The best feeder for purple finches
Purple finches are irregular winter visitors south of their breeding range — numbers swing year to year with northern cone and seed crops.
Feeder styles that work
Readily perches to take sunflower.
Visiting winter flocks feed side by side.
What to fill it with
- Black-oil sunflower
- Hulled sunflower
- Nyjer
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Purple Finch measures 4.7–6.3 in and weighs 0.6–1.1 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 purple finches?
Tube or hopper feeder. Readily perches to take sunflower.
What should I put in a feeder for purple finches?
Black-oil sunflower, Hulled sunflower, Nyjer.
Where should I place a feeder for purple finches?
Purple finches are irregular winter visitors south of their breeding range — numbers swing year to year with northern cone and seed crops.
Sources
- Purple Finch — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Purple Finch life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Purple Finch — 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.