Have you ever wondered why some feeders attract a wide variety of birds while others stay empty—or worse, get overrun by squirrels? Choosing the right bird feeder is the key to enjoying birdwatching without frustration.
From cardinals to goldfinches, chickadees, or woodpeckers, each species has its preferences. Your location (city, suburb, forest, or apartment) also plays a big role. Here’s a practical guide to help you choose the best bird feeder in Québec.
First and foremost, determine which species you want to invite to your feeder:
Northern Cardinal
Choose a feeder made specifically for cardinals.
Its clever door system is calibrated to the specific weight of this species: it automatically closes if a bird that is too light or too heavy tries to access it, preventing other species from feeding.
Greater Variety of Birds
Choose a squirrel-proof sunflower feeder.
A high-end product that lets you feed birds peacefully.
Fully adjustable by weight, this feeder allows you to easily exclude larger birds.
As soon as a squirrel climbs on, its weight makes the shield drop, instantly blocking the feeding ports, without ever injuring the animal.
All potentially chewable parts are made from ultra-durable materials.
Goldfinches and Small Birds
A thistle feeder is THE best option if you want to offer high-energy food while favoring only small birds.
Thistle (nyjer) is a tiny seed that only small birds can manipulate efficiently with their fine bills.
The feeder holes are very small, matching the size of a goldfinch’s beak while preventing larger birds (and squirrels) from wasting or stealing food.
Small perches are hard to access for heavier birds but perfect for delicate species — and when inverted, only goldfinches (who skillfully eat upside down) will be able to feed, thus excluding house sparrows.
Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nuthatches, and Other Insectivores
Compressed nut cylinders mounted on their holder are very popular and are quickly gaining in popularity among our customers.
These species love feeding while clinging vertically. The cylinder gives them a surface they can “climb” and peck at, just as they would on a tree trunk.
Since the food is compressed, no seeds fall to the ground, which avoids mess and attracts fewer unwanted visitors.
Result: a clean, durable feeder that is highly attractive to climbing birds.
Black-capped Chickadee (Only)
The selective chickadee feeder, equipped with two small openings, allows the bird to enter, grab a seed (usually black oil sunflower is recommended), and exit through another hole.
Ideal if you want to avoid ground mess or limit visits to this single species.
Blue Jay
A peanut crown feeder will delight it.
⚠️ Use a squirrel baffle to protect the food.
Place this feeder away from others to prevent the blue jay from chasing off smaller birds.
In Which Region Do You Live?
The diversity of bird species you can observe depends heavily on your location.
For example, the Northern Cardinal prefers semi-open and suburban environments. It will be harder to attract one in deep forested areas. You might spot one in the city, but rarely in mountainous regions or near large parks. If you live near mixed forest, it’s more likely the Rose-breasted Grosbeak (which resembles a cardinal) will visit your cardinal feeder.
Do You Live in an Apartment?
No problem! A sunflower tube feeder fitted with a tray will prevent seeds from falling onto your downstairs neighbour’s balcony.
A pole with a clamp, attached to your balcony railing and paired with a 16-inch twist hook, makes it easy to hang your feeder.
Window feeders with suction cups are perfect when space is limited or for high-floor apartments — just make sure a squirrel can’t reach it… and enjoy birdwatching up close!
Squirrel-Proof Feeders: Which One to Choose?
Several models claim to be “squirrel-proof,” but not all are effective. Here are the ones we recommend:
Squirrel Buster Plus (and variants: Classic, Standard, Finch, Peanut+):
Under the squirrel’s weight, the feeding ports automatically close. Lighter birds can feed with no issue.
Big Top:
A large 15-inch dome blocks squirrels. The adjustable center rod limits access to larger birds — by lowering the dome, only smaller birds can feed.
Flipper:
The most entertaining feeder! As soon as a squirrel lands on the circular perch, a rechargeable mechanism spins, ejecting it to the ground. Spectacular and highly effective… especially for those who enjoy funny scenes!
Squirrel-proof cages:
These let in small birds (chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, goldfinches) but block larger ones (starlings, grackles).
⚠️ Note: in forested settings, smaller red squirrels may sometimes fit through.
In Summary
Choosing the right feeder means thinking about:
The species you want to attract
Your environment (city, suburb, forest, balcony…)
Whether or not you need anti-squirrel protection
Need advice tailored to your situation?
We’ll be happy to help you design the ideal feeding station!
