The best feeder for catbirds
Catbirds rarely eat seed but visit oriole jelly feeders and fruiting shrubs; dense thickets bring them in.
Feeder styles that work
Orioles take nectar, grape jelly and cut oranges.
Insect- and fruit-eaters rarely use seed feeders.
What to fill it with
- Grape jelly
- Oranges
- Mealworms
- Fresh berries
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Gray Catbird measures 8.3–9.4 in and weighs 0.8–2 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 catbirds?
Oriole feeder with jelly cups and orange spikes. Orioles take nectar, grape jelly and cut oranges.
What should I put in a feeder for catbirds?
Grape jelly, Oranges, Mealworms, Fresh berries.
Where should I place a feeder for catbirds?
Catbirds rarely eat seed but visit oriole jelly feeders and fruiting shrubs; dense thickets bring them in.
Sources
- Gray Catbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Gray Catbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Gray Catbird — 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.