9 best bird feeders to attract wild birds to your garden

Who wouldn’t want a bright red apple dangling from their tree? This quirky feeder – complete with an incredibly realistic leaf-adorned stalk – is perfect for smaller birds, which can perch on the top or cling to the sides. There are no open areas (just a generously-sized feeding area enclosed by a wire grill) so it’s particularly suitable for anyone keen to prevent squirrels chowing down on their bird seed stash.

Its rugged, weatherproof design will stand up to the harshest of winters, and we loved the way we simply had to unscrew the apple’s “stalk” to open it. It’s also ideal if you’re keen to deter larger birds – our test garden is currently at the mercy of a supersized (and very greedy) wood pigeon, but this feeder made it easy for smaller birds such as greenfinches to sample our seed selection – albeit under the disapproving gaze of some angry-looking pigeons.

We were dubious that this brushed-metal, UFO-like bird feeder would appeal to our local birdlife, but we were wrong – it was an instant hit with a number of the feathered friends which frequent our test garden. It’s perfect for small-to-medium species, which can access the seeds through a gap in the centre of the feeder, and its design accommodates perching birds as well as those which prefer to feed on the fly. We also liked the extra hook, which allowed us to dangle a second bird feeder from the base of the first one.

Even the sneakiest of squirrels will be bamboozled by this ingenious squirrel-proof bird feeder. It eliminates the need for an exterior squirrel-proof cage by relying on a weight-activated internal mechanism which will cover the feeding holes should a squirrel arrive on the scene.  It’s easy to clean and refill, and the use of both wider, trapdoor-covered holes and upper sections of mesh means it will appeal not only to perching birds, but so-called clinging birds such as tits, wrens and sparrows.

Our top tip? Place it well away from other branches and items of garden furniture to minimise the risk of squirrels trying to bypass the weight mechanism by reaching out to the feeder from other surfaces.

This is the brainchild of two keen twitchers, Mika and Julie Tolvanen, so it’s hardly surprising that our feathered friends flocked (excuse the pun) to this stylish bird feeder. It works like a grain silo with seeds and nuts poured into the top, filling from the bottom up.

The separate layers don’t just mean more room for different types of seed, but a place for birds to perch while they’re chowing down. Our suggestion? Treat your garden to an upgrade in the style stakes by splashing out on two or three.

This is a bird feeder for birds which love to perch – species such as sparrows, tits, finches and siskins. The four feeding ports provided easy access for our feathered friends, and the angled base ensures that all of the seeds could be eaten. We were somewhat concerned by the flimsiness of the metal handle, but it was more than up to the job – we slung it over a particularly exposed branch and it remained firmly in place, although a smaller loop means it can be hung from hooks, too.

Is your garden home to a particularly discerning Dartford warbler, or an annoyingly choosy chaffinch? Then this is the bird feeder for you – a beautiful feeder with three separate trays and a cloister-inspired design with three arched windows. We loved the way the totally transparent design meant we could attach it to glass without creating an eyesore, as well as the use of incredibly tough suckers which were tested in wind, rain and snow. The three sizable compartments allow three types of bird seed to be served at once, and the tray pops easily out when it needs refilling or cleaning.

For twitchers who wouldn’t be seen dead dangling a meshed wire monstrosity from their carefully-pruned trees or sticking anything less than a work of art to their bi-fold windows, we recommend this minimalist glass bird feeder from Eva Solo. The circular hole in the feeder doubles as a perch, and the glass isn’t only frost-proof, but dishwasher-proof too, which meant we could spend more time admiring our winged wonders and less time cleaning up after them. A thin strip of double-sided tape keeps this feeder in place. Suctions are so last year, after all.

Nyjer seeds are tiny nutritious seeds which are especially popular with goldfinches, greenfinches and siskins, which use their sharp beaks to crack open the hard shells. The downside? Pigeons are fans too. That’s why it’s important to use a bird feeder designed specifically for nyjer seeds. For that reason, this one is ideal.

It has tiny slits through which birds can tease out the seeds, and shorter perches which not only had zero appeal to our portly pigeons, but minimised seed scatter onto the ground below. The feeder is also incredibly easy to clean – the top and the bottom pop off easily, and the angled base ensures all of the seeds are eaten.

Fat and suet balls aren’t the most attractive bird foods, but the RSPB has at least done a brilliant job of reducing the “eww” factor by creating this pretty chalet-shaped wire cage to put them in. Simply undo the catches on the side of this fat ball bird feeder and insert the treats, then hang it from a branch or hook.

We were pleased to see extra-wide gaps in the metalwork – all too often feeders designed for this type of bird food make it tricky for birds to get to the balls, especially when they’ve worn down. Another reason to make a purchase? A pack of fat balls and suet cakes is included. Yummy...