There are several different types of bird feeders. Each type of bird feeder feeds a different species of birds. Having an idea of what species of birds one would like to attract will make the decision of which kind of feeder one would choose. Many people interested in wild birds will opt to choose several different types of bird feeders, thereby, attracting several different species of birds.

1. Ground feeders are no feeders at all. Species that like to feed off the ground are bobwhites, doves, juncos and sparrows. All one must do is scatter seeds over the ground or scatter seeds over a tree stump or low table. The drawback with ground feeding is that it is unsanitary and that it attracts rodents. However, if the seeds are scattered on concrete, concrete can be disinfected and sanitized.

2. Tube feeders are hung from trees or mounted on a post. They are tubes that are plastic lined with perches and feeding ports that are filled with seed. Thistle tube feeders have very small openings for the dispersing of thistle seed to species such as siskins and redpolls. Sunflower tube feeders attract larger species such as grosbeaks and nuthatches. Goldfinches and chickadees are examples of wild birds who will feed from either type of tube feeder. Wild bird feeders with black oil sunflower can be used to attract all of the above species plus woodpeckers and titmice.

3. Tray feeders, also known as platform feeders are open trays that have raised edges. A drainage hole is used to prevent the seeds from rotting. Ground-feeding species such as cardinals, purple finches, titmice, jays, starlings, grackles, doves, evening grosbeaks, juncos, grouse and doves will all use tray feeders. The feeders should be placed close to the ground.

4. Hoppers look like a small house with a roof that covers a storage area for seed. This type of feeder attracts large, seed eating birds such as woodpeckers, cardinals, grosbeaks and blue jays. These wild bird feeders should be hung from a tree or mounted on a post.

5. Suet feeders will attract wrens, thrashers, woodpeckers, starlings, nuthatches, chickadees and cardinals.

Using these wild bird feeders in combination will assure you a large selection of birds visiting your backyard and providing you with great entertainment as you explore the delightful world of bird watching.