Bird watching is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own backyard. One way to attract birds to your yard is by providing them with food. Tray bird feeders are a popular choice among bird enthusiasts due to their versatility and ease of use.
Tray bird feeders come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, but they all have one thing in common: a flat surface for birds to perch on while they eat. Some tray feeders are designed to hang from a tree branch or hook, while others can be placed on a post or a flat surface. When choosing a tray bird feeder, it’s essential to consider the type of birds you want to attract and the amount of food you want to provide.
The critical thing to pay attention to when purchasing a tray bird feeder is the size of the tray. A larger tray will attract more birds and allow you to provide more food, but it may also attract unwanted wildlife like squirrels or raccoons. Additionally, the material of the tray feeder is also important. Metal trays are durable but can get hot in the sun, while plastic trays are lightweight but may not last as long.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best tray bird feeders on the market and help you choose the one that’s right for you and your feathered friends.
Table of Contents
- Best Tray Bird Feeders
- Nature’s Way Bird Products Tray Bird Feeder
- Wild Wings WWCF23 Cedar Tray Bird Feeder
- CQAIRIOU Premium Hanging Bird Feeder Tray
- Nature Gear Window Bird Feeder
- Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder
- Ibby’s Products – Weatherproof Outdoor Deluxe Clear Window Bird Feeder
- Jealoeur Bird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging Bird Feeder
- Peaceful Classics Outdoor Hanging Bird Feeder
- WOWARE Hanging Bird Feeder Tray
- Perky-Pet 50178 Hanging Tray Bird Feeder
- Buying Guide
Best Tray Bird Feeders
If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to attract birds to your backyard, a tray bird feeder might be just what you need. These feeders are typically easy to fill and clean, and they can accommodate a variety of birdseed and other treats. To help you find the best tray bird feeder for your needs, we’ve put together a list of our top picks. Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or you’re just starting out, these feeders are sure to bring some feathered friends to your yard.
Nature’s Way Bird Products Tray Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for a durable and innovative tray feeder to attract a variety of beautiful birds, then the Nature’s Way Bird Products Tray Bird Feeder is a great choice!
Pros
- Extra spacing to accommodate large birds like Cardinals and Jays
- Removable Fresh Seed Tray
- Keeps seed fresh by allowing water to drain and air to flow freely
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the screws holding the black wire fell out after a month
- It swings a lot when larger birds use it
- Some customers have reported that the feeder is not squirrel-proof
This tray feeder is constructed from naturally rot-resistant premium Cedar using stainless steel screws, which makes it built for years of birding enjoyment. The perforated seed tray allows water drainage for keeping seed fresh longer and is removable for easy cleaning.
The feeder is designed to attract a wide range of seed varieties to attract a variety of beautiful birds like Cardinals, woodpeckers, nuthatches, finches, and more to your backyard.
In summary, the Nature’s Way Bird Products Tray Bird Feeder is a great investment for bird enthusiasts who want to attract a variety of birds to their backyard.
Wild Wings WWCF23 Cedar Tray Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for a simple and durable tray bird feeder, the Wild Wings WWCF23 Cedar Tray Bird Feeder is a great option.
Pros
- The removable fresh seed tray allows for easy cleaning and helps keep the seed fresher longer.
- The feeder is made with premium cedar, making it resistant to fading and water damage.
- The tray design allows for a wide variety of seeds to be used, making it easy to attract a variety of birds.
Cons
- The holes in the tray are quite large, which can lead to some seed waste and spillage.
- The feeder is a bit smaller than some other tray feeders on the market, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking to feed a large number of birds at once.
- The vinyl coated steel cables for hanging may not be as durable as some other hanging options.
The Wild Wings WWCF23 Cedar Tray Bird Feeder is a hassle-free feeder that features a removable Fresh Seed tray for water drainage to keep seed fresher longer and easy cleaning. It’s made with premium cedar, making it resistant to fading and water damage. The tray design allows a wide variety of seeds to be used, making it easy to attract a variety of birds. However, the holes in the tray are quite large, which can lead to some seed waste and spillage. Additionally, the feeder is a bit smaller than some other tray feeders on the market, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking to feed a large number of birds at once. The vinyl coated steel cables for hanging may not be as durable as some other hanging options. Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and durable tray bird feeder, the Wild Wings WWCF23 Cedar Tray Bird Feeder is a great option.
CQAIRIOU Premium Hanging Bird Feeder Tray
If you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-clean bird feeder tray, the CQAIRIOU Premium Hanging Bird Feeder Tray is worth considering.
Pros
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
- Non-welded tray with no sharp edges
- Easy to remove and clean
Cons
- Only comes with one hook for hanging
- May not be big enough for larger birds
- Some users reported issues with water pooling in the tray
This bird feeder tray is made of sturdy stainless steel and features a powder-coated finish to prevent rusting. The non-welded design ensures there are no sharp edges that could harm birds, and the tray can be easily removed for cleaning. Additionally, the tray has small drainage holes to prevent water from pooling and causing mildew.
While the tray is large enough to hold a decent amount of seeds, some users reported that it may not be big enough for larger birds like doves or pigeons. Additionally, the tray only comes with one hook for hanging, which may not be enough for some users.
Overall, the CQAIRIOU Premium Hanging Bird Feeder Tray is a solid choice for those looking for a durable and easy-to-clean bird feeder tray.
Nature Gear Window Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for a bird feeder that provides hours of entertainment for everyone and invites nature into your home, then the Nature Gear Window Bird Feeder is the one for you.
Pros
- See songbirds up close from the comfort of your home
- Incredibly easy to clean
- Designed for birds to feed year-round
Cons
- May attract squirrels
- Not suitable for larger birds
- Tray may break if dropped
This clear window-mounted bird feeder gives you the joy of watching wild birds up close while they feed right outside any window in your home. It even includes an extra built-in viewing window. The feeder is also incredibly easy to clean, thanks to its removable tray. Just remove the tray and wipe with a damp cloth.
The feeder is designed for birds to feed year-round, even in winter. A tall pitched roof, wide perch, and extra-large feeder tray serve multiple birds at once and can be refilled from inside the home. However, it may attract squirrels, which can be a nuisance and may scare away smaller birds.
Overall, the Nature Gear Window Bird Feeder is a great addition to any home that wants to invite nature in and provide hours of entertainment for everyone.
Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and durable bird feeder, the Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder is a great option.
Pros
- Easy to fill and clean
- Strong suction cups keep the feeder in place
- Clear backing provides an unobstructed view
Cons
- Limited capacity – only holds up to four cups of seed
- Drip holes in the bottom of the tray may allow water to enter
- May attract squirrels if placed too close to ledges or trees
This bird feeder is perfect for bird lovers of all ages, and it makes a great gift. With its easy-to-use design, even children and the elderly can fill and clean it with ease. The strong suction cups keep the feeder securely in place, even in extreme weather conditions. And with its clear backing, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of your feathered friends.
The Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder has a limited capacity, holding only up to four cups of seed at a time. Additionally, the drip holes in the bottom of the tray may allow water to enter, potentially spoiling the seed. And if the feeder is placed too close to ledges or trees, it may attract squirrels.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and easy-to-use bird feeder that provides an unobstructed view of your feathered friends, the Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder is a great option.
Ibby’s Products – Weatherproof Outdoor Deluxe Clear Window Bird Feeder
This is a great bird feeder that you should consider purchasing if you want to attract birds to your home.
Pros
- The split section bird feeder tray allows you to offer multiple kinds of seeds and is easy to remove, clean, and refill.
- The semi-enclosed design keeps rain and snow off the bird seed, offering the birds a year-round sanctuary.
- The deluxe rubber perch strip allows all your favorite birds to sit comfortably at your front window for hours of unruffled relaxation.
Cons
- The birds may take some time to get used to this feeder and start visiting it.
- The suction cups may not hold up well in extreme weather conditions.
- The feeder tray may not be large enough for some birds.
This deluxe bird feeder is constructed with high-quality 3mm thick acrylic and is weatherproof. It measures 12” x 5” x 4” and supports up to 2 lbs of birdseed. The bottom of the feeder is designed to let moisture out and keep air in, keeping the seed fresh. You can attach this bird feeder to any window using the exclusive installation kit. Simply place the suction cups in the mounting bracket, clean the surface of the window, and press the suction cups against the window. Or, use the hooks as an alternative install option.
In conclusion, if you want to attract birds to your home and enjoy watching them from the comfort of your home, this is a great bird feeder that you should consider purchasing.
Jealoeur Bird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for a bird feeder that is easy to use and has a large capacity, then Jealoeur Bird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging Bird Feeder is a great option.
Pros
- The unique Latch Feature makes it easy to open and close the top for filling and cleaning.
- The large capacity can hold up to 2.2 Lb of seeds.
- The Hexagonal roof provides shade for birds from the sun and rain.
Cons
- The feeder may not fit all deck railings.
- Some birds may not like to feed from it.
- The latch may break during shipping.
This bird feeder is made of durable, high-quality plastic and comes fully assembled and ready to hang. It has a retractable design that can be expanded to store a large amount of food. The feeder also features an inclined roof to shade birds from the sun and rain, and when the seeds are eaten, more seeds will naturally fill the tray.
In addition to its large capacity, the feeder also has a unique Latch Feature that makes it easy to open and close the top for filling and cleaning. The feeder is perfect for use in the garden or under the eaves, and it can hold a variety of seeds such as wild bird seeds, sunflower seeds for birds, and safflower bird seed.
While this feeder is a great option for many bird watchers, it may not fit all deck railings, and some birds may not like to feed from it. Additionally, the latch may break during shipping. However, if you’re looking for a bird feeder that is easy to use and has a large capacity, then Jealoeur Bird Feeders for Outdoors Hanging Bird Feeder is definitely worth considering.
Peaceful Classics Outdoor Hanging Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for a well-made and attractive bird feeder, the Peaceful Classics Outdoor Hanging Bird Feeder is a great option.
Pros
- Ideal bird feeder to attract more birds to your garden.
- Easy to refill with its unique design.
- Durable and made to last for a considerable amount of time.
Cons
- Some customers reported that the screen covering the food went down pretty low.
- A bit expensive compared to other bird feeders.
- Some customers reported that the feeder is not squirrel-proof.
Crafted in solid pine wood, this bird feeder is skillfully made to last for a considerable amount of time. With its 20″ H x 15″ D x 6″ W, you can hang it from any hook or branch in your yard, making it the centerpiece of your backyard decor. The rope that goes from shoulder to shoulder is also a great addition to the design.
This hanging bird feeder is easy to refill with its unique design, making it effortless to add more bird food. Simply open the hinge and fill it with sunflower seeds, peanuts, millet, flax, or any other wild bird feed mix.
Overall, the Peaceful Classics Outdoor Hanging Bird Feeder is a great investment for bird lovers who want to attract more birds to their garden. While it may be a bit expensive, it is well worth the price for its durability and attractive design.
WOWARE Hanging Bird Feeder Tray
If you’re looking for a bird feeder that is easy to use, weather-resistant, and perfect for attracting birds to your garden, the WOWARE Hanging Bird Feeder Tray might be the one for you.
Pros
- The bird feeder tray is designed to attract the eye of birds and will not turn over when the birds stand on the side of bird feeder for food.
- Made of durable mesh metal, sturdy and lightweight, and black powder-coated for weather resistance, it will last for years to use.
- Easy to hang and simply fill the bird seed into the feeders, and easy to clean, just turn the bird feeder tray face down, wipe it and clean it with cloth or rinse it with water.
Cons
- The size of the feeder is just under 8″ square, which may not be large enough for some birdwatchers.
- The metal mesh may rust over time, which could affect its durability.
- The feeder may not be suitable for larger birds, as the size of the tray may be too small for them.
This bird feeder is perfect for those who want to enjoy the scenery of flying birds in their garden. It’s easy to use and hang, and it’s also easy to clean. The bird feeder tray is designed to attract the eye of birds and will not turn over when the birds stand on the side of bird feeder for food. Made of durable mesh metal, sturdy and lightweight, and black powder-coated for weather resistance, it will last for years to use. However, the size of the feeder is just under 8″ square, which may not be large enough for some birdwatchers. The metal mesh may rust over time, which could affect its durability. Also, the feeder may not be suitable for larger birds, as the size of the tray may be too small for them.
Perky-Pet 50178 Hanging Tray Bird Feeder
If you want to attract a wide variety of birds to your backyard, the Perky-Pet Hanging Tray Bird Feeder is a great option to consider.
Pros
- Can hold bird seed or fruit, making it versatile
- Perfect for accommodating large birds that wouldn’t visit other smaller feeders
- Mesh bottom drains water to keep seed fresh and dry
Cons
- Some users found it too lightweight and not sturdy enough
- The mesh screen may allow some fine bits of seed to fall through
- May require frequent cleaning due to exposure to weather
This feeder has a 1.6 lb. seed capacity and an all-mesh bottom that allows rainwater to drain, keeping the seed fresh and dry. It also comes with attached metal hanging wires for easy placement in your backyard.
In terms of pros, the Perky-Pet Hanging Tray Bird Feeder is versatile and can hold bird seed or fruit, making it a great option for attracting a wide variety of birds. It’s also perfect for accommodating larger birds that may not visit other smaller feeders, and the mesh bottom helps to keep the seed fresh and dry.
On the downside, some users have found the feeder to be too lightweight and not sturdy enough, and the mesh screen may allow some fine bits of seed to fall through. Additionally, the feeder may require frequent cleaning due to exposure to weather.
Overall, if you’re looking for a versatile feeder that can attract a variety of birds to your backyard, the Perky-Pet Hanging Tray Bird Feeder is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for a tray bird feeder, there are a few key features to consider to ensure that you choose the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Materials
Tray bird feeders can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, and wood. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Plastic feeders are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, but may not be as aesthetically pleasing as metal or wooden feeders. Metal feeders are sturdy and can withstand harsh weather conditions, but may rust over time. Wooden feeders are attractive and blend in well with natural surroundings, but may require more maintenance to keep them in good condition.
Size
The size of the tray feeder is another important consideration. You want to choose a feeder that is large enough to accommodate the types of birds you want to attract, but not so large that it becomes difficult to clean or refill. A feeder with a larger tray will attract larger birds, while a smaller tray will attract smaller birds.
Features
There are several features to look for in a tray bird feeder that can enhance its functionality and make it more attractive to birds. These include:
- Drainage holes to prevent water from collecting in the tray
- Adjustable height to accommodate different bird species
- Removable tray for easy cleaning and refilling
- Perches for birds to rest on while eating
- Roof or cover to protect the food from rain and snow
Placement
Finally, it’s important to consider where you will place your tray bird feeder. You want to choose a location that is easily visible to birds and provides them with a safe and comfortable feeding environment. Avoid placing the feeder near windows or reflective surfaces that could confuse or harm birds. You may also want to consider using a squirrel baffle or other deterrent to keep squirrels and other pests away from the feeder.