Birds That Like Platform Feeders

Platform feeders attract a great variety of bird species, especially ground-feeders. Let’s look a little closer at some of the most common birds that like platform feeders:

Northern Cardinals are one of the most common yard birds and frequent guests at platform feeders. Their vivid red color and affinity for sunflower seeds guarantee their appeal to any bird feeder. Cardinals need big perches or flat surfaces to sit comfortably while eating, similar to those on platform feeders.

Food Preference: Sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, peanuts.

Blue Jays with bold personalities and brilliant blue feathers are some of the larger birds at feeders. They prefer to have some space to feed, making platform feeders an ideal option for them. Their strong beaks allow them to crack open nuts and maneuver large seeds.

Food Preference: Peanuts in the shell, sunflower seeds, suet, cracked corn.

Mourning Doves are nature’s ground feeders and, therefore, like platform feeders because of their feeding style. Quite docile, gentle, and fond of small seeds, they can be seen eating while seated serenely.

Food Preference: Millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, mixed birdseed blends.

American Robins primarily feed on insects and worms, however, they visit platform feeders during colder months when their usual food sources are scarce. They love fruits, making platform feeders with berries a perfect choice.

Food Preference: Mealworms, berries, grapes, chopped apples.

House Sparrows are often found on platform feeders. Though at times consigned to the pest category as they are aggressive toward other species, their varied diet makes the platform feeder a good method of food delivery for them also.

Food Preference: Millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, bread crumbs.

European Starlings enjoy platform feeders in flocks. These opportunistic feeders consume a wide range of food items and may compete with other birds.

Food Preference: Suet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, fruits, mealworms.

Blackbirds and Grackles are frequent visitors to platform feeders, especially during migration or when food is scarce. They forage for seeds and grains, utilizing the open space.

Food Preference: Cracked corn, sunflower seeds, suet, bread, insects.

Juncos are ground-feeding birds that often visit platform feeders, especially in winter when food is hard to come by. Their favorite seeds include millet and cracked corn.

Food Preference: Millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds.

Pigeons and Doves Besides Mourning Doves, other dove and pigeon species also benefit from platform feeders. Their larger bodies make smaller feeders difficult to access, so they prefer open, flat surfaces like those found on platform feeders.

Food Preference: Cracked corn, millet, sunflower seeds, grains.

Chickadees and Titmice While these smaller birds are often associated with tube feeders, they will readily visit platform feeders, especially when filled with sunflower seeds and suet. Their agility allows them to hop around the feeder, grabbing seeds and flying off to eat them in a safer place.

Food Preference: Sunflower seeds, suet, peanuts.

1. Versatility: Platform feeders are highly versatile, allowing you to offer a broad range of bird foods, from seeds to fruits and mealworms. This invites a wider variety of birds, both ground-feeders and those who prefer to perch.
2. Ease of Access: Their open design allows larger birds such as cardinals, jays, and doves easy access to food not as readily available with smaller feeders. The flat surface gives plenty of room for birds to land, feed, and sometimes even congregate; hence, increasing the chances of viewing birds.
3. Easy to Clean: Platform feeders are very easy to clean and refill. With easy access over the entire feeder, you can maintain them regularly so you won’t have to deal with mold and spoiled food, among other hygiene problems.

1. Attracts Unwanted Wildlife: Since the feeders are open and accessible, they attract some unwanted guests such as squirrels, raccoons, and even deer. These critters can deplete your bird’s food supply in very little time. To prevent this, consider using squirrel-proof feeders or placing the feeder in a location that’s less accessible to other wildlife. Read about How to Keep Squirrels Out of Bird Feeders and How to keep raccoons away from bird feeders.
2. Exposure to Weather: Food on platform feeders can spoil quickly in wet or snowy conditions. Rain may cause seeds to become soggy and moldy, leading to more frequent cleaning and refilling. The use of weatherproof feeders or placing them in a protected area can minimize this effect.
3. More Cleaning: Since birds often defecate on the platform feeder and food accumulates on the surface, platform feeders require more frequent cleaning to maintain proper hygiene.

Choose the Right Food: A mix of cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and suet tends to attract a wide range of birds. Offering variety ensures you appeal to multiple species at once. Read the complete guide – What Can I Feed Birds?.

Placement: Place your platform feeder in an open area, away from dense shrubbery where predators might hide. Keep it at a height accessible for larger birds like cardinals and doves.

Keep It Clean: Clean your feeder regularly, especially after rain, to prevent mold growth and spoiled food that could harm the birds.

Protect from Wildlife: Install baffles or squirrel guards to prevent unwanted visitors like squirrels from raiding your feeder.

Cover the Feeder: Use a platform feeder with a cover to protect the food from rain and snow, keeping it dry and fresh for the birds.

Offer Fresh Water: Along with food, offering fresh water near your feeder attracts even more birds, providing them with a place to drink and bathe.

Platform feeders are incredibly versatile and can attract a wide variety of backyard birds. By understanding the types of birds that prefer platform feeders and taking the necessary steps to maintain and protect your feeder, you can create a lively bird-friendly environment. Whether you’re looking to attract small songbirds or larger birds like jays and grackles, platform feeders provide a great opportunity for birdwatching and ensuring your backyard birds stay well-fed.