How to Attract Chickadees to a Birdfeeder

The Black-Capped Chickadee can be found in most northern states of the U.S., including Alaska, and the southern Canadian provinces. During the summer months, the tiny chickadee seeks the shelter of wooded areas and feeds primarily on insects. In late fall and early winter, chickadees return to feeders in flocks and remain as long as a food source is provided. Their primary diet during the winter is seeds and dried fruits. Sunflower seeds are their seed of choice, but they will eat others if sunflower seeds are not available.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bird feeder
• Sunflower seeds

1. Select an area for your bird feeder that is visible from your home, but out of the direct path of traffic. Although chickadees don't seem to mind human intrusion, other birds do. If you want to attract a variety of birds, out of the way is better. Be sure there is plenty of shelter in the form of bushes and shrubs for birds to perch in. Chickadees feed by grabbing a seed and carrying it to a tree, where they perch and open the seed.

2. Mount a platform feeder on a sturdy post that is 3 to 4 feet off the ground. This will prevent pests and predators from snatching a chickadee off the feeder while it is eating. If you have a cat, you might want to put a metal sheathing over the post or install a squirrel baffle between the ground and the feeder. Keep the feeder well supplied with black oil sunflower seeds. These are significantly higher in fat content than the less expensive striped sunflower seeds. Chickadees and other birds need this added fat for energy in cold months.

3. Hang feeders from branches or poles to provide access for a number of birds at once. There are many styles to choose from. Check wherever birdseed is sold for a selection of bird feeders. These range in price from a few dollars for a simple wooden or plastic feeder to well over $100 dollars for more elaborate feeders designed to feed many birds at once. The inexpensive feeder will attract chickadees just as well as the expensive one, but will generally need to be replaced more often. Choose whichever fits your budget.

4. Provide suet feeders for chickadees. The added fat will supply them with a boost of energy to keep them warm during cold winter nights. You can buy plain suet in the meat department of your grocery store for a few dollars. Suet cakes are also available in the bird-food section of department stores. The inexpensive suet cakes will attract chickadees just as well as the expensive ones made with a variety of nuts and berries. If you feel like giving your birds a special treat, go ahead and buy the specialty one; otherwise, any suet cake will do.

5. Monitor feeders and keep an ample supply of food available at all times. Letting the feeder become empty and/or leaving it that way for several days may put your birds in danger. They are depending on you for a food source. Once you have decided to provide them with food, keep your end of the bargain and fill the feeder often. Provide a water source if possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Chickadees often store seeds for future use. They put each seed in a different location; it seems that they are capable of remembering hundreds or even thousands of hiding spots.

Resources

• Cornell Bird Guide
• Bird Web