So, Are Platform Feeders a Backyard Essential? Which birds like platform feeders?
At first, a platform bird feeder seems like a no-brainer. Big, open, easy to access—should work for every bird, right? I thought so too. Turns out, that’s not quite how things play out.
The first time I set up a DIY platform bird feeder, I pictured a peaceful gathering of birds, all sharing seeds in harmony. Reality check? What I got was a blue jay declaring himself king, a mourning dove struggling to land, and a group of sparrows treating it like a 24-hour diner. The cardinals? Barely showed up. The chickadees? Intimidated into staying in the trees. And the squirrels? Oh, they moved in like they were paying rent.
So, before you set one up, let’s talk about the best platform bird feeder setup, which birds like platform feeders, and which ones will completely ignore them.
Birds That Like Platform Feeders
Northern Cardinals – Gorgeous, But a Little Picky
Cardinals look like they belong on a Christmas card, but do cardinals prefer platform feeders? The answer: sometimes—but only if conditions are right.
They’re deliberate, observant, and picky about their feeding setup. Too much movement? Too much competition? They’re out.
If you want platform bird feeders for cardinals, place them at a mid-level height (4-6 feet) in a quiet, stable location with sunflower and safflower seeds.
✔ What they love: Sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked corn
✖ What they avoid: Crowded feeders, instability, loud neighbors
Blue Jays – Here for a Good Time, Not a Fair Time
Blue jays don’t “visit” feeders. They take over.
They announce their arrival loudly, bully smaller birds out of the way, and grab food like they’re stockpiling for an apocalypse. If you’re wondering what birds like platform feeders the most, blue jays are at the top of the list—but don’t expect them to share.
✔ What they love: Peanuts (whole if possible), suet, sunflower seeds
✖ What they avoid: Sharing
Mourning Doves – Awkward but Committed
Mourning doves always look like they forgot why they came to the feeder in the first place. They land slowly, cautiously, then sit there for a minute like they’re contemplating their life choices.
Since doves are ground-feeding birds, a low platform feeder (1-2 feet off the ground) works best for them. Anything too high, and they’ll just stare at it like it’s a problem someone else should fix.
✔ What they love: Millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds
✖ What they avoid: High perches, sudden movements, aggressive birds
American Robins – Too Cool for Your Feeder
Robins? They’re too busy for this.
While other birds are fighting over sunflower seeds, robins are out there hunting for worms, berries, and whatever else they can dig up. They rarely visit platform feeders—unless food is scarce in winter.
✔ What they love: Mealworms, berries, chopped apples
✖ What they avoid: Basic birdseed, competition, waiting in line
House Sparrows – The Unstoppable Swarm
House sparrows operate under one simple rule: If food exists, they will find it.
✔ What they love: Literally anything edible
✖ What they avoid: Nothing
European Starlings – Beautiful, but Way Too Efficient
Starlings show up in huge flocks, eat everything, and leave nothing behind. If you refill your platform feeder in the morning and find it empty by noon? Probably starlings.
✔ What they love: Suet, mealworms, fruit
✖ What they avoid: Feeders with restricted access
Pros and Cons of Platform Feeders—AKA, Is This About to Be a Squirrel Buffet?
Why They’re Pretty Awesome
✔ The more, the merrier. If you want a feeder that attracts a variety of species, this is it.
✔ No awkward perches. Ever seen a cardinal struggle with a tube feeder? A platform feeder makes eating easier.
✔ Easier to clean. No weird tiny crevices that get packed with soggy seed mush.
Why They Might Drive You Slightly Insane
❌ Squirrels. If you think you’re feeding birds, you’re actually feeding squirrels.
❌ Birds are messy eaters. Seeds will end up everywhere.
❌ Weather ruins everything. A wet platform feeder turns into a disaster fast.
Setting Up a Platform Feeder Without Losing Your Mind
How High Should a Platform Bird Feeder Be?
This is one of those things that sounds simple but isn’t—because birds are picky, and squirrels are tiny escape artists.
1-2 feet off the ground → Best for mourning doves, juncos, and ground-feeding birds.
4-6 feet → The best height for platform feeders if you want cardinals, jays, and finches.
6+ feet → Keeps squirrels out (kind of) but may discourage some birds.
DIY Platform Bird Feeder: Quick, Cheap, and Actually Useful
The first time I built a DIY platform bird feeder, I expected something simple. Instead, the cardinals moved in, the blue jays staged a takeover, and a squirrel figured out how to launch himself onto it like a tiny acrobat.
What You Need (Or Whatever You Can Find in Your Garage)
✔ Scrap wood or PVC board (for the frame)
✔ Window screen or mesh (keeps rain out)
✔ Screws (about 1-inch long)
✔ Drill (unless you enjoy unnecessary frustration)
✔ Self-tapping eyelets (for hanging)
✔ Chain, rope, or string (strong enough to hold it up)
✔ Key ring or metal clip (keeps everything secure)
How to Build It (With Only Minor Frustration)
1. Cut wood into two squares.
Attach the corners with screws (pre-drill to prevent splitting).
Add the feeding surface. Use window screen or mesh.
Lock everything together. Use shorter screws.
Install hanging hardware. Screw in self-tapping eyelets.
Hang it up. Find a sturdy branch or hook—preferably one that squirrels can’t reach (wishful thinking).
So, Should You Get a Platform Feeder?
If you want to attract more birds and don’t mind a little backyard chaos, then yes—platform bird feeders are a great choice.
If you prefer a controlled birdwatching experience, maybe stick with a tube feeder instead.
Either way, the birds will do whatever they want—whether you planned for it or not.
