Any flat, raised surface onto which bird food is spread. Trays attract most species of feeder birds, but they offer no protection against squirrels, chipmunks, rain, or snow. Tray feeders placed near the ground are most likely to attract juncos, doves, and sparrows. Be sure the feeders have plenty of drainage holes. Hoppers are attractive to most species of feeder birds, from small birds such as chickadees to large birds such as jays.
Most hoppers hold a good quantity of seed.
Few are weatherproof, however, so the food may get wet and moldy if it sits for a few days. Tube feeders keep seed fairly dry, and they are somewhat squirrel resistant. Suet feeder Wire-mesh cage or plastic bag, such as an onion bag, which holds suet or suet mixture. Suet cages that are open at the bottom are starling-proof. Suet also can be tied to trees or smeared into knotholes.