The best feeder for Carolina chickadees
Like other chickadees they carry off single seeds to eat or cache, and often lead mixed flocks with titmice and nuthatches to feeders.
Feeder styles that work
Small perches suit their size.
An important winter fat source.
What to fill it with
- Black-oil sunflower
- Suet
- Shelled peanuts
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Carolina Chickadee measures 3.9–4.7 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 Carolina chickadees?
Tube feeder. Small perches suit their size.
What should I put in a feeder for Carolina chickadees?
Black-oil sunflower, Suet, Shelled peanuts.
Where should I place a feeder for Carolina chickadees?
Like other chickadees they carry off single seeds to eat or cache, and often lead mixed flocks with titmice and nuthatches to feeders.
Sources
- Carolina Chickadee — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Carolina Chickadee life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Carolina Chickadee — 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.