Types of birdfeeders for chicago

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Chicago, Ill. is home to more than 300 species of birds. Some of the best bird-watching sites in the city include the Addison Bird Sanctuary, North Pond in Lincoln Park, South Shore Cultural Center, Jackson Park and Montrose Point. If you want to attract birds to your backyard, install a feeder. Before choosing which type of feeder to use, determine which species you wish to attract.

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1. Tube Feeder

   • Tube feeders consist of a hollow tube with several openings and perches. Tube feeders are usually hung vertically. Tube feeders are selective, in that only small species can fit on the feeder's small perches. Seeds tend to stay dry in tube feeders. If you don't want to attract larger birds, such as jays or crows, or squirrels to your feeder, choose a tube feeder. Chicago species that feed from tubes include the song sparrow, goldfinch and house finch.

   Thistle Tube Feeder

   • Thistle, or nyjer, feeders also consist of a hollow tube with perches, but the feeding opening is much smaller. Thistle tube feeders are designed to hold thistle seeds, which are very small. Chicago species that feed from thistle tubes can include the goldfinch and the house finch.

   Platform Feeder

   • Platform or tray feeders are among the least selective types of feeder, as many species of birds can access them. Platform feeders consist of flat, raised surfaces that can both hold food and allow birds to perch while they eat. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recommends drilling drainage holes in the bottom of the feeder to discourage standing water. Similarly, to reduce instances of disease transmission, choose a feeder with wire mesh on the bottom so bird droppings and wet seeds can wash or blow away. Chicago bird species that prefer platform feeders include the house finch, jay, Northern cardinal and song sparrow.

   Hopper Feeder

   • Hopper, or house, feeders, consist of a raised platform with a covered, walled seed dispenser or hopper on top. Like platform feeders, hopper feeders are also relatively nonselective, as most birds can access them. Hoppers can generally hold more seed than most other types of feeders, but be sure to watch for moldy, wet seed. as most hopper feeders are not weatherproof. Chicago birds that feed at hopper feeders can include the house finch, jay and Northern cardinal.

   Suet Feeder

   • A suet feeder consists of a cage that contains soft food such as suet or peanut butter. Birds cling to the sides of the hanging cage and eat the suet through the bars. Woodpeckers and chickadees tend to cling upside down to feed at a suet feeder. Chicago species that will eat from suet feeders can include Northern cardinals, warblers, woodpeckers, wrens, goldfinches and jays.

   Nectar Feeder

   • Nectar feeders are designed to hold liquids. Birds sip the nectar through small tubes or openings at the base of the feeder. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology suggests choosing a feeder that's easy to disassemble and wash, as it's important to keep nectar feeders clean. Chicago bird species that feed from nectar feeders can include hummingbirds, Northern cardinals, orioles or woodpeckers.

Source: www.ehow.com

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