The best feeder for magpies
Magpies are intelligent and wary; they visit platform feeders near open country and pastures.
Feeder styles that work
An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
What to fill it with
- Suet
- Peanuts
- Cracked corn
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Black-billed Magpie measures 17.7–23.6 in and weighs 5.2–7.4 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 magpies?
Platform / tray feeder. An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
What should I put in a feeder for magpies?
Suet, Peanuts, Cracked corn.
Where should I place a feeder for magpies?
Magpies are intelligent and wary; they visit platform feeders near open country and pastures.
Sources
- Black-billed Magpie — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-billed Magpie life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Black-billed Magpie — 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.