Home & Comfort
Bird & wildlife feeders
6 kinds worth knowing, 9 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Feeders suit almost anyone who looks out a window a lot: grandparents, parents with a backyard, a neighbour who already keeps a birdbath, or someone who just moved into a new house. The gifts that get used are easy to fill, easy to clean and easy to see from inside. A smart bird feeder with a camera lets someone see who visits even when they're away. A squirrel proof feeder is a big help for anyone whose yard already has busy squirrels. Before you choose, think about where it will hang, which birds live nearby and how much time the person will actually spend refilling it.
Kind 1 of 6
Feeders with a built-in camera
A smart bird feeder has a camera that takes photos or short clips of the birds that land on it and sends them to a phone app. It suits someone who likes gadgets, a grandparent who enjoys sharing pictures with family, or anyone who's curious about which birds visit while they're at work. Before you buy, check that there's a good Wi-Fi signal where the feeder will go, how the camera gets power or recharges, and whether the app needs a subscription to name the birds or store clips.
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Feeders that keep squirrels out
These feeders use weighted perches that close under a squirrel's weight, cages around the seed tube, or baffles that stop squirrels from climbing up. They suit anyone who has watched squirrels empty a feeder in an afternoon. Check how the feeder mounts, since hanging it away from fences, railings and branches matters as much as the design. Look for parts that come apart for cleaning and a seed opening that's easy to fill with cold hands.
Squirrel proof bird feeder's
This clever feeder helps ensure that birdseed is reserved for birds, deterring persistent squirrels and larger critters.
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Seed and the feeders that hold it
Wild bird seed comes in mixes, sunflower seed and nyjer, and each one brings in different birds. Tube feeders work well for small songbirds, hoppers hold enough to last a while, platform feeders suit ground-feeding birds, and window feeders put visitors right beside the glass. Nyjer feeders have tiny ports made for finches. Match the seed to the feeder and to the birds that live nearby, and pick a feeder the person can reach and refill without a ladder.
Durable tube style wild bird feeder
This versatile feeder attracts a wide variety of backyard birds, offering a continuous supply of their favourite seeds.
Large capacity decorative hopper feeder
An attractive and functional feeder that provides ample seed for multiple birds, enhancing any garden aesthetic.
Open platform ground bird feeder
A versatile feeder designed for ground-feeding birds, offering easy access to a variety of seeds and treats.
Specialty nyjer thistle seed feeder
Specifically designed to dispense tiny nyjer (thistle) seeds, attracting finches and other small, colourful birds.
Clear view window bird feeder
Brings the joy of birdwatching up close, allowing for intimate views of feathered visitors from indoors.
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Seed squirrels tend to leave alone
This is usually seed treated with hot pepper, which birds don't mind but squirrels tend to avoid. It's a handy add-on for someone who already has a feeder and a squirrel problem, and it pairs well with a new feeder as a starter bag. Check that it will work in the feeder the person already has, and keep in mind that some people just enjoy watching the squirrels too.
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Baffles and add-ons that stop squirrels
Squirrel proof gear isn't only feeders. Pole baffles, dome guards and hanging hooks can make an existing setup much harder for squirrels to reach. These suit someone who already loves their feeder but is tired of sharing it. Before you buy, find out whether the feeder hangs from a pole, a branch or a bracket, since each one needs a different kind of guard.
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Suet for woodpeckers and winter birds
Suet is a block of fat mixed with seed, and it draws in woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees, especially through a Canadian winter. A suet cage feeder holds the standard square cakes and is easy to hang. It makes a good gift for someone who wants birds in the yard all year. Check that the cage fits standard cakes, and look for no-melt blends if the feeder will sit in the sun.
Robust suet cake bird feeder
Ideal for attracting woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other insect-eating birds, especially beneficial during colder months.
How to choose bird & wildlife feeders as a gift
- Ask where the feeder will go, like a window, deck railing, pole or tree, before choosing a style.
- Pick a feeder that comes apart easily, since regular cleaning is what keeps people using it.
- Add a bag of seed or a suet cake so the gift is ready to use the day it's opened.
- For older recipients, choose a feeder that's light, low enough to reach and simple to refill.
- Think about winter: a feeder that works in snow and cold gets used for many more months.
Usually safe to skip
- Purely decorative feeders with tiny seed openings often look nice but are a hassle to fill and clean.
- Large mixed seed bags full of filler grains often end up scattered on the ground and left uneaten.
- Camera feeders for someone with weak outdoor Wi-Fi tend to end up unplugged in a closet.
Questions people ask about bird & wildlife feeders
- Do smart bird feeders need Wi-Fi?
- Most do. The camera sends photos and clips to a phone app over home Wi-Fi, so the signal has to reach the spot where the feeder hangs. Check how it's powered too, since some use rechargeable batteries and others have a small solar panel.
- What bird feeder is best for a beginner?
- A tube or hopper feeder filled with black oil sunflower seed is a simple place to start. It brings in lots of common backyard birds, it's easy to fill and it doesn't need special seed.
- Can you feed birds in winter in Canada?
- Yes, and many people find winter the best season for it. Suet and sunflower seed attract chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers and juncos. Pick a feeder that sheds snow and can be refilled without taking off gloves.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All bird & wildlife feeders picks
Showing 1–9 of 9
Vibrant hummingbird nectar station
Designed to attract beautiful hummingbirds, this feeder provides essential energy with its sweet nectar solution.
