The best feeder for bushtits
Flocks of 10–40 sweep through yards and mob suet feeders for a few minutes before moving on.
Feeder styles that work
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
Water often attracts this species more than food.
What to fill it with
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Bushtit measures 2.8–3.1 in and weighs 0.1–0.2 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 bushtits?
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 bushtits?
Suet.
Where should I place a feeder for bushtits?
Flocks of 10–40 sweep through yards and mob suet feeders for a few minutes before moving on.
Sources
- Bushtit — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Bushtit life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Bushtit — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
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.