do not have to worry about refilling it every now and then. Moreover, it also offers a free cardinal ring that allows you to attract cardinals to your yard without any issue.

In addition to this, the feeder features an 18-inch/47-cm CLEARANCE on all sides which helps to attract more birds and reduce the amount of seed that is wasted.

Another thing that I love about this feeder is its ease of use and maintenance. It is very easy to clean and it does not require you to perform any complicated tasks in order to refill it.

Things I Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Easy to use and maintain.
  • The feeder has a very durable construction.
  • It has a large capacity which means that you will not have to worry about refilling it constantly.
  • suitable for feeding multiple birds at the same time
  • A perfect choice for black oil sunflower

Things I Don’t Like About This Bird Feeder

  • A bit costly as compared to other options of the same tier
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3. Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder

Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder

Hold on a second! are you a Cardinal lover too like me? If yes then I have something special for you. During my study, I found the best sunflower seed feeder for cardinals.

Although it is not only limited to cardinals as other wild birds can also eat from it. However, the color theme and the design make it much more friendly for our red-feathered friends.

Want to know why I have selected this feeder for you on my list? Well here are a few things that I love about this bird feeder. The first thing is its durable structure which makes it an excellent choice for hanging outdoors.

Besides that, the feeder features a circular perch and mesh surface that provides an excellent gripping surface for wild birds. It also comes with a built-in seed ventilation system which helps to keep the seeds fresh and dry.

Moreover, this bird feeder has an attractive Cardinal theme that will allow you to attract exotic birds including Cardinals, goldfinches, grosbeaks, redpolls, siskins and many more.

The feeder is very easy to clean and it can hold up to 2.5 lbs of black oil sunflower which means that you will not have to refill it so often.

Things I Like About This Bird Feeder

  • A perfect choice for Cardinals lovers due to its Cardinal theme.
  • Easy to use and maintain
  • Highly durable construction
  • It has an attractive appearance.

Things I Don’t Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Not a perfectly Squirrel proof one
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4. Perky-Pet 8lb Squirrel-Be-Gone II Feeder Home with Chimney

Perky-Pet 8lb Squirrel-Be-Gone II Feeder Home with Chimney

If you are having trouble with squirrels at your place and are looking for a squirrel proof bird feeder then here’s something you should consider. The Perkey Pet feeder is specially designed for this purpose.

It has a weight-activated squirrel-proof design which means that any animal heavier than the seed will not be able to access your feeder. Besides that, the wire mesh surface also helps wild birds to take the seeds without any issues.

However, I would recommend placing this feeder at least 10-14 feet away from any tree or post to ensure that squirrels do not jump onto it. Additionally, this feeder is very easy to use and provides you with the freedom of refilling it without having to worry about removing the top cover.

It resembles beautiful and consists of high-quality metal which makes it tough and long-lasting. Whether it is raining, snowing, or sunny weather, you don’t have to worry about anything at all.

Apart from that, the sunflower seed inside the feeder is also protected from environmental challenges.

Things I Like About This Bird Feeder

  • It has an anti-squirrel system that keeps your feeder safe from squirrels.
  • Providing you with a capacity of 8 pounds means that you will not have to refill it frequently.
  • The feeder comes along with a built-in adjustable seed ventilation system.
  • It is very easy to clean and maintain the feeder.

Things I Don’t Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Some users have reported that squirrels can still open the roof
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5. Nature’s Way Bird Products CWF3 Cedar Platform Tray Bird Feeder

Nature's Way Bird Products CWF3 Cedar Platform Tray Bird Feeder

If you are looking for something minimal that helps to attract birds easily then consider the Nature’s way bird feeder. I love the simple structure of this feeder because it helps to attract house finches, blue jays, and other such kinds of birds.

It has a super simple wooden structure that consists of rot-proof and bug-proof cedar. The weather-resistant coating of the feeder reflects the excellent craftsmanship of the maker. At the same time, it helps to prolong the lifespan of this tray and allows it to be one of those excellent ground feeders too.

Another best thing is that it is not only limited to black oil sunflower seeds only. You can add mixed seed such as nyjer seed, thistle seed, and others. The good thing about adding mixed seed is that it can help to attract multiple birds.

It is also helpful for ground feeding birds such as doves and pigeons. Moreover, the wide opening allows you to have no difficulty in refilling the bird feeder.

This wide opening is also an excellent choice for large birds and attracts cardinals, Grosbeaks, Titmice, nuthatches, chickadees, Finch, Jays, Juncos, and woodpeckers.

Things I Like About This Bird Feeder

  • A perfect choice for those who do not want something complicated.
  • Ideal for black oil sunflower seeds and mixed seed too.
  • Easy to clean, refill, hang and maintain.
  • Weatherproof design

Things I Don’t Like About This Bird Feeder

  • A bit problematic hanger
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6. Sorbus Bird Feeder Hanging Tray

Sorbus Bird Feeder Hanging Tray

Again if you are looking for a tray based feeder instead of tube feeders then consider the Sorbus hanging tray. It is also an excellent choice for bird seed to attract blue jays, mourning doves, and other birds.

Although it is not a good choice for larger birds due to its small size. Still, it proves to be a good choice due to some features.

The first thing that you may have already noticed is that the tray possesses a small size. It will be a perfect option for hanging on the balcony and will make great feeding ports.

Besides that, I would recommend the tray feeder to those who have a small yard and want to attract birds in an elegant way. It is also very easy to mount and hang on a tree branch. So, you can easily position it wherever you want to place it.

Another excellent thing about this feeder is the micro-mesh metal tray. It helps to keep the seeds dry and prevents them from absorbing any moisture. This feature maintains the freshness of feed for a longer time.

At the same time, it is very easy to fill up this tray because of its wide opening. In fact, you won’t face any issue when refilling it frequently with black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seed.

However, if you want to attract larger birds such as mourning doves or pigeons then I wouldn’t recommend it.

Things I Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Ideal for black oil sunflower.
  • Elegant design, small size, and easy to hang in a tree.
  • Keeps the feed fresh due to the micro-mesh metal tray.

Things I Don’t Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Small size not suitable for large birds.
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7. Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Bird Feeder with Suet Cages Model AT4

Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Bird Feeder with Suet Cages Model AT4

Personally, I am fond of wooden bird feeding ports. They are pretty simple, lightweight, easy to refill and work with all types of seeds. If you are just like me who wants to have a wooden bird feeder then I have something interesting for you on my list.

The Woodlink Delux cedar feeder offers a perfect platform for the birds to eat comfortably. It is not only good in construction but also strong enough to resist strong winds. You can place it at any place you want because thanks to its weight it will remain stable there for sure.

The feeder has two sturdy wire cages which allow you to add suet cakes or other snacks to attract a large variety of birds. It also possesses a decent weight capacity and proves to be a perfect option for attracting larger birds such as cardinals, Grosbeaks, Chickadees, Titmice, Jays, Juncos, and woodpeckers.

At the same time, you can use it with any type of seed such as corn, mixed seeds, or sunflower seeds.

Things I Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Wooden construction and lightweight.
  • Ideal for black oil sunflower, suet cakes, safflower seed, and any type of seed.
  • Strong enough to withstand strong winds.
  • Perfect for feeding birds anywhere you want

Things I Don’t Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Sometimes birds get caught glass window opening.
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8. Perky-Pet B00303 Fly-Through Wild Bird Feeder

Perky-Pet B00303 Fly-Through Wild Bird Feeder, 1 Pack, Black

While I was looking for the right bird feeder for you, I stumbled upon the perky-pet b00303 fly-through feeder. Soon it caught my attention and I had to dig a bit deeper about it to ensure whether it is good or not.

After a quite bit of analysis, I was able to find some interesting facts about this product. The first thing that makes it one of the interesting backyard birds feeding ports is its beautiful design.

The product has a unique design that allows the birds to go in and out of it without any problem. You can use this feeder for making your backyard more pleasing and eye-catching.

Besides that, this feeder is very easy to fill up due to its wide mouth opening. It doesn’t matter what type of seed you want to use in it because the wide opening will make the refilling very simple.

And finally, I would like to mention its quality construction. This feeder is an ideal choice for providing a proper meal to birds in harsh weather conditions. Even in rain or snow, you can easily maintain this feeder without any trouble because of its weatherproof design.

Things I Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Unique design to offer easy entry and exit.
  • Weatherproof bird feeder, suitable for all types of weather conditions.
  • Easy to maintain and refill due to its wide mouth opening.

Things I Don’t Like About This Bird Feeder

  • The feeder opening has still a room for improvement
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9. Kingsyard Sunflower and Peanut Bird Feeders

Kingsyard Cardinal Bird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging Sunflower Seed Feeder for Woodpeckers

Last but not least, the kingsyard backyard bird feeding port is a perfect choice if you like to enjoy watching different types of birds coming to your backyard.

The first thing that I love is the sturdy design which makes it one of the best bird feeders on the market. Besides that, it is made out of quality material. You can use this feeder for several years without even the slightest problem with it.

One of the main features of tube feeders is that they have a large capacity. It makes them surprisingly easy to fill and you will not have to worry about refilling them again and again.

This feeder features an intelligent design that allows the seed to remain fresh. Apart from that, it is good for small birds such as house finches. Not only finches but it also attracts chickadees which is a good thing for bird lovers.

The seeds are easily accessible for birds due to the 360-degree circular perches. This feature makes it one of the best backyard bird feeders.

Things I Like About This Bird Feeder

  • Durable construction made out of quality materials.
  • Flavorful seed remains fresh due to its intelligent design.
  • Suitable for attracting different types of small birds.

Things I Don’t Like About This Bird Feeder

  • The price is a bit high.
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Things to Keep in Mind when Buying Bird Feeders

If you are planning to purchase the best backyard bird feeders, then you should consider some factors before buying them.

Otherwise, you will end up with something completely useless for your purpose. I’ve gathered some essential things that you should consider before buying the best bird feeders for your backyard.

Types of Bird Feeders

Before you start your search for the best backyard bird feeders, you should consider the types of feeders. If you are not familiar with this term, then I would like to inform you that there are basically three main types of bird feeders.

You can choose any one type according to your preference and requirement. Here are they:

Tube Feeder

Tube Feeder is a perfect choice for those people who want to watch birds from a long distance. If you are planning to provide a proper meal to your backyard birds, then a tube feeder can be the best solution. Some of the tube feeders have been mentioned above in this article.

Hanger Feeders

This type is also known as a hanging bird feeder. Hanging feeders are the best choice for those people who live in cold regions because they are easy to maintain and refill. In other words, the hanger feeder can be the best option for winter feeding.

Hopper Feeder

Hopper feeder is also known as house-style bird feeders. These types of feeders have a large capacity and they can easily accommodate different types of dried foods. Hopper feeder has an intelligent design that can collect the seed waste.

Thistle Feeders

When it comes to attracting small birds, thistle feeders can be the best choice. This type of bird feeder is specially designed for finches and pine siskins because they love this type of seed. However, you should keep in mind that the thistle feeder is not suitable for larger birds such as pigeons or woodpeckers.

Oriole Feeders

These types of feeders are specially designed for attracting different types of orioles. They attract only orioles and you cannot expect anything else from this type of bird feeder.

Bird Feeder Weight and Dimensions:​

There will be a lot of feeding ports in the market and most of them are small in size. If you want to place them on trees or poles then their weight becomes really important.

Apart from that, the size of these feeders is equally important. You should know what kind of birds you want to attract so that you can pick a feeder accordingly. If your goal is to buy one for small birds then you can go for smaller feeders.

Feeder Capacity:

The capacity of your bird feeder makes it easy for you to maintain them without any problem. For example, tube feeders will require you to refill them less often and it is a great thing for anyone who wants to enjoy feeding birds.

Easy to Clean Design:

Your feeder should be easy to maintain and it should come with a removable tray so that you can clean the entire feeder easily. It is important because this tray will collect the seeds which can go rancid if they’re not cleaned properly.

Weatherproof Design:

You cannot put your best bird feeders outside in harsh weather conditions. For example, there can be rain, snow, or very strong winds. Therefore, you should look for a weatherproof design when planning to buy the best bird feeders.

Frequently Asked questions

What kind of bird feeder is best for sunflower seeds?

For sunflower seeds, the best type of bird feeder is a tube feeder and tray feeder. However, a hopper feeder can also work well for such types of seeds.

Can you put sunflower seeds in a bird feeder?

Yes, you can put sunflower seed in a bird feeder. However, you should know that there are different types of seeds and some of them are not suitable for bird feeders. For example, black oil is best for feeding birds because the shell is small and they will be able to crack it easily.

What birds are attracted to black oil sunflower seeds?

You can attract cardinals, titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers, jays, sparrows, and more to your backyard with black oil sunflower seeds.

Is black oil sunflower seeds good for bird feeders?

Black oil sunflower seed is the best choice for bird feeder because these seeds have a larger amount of oil and they will attract different types of birds.

Final Words

Selecting the right bird feeder for your backyard or balcony can be a bit challenging therefore, I have decided to help you out. Well, according to my research and analysis, the Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder proves to be the best overall option on this list. 

It is because it has a tube feeder structure that allows you to fill it with more seeds. Moreover, this feeder is extremely easy to clean and maintain which is another plus point. 

However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option then I would recommend the Nature’s Way Bird feeder. It is a super simple, easy-to-fill feeder for all kinds of environments. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this guide and will surely be able to select the right feeder for your needs. 

So which bird feeder has got your attention? Let me know too so that I can rearrange this list accordingly. 

Thank you and happy bird watching!

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