The best feeder for Bewick's wrens
Uses nest boxes and odd cavities in yards; has vanished from most of the East.
Feeder styles that work
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
Insect- and fruit-eaters rarely use seed feeders.
What to fill it with
- Suet
- Mealworms
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Bewick's Wren measures 5.1 in and weighs 0.3–0.4 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for Bewick's wrens?
Suet cage or tail-prop suet feeder. High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
What should I put in a feeder for Bewick's wrens?
Suet, Mealworms.
Where should I place a feeder for Bewick's wrens?
Uses nest boxes and odd cavities in yards; has vanished from most of the East.
Sources
- Bewick's Wren — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Bewick's Wren life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Bewick's Wren — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.