The best feeder for dickcissels
Sings all day from prairie fenceposts; numbers shift wildly between years with rainfall.
Feeder styles that work
Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
What to fill it with
- Millet
- Black-oil sunflower
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Dickcissel measures 5.5–6.3 in and weighs 0.9–1.4 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 dickcissels?
Low ground tray under cover. Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
What should I put in a feeder for dickcissels?
Millet, Black-oil sunflower.
Where should I place a feeder for dickcissels?
Sings all day from prairie fenceposts; numbers shift wildly between years with rainfall.
Sources
- Dickcissel — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Dickcissel life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Dickcissel — 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.