I am looking for a feeder that attracts small birds, maybe sparrows, but not bigger. Will it attract sparrows? How does this feeder work to attract small birds only? How far above the ground does it need to be? I am looking for a feeder that attracts small birds, maybe sparrows, but not bigger. Will it attract sparrows? How does this feeder work to attract small birds only? How far above the ground does... » Read More I am looking for a feeder that attracts small birds, maybe sparrows, but not bigger. Will it attract sparrows? How does this feeder work to attract small birds only? How far above the ground does it need to be? « Show Less
635443
This feeder attracts House Finches and goldfinches by filling it with nyjer seed. I have it hung on a hook about 4 feet off the ground. I've never seen a large bird on it. Most of my sparrows feed on the ground from seed that has dropped or from a platform feeder. I use more of a mixed seed in that.
519690
This feeder is best for attracting finches- which are small birds that prefer thistle/nyjer seed
635444
Yes this does attract small birds, mainly gold finches. You hang from a tree branch. Very durable. You may get larger birds feeding going after the "leftovers" on the ground.
635445
This feeder is designed to hold nyger seeds which attract finches. I use it mainly to feed goldfinches because they just grab unto the mesh to eat. If you want to attract sparrows get a feeder that holds sunflower seeds or a mixture with mostly sunflower seeds. If you want to discourage big birds, search for "small birds feeders", and you will see some caged feeders that will let a small bird in and keep others out. Better yet, buy a few feeders and feed them all.
635446
I have this feeder mounted about 6 feet off the ground. I have never seen a bird larger than a flicker (small variety woodpecker) at it. The mesh is very closely spaced for smaller beaks, and holds nyger seed very well without spilling. I've gotten lots of finches, especially goldfinches, at mine (I live in Cincinnati, OH). Lots of house sparrows and a few wrens. You'll love this feeder! It's one of the sturdiest I have.
2148623
Are you using the right kind of seed? ie Thistle seed isn't ideal for this type of feeder. Otherwise, just give it some time. Birds scout out good feeding places in the morning and then come back later in the day to feed, leaving the best places for last.
1379486
I'm not sure about this. I only had it up for a couple of weeks but I was worried I might come home and find a dead bird in my driveway! It does seem that the birds had a hard time getting on the tiny ledge of feeder though (especially since I dont have a window ledge or tree there) - which was another thing that worried me. I think this feeder needs to be on a window that is somewhat hidden by tree branches. Then all these things would not be an issue.
30572
Hello, the largest birds I have seen in the feeder are sparrows of several types. I don't think cardinals would fit. I bought it because pigeons have discovered my larger feeder. Besides eating all the seed quickly, they scare away the smaller birds. With this feeder, the chickadees, finches and sparrows get a chance to feed.
1537793
My Squirrel Buster is the smaller version. I haven't seen Cardinals come to it, only smaller birds.
2191195
NOT with this bird feeder. My birds LOVE it!! It's the first one emptied!! It may take awhile for them to eat out of a new feeder. I put up a feeder last year, that took the birds 3 months to *find* it!! No kidding!! Once they start eating seed out of this, you'll be out there all the time filling it up ;)
75130
I have never seen a sparrow use it. It's usually the titmouse, nuthatch and chickadee that use it here.
1280661
We have mostly sparrows that get in to the feeder at the moment, but not having had it that long, I'm not sure. We will get Cardinals later on, so will have to see if they can get in through the holes. The feeder is wonderful, and may have to get another one, as we have a smaller one, but the birds ignore it. It might be worth trying it, as other small birds would love it anyway.
309922
It takes awhile for the birds to find the feeder. One thing that's supposed to help is to put some birdseed in a shiny pan directly under the bird feeder. The birds find the feeder more quickly that way.
1778118
Hi, In answer to your question. I have not seen any bird droppings in the feeder, as the food gets towards the bottom, I just dump what few stray seeds are in there and fill with fresh seed. They really are still shy and do not sit inside for long, and I still enjoy this feeder and get lots of birds everyday.
2137687
Hi Bobbie, Finches, siskins, all small birds can use this feeder and really seem to like it. I put safflower in it and sometimes medium sunflower hearts and the little guys have no trouble perching and eating
1619428
Are you still using the same birdseed? Is it too sensitive and closes when birds land on it?? I never had any problems with attracting birds and my squirrel problem is gone.
1247330
Having no trouble with it sticking to the window. Had it on the window for 5 months and maybe a bird would go in it for a few seconds and then fly away. I was disappointed it is so small. Two birds can not fit in the feeder at once. I think the birds are afraid of the confined feeling, and they are scared to go in and eat the seeds. If I put some seeds on top of the feeder some will come and eat but they won't go in. Hope this helps someone.
1831351
Feeder isn't small. The way they're built, you'll still have a mess. Feeders are built with the birds in mind not for tidiness.
331467
The Cardinals won't go near this bird feeder. I have two feeders and even the smaller birds will hardly touch this feeder, they prefer the standard feeder with an open tray, this one has elongated holes that the birds have to reach through while sitting on a spring loaded perch. The spring loaded perch will not support the larger birds like Cardinals, even when it is set to the maximum weight adjustment.
32854
We have doves and they don't use the feeder, I think they are to heavy when they land on ring. We have it set so Cardinals can feed. Also Crows can't use it, we love ours. Saving money on bird feed.
1432562
I think the platform feeders are less messy, but some birds like to throw out the seeds to their ground feeding friends so you might still get some of that. I don't fill it up completely, just a mound usually in the middle so that the seeds don't overflow on their own either. Its a great feeder and attracts lots of birds big and small.