Imagine a colorful bird resting on a branch, chirping in the morning. Even if you have never tried watching it this way, seeing a birdie nestling on the tree can easily get you hooked.
Surprisingly, birding is even healthier than staring at your computer and phones all day. The University of Exeter published a study that reveals people living in areas with more trees and birds are less likely to have stress, anxiety, and depression (1).
Another study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that listening to bird songs can help in stress recovery (2). There are hundreds of studies that discuss health benefits a person can have by exposure to nature (3).
If you want to see colorful, beautiful birds often near your house, consider installing the best window bird feeder. While you will find them in various shapes and forms, choosing the one can be challenging for you. Fortunately, you will see some of the best window feeders in this guide.
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How to Attract Birds to My Window Feeder?
Attracting birds to your window feeder can be quite difficult, especially if your neighborhood does not have more birds. However, some tricks can help you attract the beautiful birds of your area. Not only this, but you can also make them visit your feeder regularly.
- Keep the Windows Clean – Debris and dirt on your window glass surface can prevent the suction cup from sticking properly. Therefore, ensure to wipe it thoroughly with a glass cleaner before installing a feeder. Be sure that you have washed and cleaned the suction cup as well.
– - Add Plants to your Backyard – Birds mostly feel attracted to colorful plants and trees. If you do not have them in your backyard, consider installing some plants and flowers. The appealing aesthetics of green leaves and colorful flowers will attract birds to your place.
– - Add colors – Some birdies attract towards certain colors. You can put colorful nectar containers or colorful seeds in your window feeder to get these beautiful creatures over to your window.
– - Fill the containers Regularly – Another trick to attract birds to your feeder is to replenish the supply of fruits, seeds, mealworms, or nectar regularly. Not to mention, a bird will flock when they see a fresh supply of water and food. Moreover, be sure the seeds you add in the container are their favorite.
How to Hang a Bird Feeder outside a Window?
Usually, the feeder installation method depends on its design and hanging location. You may need additional accessories and tools to hand some feeders. Such products require S-hooks to hang it at a proper height.
Other than this, you will probably need a cord to hold the feeder. You can use rope, chain, or jute twine for that. Make sure not to choose a cord that is springy or elastic. Here is what you need to do when installing a feeder.
- Sturdiness of Hook – Make sure to check the sturdiness of the bird feeder pole, branch, or hook where you will hang the feeder. Do not forget to check if it will stay firm and secure even when you fill it up with heavy seed.
– - Position – Hang your window bird feeders under the shade to protect nectar and seed from excessive spoilage. You can also place it in the lightly shaded area. Also, hang it near cover they use for shelters, such as shrubs and trees. If your area has squirrels, hand your feeder at least 6-ft. Above the ground and 10-ft. From trees and structures where they can jump.
– - Remove during bad weather – Make sure to remove your hanging window feeder during windy storms or other dangerous weather. Otherwise, it will make your feeder tip or fall.
What NOT to Do When Installing a Window Feeder
- Do not Put Feeder Closer to Windows – Make sure to position the feeders not much closer to your window. Instead, you can keep it 3-ft away from your windows to avoid collisions that can harm birdies.
– - Deter Pests, House Sparrows, and European Starlings – If you want to deter pests, make sure to use a baffle above the feeder. This will help shed snow or rain, keeping the bird seeds dry.
– - Location – Select a spot that does not experience the strongest winds to minimize swaying. Otherwise, it can spill seeds and discourage birds. Keep it away from busy traffic areas, such as pathways and sidewalks where feeders can trip.
– - Do not forget to Check the Hook – Make sure to check the hook, cord, and feeder regularly for the signs of damage that could cause it to fall. You can check the feeder each time you fill it up with seeds or nectar.
How to Choose the right Window Bird Feeder?
A bird window feeder is a great way to see watch beautiful birds and listen to their sweet melodious chirping. It allows you to observe nature at its finest point, helping you relieve stress and anxiety.
However, choosing a bird feeder is a bit difficult, especially when you are buying it for the first time. Here are some important factors that you should consider when buying a window bird feeder.
- Strong Suction Cups – It is the very first thing you need to consider, as suction cups hold the entire feeder to the glass window. If it detaches easily or slides down easily, your feeder will fall. Therefore, make sure to choose a feeder with strong suction cups.
– - Weatherproof – While you will place the feeder outside of your window, it will be exposed to extreme climates and harsh environmental elements. Therefore, make sure to choose a bird feeder that is resilient enough to withstand all seasons.
– - Clarity – The feeder you choose should have clear material that allows you to have maximum viewing pleasure. Some feeders come with a hole; you may also opt for that for clear vision. If it does not have a viewing hole and the material is translucent, it will not enable you to enjoy the view.
– - Durable – You can check the thickness of the product to ensure its durability. Keep in mind that 3-5 millimeters of acrylic or plastic will be good.
Best Window Bird Feeders
1. Natures Hangout Window Bird Feeder
If you are searching for a durable feeder, you might need to consider checking Hangout Window Feeder by Nature’s review.
Because it is made of 1/8 inches thick plexiglass, it can offer your higher durability and last you for years.
Since it comes with 12 x 4 inches width and 5 inches height, you can easily mount it on the top of your glass window.
This product has two removable feeder trays, which will allow you to place two different types of bird food. Nature has designed it effectively that will help keep the rain out of the feeder, except for heavy storms with strong winds.
While it has a compact design as compared to other ones, it will accommodate two to four birds at a time. What I love most about this feeder is that you can even attach it to a sliding window.
What we liked
- You can easily remove the feeder trays
- Made of plexiglass; a highly durable material
- Weatherproof
- Features a black rubber perch
What we didn’t like
- Suction cups position can make it difficult to view birds eating clearly
How much seed/food can fit: 4 cups of birdseed
What’s special about it: Highly Durable
Dimensions: 11.8 x 5 x 4 Inches
2. Nature Anywhere Window Bird Feeder House
It is one of my favorite brands when it comes to attached bird feeders.
This feeder features a stylish design, which looks quite attractive.
Nature Anywhere has used 4 millimeters of acrylic in this window bird feeder, which is enough sturdy to withstand harsh weather.
In addition, it can accommodate birds and seeds without breaking under its weight.
What I love the most about this feeder is it has an inclined roof, which makes it harder for raccoons and squirrels to feed on the seeds. The inclined roof will also prevent a build-up of snow, which adds more weight to the feeder and make it fall.
Since it has a big viewing window, this feeder will prevent condensation that forms between the acrylic feeder and the glass window. The sliding tray that comes with this feeder will do cleaning and refilling easier.
What we liked
- Comes with a hole that allows you to have a clear vision
- Weatherproof and durable
- Pitched roof to deter squirrels and prevent snow build-up
- Attractive design
What we didn’t like
- The transparent perch can confuse some birds where to land
How much seed/food can fit: Can hold up to 2 cups of bird seeds
What’s special about it: Comes with an inclined roof
Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.3 x 7.5 inches
3. Nature Gear XL Bird Feeder
If you are searching for a highly durable and reliable feeder, then it can be your go-to option.
This product can provide you with the best bird-watching experience due to its clear material.
My most favorite thing about this product it does not build-up on plastic panels, which always allow me to see birds feeding clearly even on rainy days.
The birds can feed on seeds without crowding inside. The water compartment is on the outer part of the feeder, which prevents seeds from spoilage.
The birds can perch on the plastic rod easily.
What we liked
- Keeps squirrels, cats, and other animals away
- Weatherproof
- Clear vision
- Features a plastic rod for birds to perch
What we didn’t like
- Less sturdy suction cups than competitors
How much seed/food can fit: 4 cups of seed
What’s special about it: clear vision
Dimensions: 4 x 5 x 12 inches
4. Aspects 407 Jewel Box
If you want a window feeder of compact size, this might be a perfect option for you.
What I love most about this product is its beautiful design that attracts hummingbirds.
It comes with three nectar pots and can accommodate three birds at a time.
This hummingbird feeder has a red color that lures other birds as well.
Features non-obstructive design, this product gives birds enough space to perch, allowing you to watch them feeding easily.
The suctions of this feeder are leveled ideally, providing you with a clear view.
What we liked
- Comes with an ant moat
- Can accommodate three birds at a time
- Features color that attracts hummingbirds
- Comes with reasonable price
- Leak and drip-proof
- Easy to clean
- Embossed flower design diverts rain from the nectar
What we didn’t like
- Installing suction cups can be somewhat difficult
- You will need to take it out for refilling
How much seed/food can fit: 3 feeding capacity and 8oz nectar capacity
What’s special about it: Features ant moat
Dimensions: 6 x 8.5 x 2.2 in
5. Wild Birds of Joy Bird Feeder
If you are looking for a feeder that you can easily mount on your window, you might need to consider choosing this particular product.
Since it has a compact size, you can mount it at any glass window of your house.
The tray slides easily, which makes cleaning refilling easy.
It comes with strong suction cups, which hold the feeder and seeds robustly.
The company has used weatherproof material, which also gives crystal clear vision even during rainy days.
What we liked
- Comes with a money-back guarantee
- Features strong suction cups
- Plastic rods for birds to sit on
- Seed trays slide easily
- Weatherproof
- Sturdy design
What we didn’t like
- Does not have any water tray
- Only accommodates 2-3 birds
How much seed/food can fit: 3 cups
What’s special about it: Comes with strong suction cups
Dimensions: 13.6 x 6.6 x 5.8 inches
Conclusion
No doubt, shopping for the best window feeder can be quite challenging, as there are plenty of brands available on the market.
The window feeders we have featured in this article are some of the best ones.
However, you must choose the one according to your specific needs.
Always consider the birds’ species you want to feed and watch; replenish the supply of food according to them.
Last but not least, install the feeder on a place where squirrels, cats, and bees do not visit, as birds do not like to mix other animals.
Also read: 12 Tips on How to Keep Birds From Eating Grass Seed
“you can keep it 3-ft away from your windows to avoid collisions that can harm birdies.”
Actually, they should be WITHIN 3 feet OR FURTHER than 30 feet!
From the Audubon website:
“Remember the “Rule of 3 or 30”– Relocate bird feeders and birdbaths so they’re either within 3 feet of a window, or farther than 30 feet away. A bird that hits the window from less than 3 feet away won’t be going fast enough to harm itself. And from 30 feet away, a bird may be able to maneuver around a hazard.”
(https://mn.audubon.org/feeder-placement)
***Aside from this, THANK YOU for the reviews!!