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Bird feeders for small birds
How do I stop big birds eating all my bird food?
In some gardens bigger birds like pigeons, magpies, jackdaws and crows can quickly eat all your bird food, before the smaller birds have had a proper chance to feed. By restricting access to your bird feeders or making them awkward for bigger birds, you can help enable the smaller birds to enjoy your bird food. Trying different foods can also see less interest from the bigger birds - check our FAQ section below for specific tips.
FAQs about feeding small birds
How do I stop big birds eating all my bird food?
In some gardens bigger birds like Wood Pigeons, magpies, Jackdaws and crows can quickly eat all your bird food, before the smaller birds have had a proper chance to feed. By restricting access to your bird feeders or making them awkward for bigger birds, you can help enable the smaller birds to enjoy your bird food. Trying different foods can also see less interest from the bigger bird.
How to feed Blackbirds but not pigeons
Blackbirds are tricky as they’re bigger than many of the smaller birds we love to see in our gardens. Blackbirds are unlikely to feed from hanging feeders, as they prefer the ground. Pigeons also feed on the ground, so both species can often be in competition for food that you put out.
What is the best magpie deterrent?
Magpies are quite big birds and extremely clever and adaptable. They’re entertaining to watch but if you’re having trouble with them eating all your bird food or damaging bird feeders you can buy solutions from RSPB Shop.
Feeders and accessories to deter magpies:
Try pairing a sturdy feeder with a guardian. The gaps in the guardian aren’t big enough for magpies to reach through to the food in the feeder, and the sturdiness of the feeder will resist any potential damage from the end of magpies’ beaks.Magpies can be your friend, though, as they will eat harmful insects and rodents.