Are the Squirrels Treating Your Bird Feeders Like a Buffet? One of These Feeders Will Help

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

As far as epic rivalries go, Human vs. Squirrel is right up there with the Yankees and the Red Sox. And now that bird watching has become a bit of a national obsession, things are getting particularly heated. After all, you do everything you can to cater to your favorite songbirds—providing a welcoming birdhouse, obsessing over their every move with a bird feeder camera—only to realize a bushy-tailed critter with a seemingly insatiable need for seed keeps trying to break into their bird feeder. The nerve! (Funny enough, a 2021 study by scientists at the University of California, Davis, found that these backyard critters do possess human-like traits including boldness and aggressiveness, which honestly explains a lot.)

If you're thinking, "But surely by now we've made enough technological advances in the world of bird feeding to win this ongoing battle," you'd be mostly right! Bird feeders have come a long way, with a wide variety of deterrent-minded designs populating retailers and sites like Amazon. (Companies like Droll Yankees have been in the bird business since the 1960s so they're a great place to start.) Stop your nosh-happy nemesis from crashing the party with a squirrel-proof bird feeder.

A little birdie told us you might like these, too:

• How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Garden

• The Top Spots to Go Birdwatching in America

• How to DIY a Bird Feeder

Flipper Bird Feeder

Nearly 4,000 Amazon reviewers have positively rated this clever contraption, which—if you do the math—adds up to a whole lot of thwarted squirrels. "Finally, one that works!" says a satisfied reviewer of this "pricey but effective" option that also doubles as backyard entertainment.

"This anti-squirrel feeder is the bomb! It's a quality piece, easy to assemble, easy to clean, and easy to refill. And...it actually works in being squirrel-proof," one reviewer said. "It works so well that after about a week, the squirrels no longer even try. They just gather the seeds that lay on the ground. It has been such a joy watching the birds come and feed in the mornings and late afternoons. It's become quite the attraction. We now have the neighborhood diner for squirrels. I felt I was taking a small risk as this feeder is not inexpensive. But it works so well and the value is so great, this morning I ordered another one!"

The method behind the squirrel-proofing is as simple as the feeder looks: the minute a squirrel hops onto the perch, a weight-sensitive motor is triggered and the feeder begins spinning. This takes the squirrel for one heck of a carnival ride before it is thrown (gently) from its footing.

Note: The manufacturer recommends hanging this feeder at least 4 feet off the ground and 8 feet away from any nearby branches or ledges, so squirrels can’t reach the ports without activating the spinning perch.

Material: Metal, Polycarbonate | Diversion method: Motorized spinner | Feed capacity: 5 lbs. | Ports: 4

"Squirrel Buster" Bird Feeder

When a squirrel climbs onto this smaller-scale feeder, its weight automatically forces the shroud down, closing access to the seed ports. ("Foiled again!" says the squirrel.) With spots for perching birds plus a wire shroud that offers plenty of surface area for clinging birds, you're likely to enjoy increased bird traffic to boot.

"They do, in fact, keep squirrels from plowing through seed, are easy to fill and clean," one reviewer said. "Yes, they are pricey, but they are worth it. Lesser priced feeders do not do the job and are a waste of money. These last for years."

Another perk of this feeder: the manufacturer will provide any replacement parts needed and covered by the warranty free of all charges, including shipping. So not only is this a budget-friendly feeder from the start, but it will last you for years and years to come.

Note: This beloved model is also available in a wide variety of sizes, all of which pass muster with reviewers.

Material: Plastic | Diversion method: Weight-sensitive perch | Feed Capacity: 1.3 lbs. | Ports: 4

Cute Cottage Bird Feeder

Leave it to Ree Drummond, a.k.a. the Pioneer Woman, to serve up the most cheerful specimen of this bunch.

"Easy to fill with the birdseed, gorgeous, yellow, color, and artwork," one reviewer said. "And best of all the birds love it, and the squirrels cannot get to the seed when they try to get on the perch to get the seed. "

This cottage-esque feeder has trough-style ports that allow for a bevy of birds — 16 total! The functional window on the side also makes it easy to gauge how much seed you have left. Though, you're not likely to run out quickly thanks to the 5.5 quart seed capacity. This cottage truly makes the most of small space living.

This hopper-style feeder garners mostly positive reviews although some claim that 100% squirrel-proof is a stretch. Basically: If you want a cute option with some built-in squirrel outsmart-ery, this is worth considering.

Material: Powder-coated Metal | Diversion method: Weight-sensitive perch | Feed Capacity: 5.5 quarts | Ports: 16

8-Quart Bird Feeder

Designed specifically for small songbirds, this feeder features a trough-style port system that will allow for a flurry of feathered friends to buffet at your feeder. "I've seen 4 birds on one side at a time and it doesn't trip at all," one reviewer said. "When one dove lands on it, it partially closes, and the perch doesn't just go down, it goes down and in, so the dove is teetering trying to stay on it and trying to get some food with the gate moving up and down. Finally they lose their balance and fly off! Wonderful!! They are quite the hogs if they can eat all they want."

With an 8-quart feed capacity, this is the all-you-can-eat buffet of bird feeders. When you do run low on seed (not bound to happen often with that feed capacity) we appreciate the large number of windows that make it incredibly easy to gauge exactly when it's time to refill.

When a squirrel places weight on the perch, a metal shield covers the seed ports. You can also calibrate the sensitivity on these perches to discourage larger birds.

As an added deterrent to those pesky squirrels, the roof of this feeder locks into place. If you've ever seen just how crafty squirrels can be, then you know that this is an essential feature.

Material: Steel | Diversion method: Weight-sensitive perch | Feed Capacity: 8 quarts | Ports: 14

Suet Cake Bird Feeder

This model accommodates suet cakes, which are nutritional supplements that typically consist of sunflower seeds and wheat or oat flakes mixed with suet, pork fat, or coconut oil. The feeder can hold two cakes at a time, so there's no need to constantly refill.

While this feeder is great for deterring squirrels, it's also excellent at keeping larger "bully" birds away, like magpies, blue jays, and sparrows. It'll only take a few visits for these animals to realize that this feeder has nothing to give them.

"I am beyond delighted with this feeder," says one reviewer. "Having watched squirrels remove entire suet blocks from my previous feeders, it is wonderful watching birds accessing the protected suet."

Many birders also enjoy how much easier suet cakes are to deal with than seed. There's no need for precise pouring with cakes: just insert them in the slot and your feeder is ready to go.

While the cage construction is practical, we'll admit that it's not the prettiest. It might look like birdie-jail, but we promise your feathered friends will flock to it.

Material: Steel & aluminum | Diversion method: Cage | Feed Capacity: 2 suet cakes | Ports: N/A

Freestanding Bird Feeder

This heavy-duty caged ground feeder is popular with smaller birds, like Bluebirds, Chickadees, and Nuthatches, thanks to the caged design. The platform style also gives a more natural feeding environment to the birds, as opposed to a more traditional bird feeder.

We love that this feeder has such an easy-to-use design. It's simple to replace the seed without having to worry about pouring into a small tube and spilling. The bottom of the feeder is made of mesh to provide drainage for waste, so cleaning often isn't necessary.

"This feeder really isn't like any other feeder I've ever had. I was hopeful that my small songbirds would be willing to enter the grid, while keeping out the bigger birds like the introduced quail and my own chickens," one reviewer said. "Success! Small birds really seem to find this feeder to be a safe place to feed while excluding larger birds."

However, some birders might find the platform design makes it difficult to observe their avian visitors. While you could put this feeder on an elevated surface, it will best withstand the wind when secured to the ground, making viewing difficult when looking through a window of a home. Also, reviewers did mention that this feeder can easily tip over in high winds, so you'll likely want to secure it to the ground with metal stakes.

You also might want to avoid this feeder if you or your neighbors have outdoor cats or any other predators lurking around. While the birds will most likely be safe inside the caged portion, paws might be able to get through and they won't be protected if perched outside the feeder near the ground.

Material: Recycled plastic | Diversion method: Cage | Feed Capacity: 5 lbs. | Ports: N/A

Window Bird Feeder

If color is top of mind, this cute pick is also available in blue and red. But it's not just a pretty pick: it's also incredibly practical.

The trough-style feeder has a weight-sensitive perch that covers the feeding ports any time a squirrel or bigger bird is sensed. If you find that the perch is too sensitive or not sensitive enough, you can manually adjust the spring tension. One reviewer says, "Birds love it; squirrels can’t get at the food!"

This feeder has one of the larger seed capacities of the bunch, coming in at eight pounds. The transparent window also makes it super simple to see any time a refill on feed is needed.

We also love how easily the roof detaches and the large opening to make refills as easy as possible. The downside: squirrels might also find the roof a bit too easy to detach, as well, as there doesn't appear to be a locking mechanism.

Material: Metal | Diversion method: Weight-sensitive perch | Feed Capacity: 8 lbs. | Ports: 14

Weathervane Bird Feeder

A barn red feeder with a bird weathervane to boot? We're already convinced.

But it's not just farmhouse charm that sold us on this bird feeder. The transparent windows (and window boxes!!!) and door make it easy to know when you'll need to refill the seed and the eight pound feed capacity means those refills don't come too often. And four long feeding ports give your little flying friends plenty of room to get their fill at the buffet.

Now, for the good stuff. This feeder, like many of the others, uses a weight-sensitive perch with sensitivity adjustments that will automatically close anytime squirrels or large birds hop on it. Additionally, the metal roof locks into place through a twist of the chimney (so cute!!!), so no need to worry about those squirrels trying to play Santa Claus and enter through above.

"Beautiful bird feeder! Easy to fill, with a locking roof that so far squirrels and raccoons have not been able to open," one review says. "Birds love it. Very well made, holds a lot of seeds, easy to clean."

Since the entire roof comes off, this feeder couldn't be easier to refill. No more worrying about spillage! We also love that it can be hung or mounted to a pole.

Material: Metal | Diversion method: Weight-sensitive perch | Feed Capacity: 8 lbs. | Ports: 8

What Makes a Bird Feeder "Squirrel Proof?"

Now, first things first: Not all bird feeders that tout themselves as squirrel-proof are in fact squirrel-proof. (Besides, we can't speak to the foraging prowess of every single squirrel in your neighborhood.) But! If you're looking for a bird feeder that has a little more squirrel-deterring oomph to it, the picks below all come highly rated by users and, when approached for comment, the birds had no complaints.

What Are the Most Common Features of Squirrel-Proof Feeders?

You'll find a wide variety of squirrel-proof feeders, which can be a bit overwhelming. Broadly speaking, the most common models have at least one of the below features:

• Weight-Sensitive Perches Somewhat self-explanatory, these feeders shut off access to the feed should something heavy (like a squirrel or larger bird) land on it.

• Cage Construction Heavy-duty cage feeders feature a cage surrounding the feeding ports. The slotted openings of the cage are often around 1.5" x 1.5" diameter to allow small songbirds to access the feed while keeping out larger birds and critters.

• Motorized Spinners When a squirrel tries to gain access to the feeder, a weight-sensitive perch activates a motor. The spinning action then gently tosses the interloper.

• Baffle Not part of a bird feeder, specifically, but you may also encounter this term, which is the name for a protective shield for your feeder. Typically rounded or conical, it can be mounted above or below a feeder.

What if I'm on a Budget?

No worries! You'll find plenty of highly rated options in the $40 or under category. You're better off sacrificing feed capacity (and refilling more regularly) for something that checks all the other boxes (durable construction, solid reviews, reputable vendor).

You Might Also Like

• 70 Impressive Tiny Houses That Maximize Function and Style

• 30+ Paint Colors That Will Instantly Transform Your Kitchen