Feeder match

The best feeder for palm warblers

Winters on southern lawns and roadsides, tail-wagging as it walks; occasionally takes suet crumbs.

Wood-warblers (Parulidae)Palm WarblerSetophaga palmarum

Feeder styles that work

First choice
Low ground tray under cover

Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.

Also works
Suet cage or tail-prop suet feeder

High-fat food in winter; a tail prop suits woodpeckers.

What to fill it with

Sizing the feeder to the bird

The Palm Warbler measures 4.7–5.5 in and weighs 0.3–0.5 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 palm warblers?

Low ground tray under cover. Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.

What should I put in a feeder for palm warblers?

Suet nuggets, Mealworms.

Where should I place a feeder for palm warblers?

Winters on southern lawns and roadsides, tail-wagging as it walks; occasionally takes suet crumbs.

Sources

  1. Palm Warbler — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Palm Warbler life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Palm 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.