The best feeder for orange-crowned warblers
One of few warblers that regularly visits winter feeders in the south and on the Pacific coast.
Feeder styles that work
High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
Easy to scrub every 2–3 days; built-in ant moat helps.
What to fill it with
- Suet
- Suet dough
- Sugar water
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Orange-crowned Warbler measures 4.3–5.5 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 orange-crowned warblers?
Suet cage or tail-prop suet feeder. High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.
What should I put in a feeder for orange-crowned warblers?
Suet, Suet dough, Sugar water.
Where should I place a feeder for orange-crowned warblers?
One of few warblers that regularly visits winter feeders in the south and on the Pacific coast.
Sources
- Orange-crowned Warbler — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Orange-crowned Warbler life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Orange-crowned Warbler — 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.