Optimum Height for a Pole Mounted Platform Bird Feeder

Types of Birds

• Platform feeders are the most universal bird feeder because they will attract both large and small species. The drawback is that smaller birds may be bullied away from the feeder by the larger species. According to the National Bird-Feeding Society, birds that prefer platform feeders include Cassin's Finches, chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, doves, grosbeaks, jays, nuthatches, pine siskins, purple finches, sparrows, titmice, towhees and woodpeckers. American goldfinch, common redpoll, house finch, indigo bunting, northern cardinal will also use platform feeders, but it is not their most preferred choice.

Low

• A feeder that is raised slightly, about 1 to 3 feet high, is more likely to attract ground feeders like dark-eyed juncos, doves, northern cardinals, sparrows and jays. You're also likely to find towhees, American goldfinch, house finches, nuthatches and titmice feeding there. Of course, a low feeder will also be visited by squirrels, deer and raccoons and offers little protection from cats.

Mid-Height

• A feeder placed about 4 to 6 feet high will provide more protection for birds against cats. If the feeder is at least 5 feet high, squirrels will also be prevented from raiding the feeder. Birds that feed at this height include house finches, nuthatches, titmice, common redpolls, jays, indigo bunting, pine siskins and woodpeckers. Most birds that prefer higher feeders will also feed at these feeders.

High

• Mounting your feeder so it is more than 6 feet off the ground will offer birds more protection from cats and other predators. If it is placed at least 10 feet away from any trees, buildings or fences, it will also protect the feeder from squirrels. A high feeder may see less activity from birds than lower feeders, but it is more likely to attract purple finches, grosbeaks, chickadees and American goldfinches.