Feeder match

The best feeder for eastern wood-pewees

Returns to the same bare perch after every sally; keeps singing through the hot midday hours.

Tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)Eastern Wood-PeweeContopus virens

Feeder styles that work

First choice
Shallow bird bath (1–2 in deep)

Water often attracts this species more than food.

What to fill it with

  • None — open woodland perches are the draw

Full seasonal diet of the Eastern Wood-Pewee →

Sizing the feeder to the bird

The Eastern Wood-Pewee measures 5.5–6.3 in and weighs 0.4–0.7 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 eastern wood-pewees?

Shallow bird bath (1–2 in deep). Water often attracts this species more than food.

What should I put in a feeder for eastern wood-pewees?

None — open woodland perches are the draw.

Where should I place a feeder for eastern wood-pewees?

Returns to the same bare perch after every sally; keeps singing through the hot midday hours.

Sources

  1. Eastern Wood-Pewee — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Eastern Wood-Pewee life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Eastern Wood-Pewee — 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.