The best feeder for red crossbills
Nomadic — appears when cone crops fail elsewhere, empties sunflower feeders, then vanishes for years.
Feeder styles that work
Suits small clinging and perching birds and keeps seed dry.
Holds a large seed volume with a ledge for mid-sized birds.
What to fill it with
- Black-oil sunflower
- Hulled sunflower
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Red Crossbill measures 5.5–6.7 in and weighs 0.9–1.4 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 red crossbills?
Tube feeder with short perches. Suits small clinging and perching birds and keeps seed dry.
What should I put in a feeder for red crossbills?
Black-oil sunflower, Hulled sunflower.
Where should I place a feeder for red crossbills?
Nomadic — appears when cone crops fail elsewhere, empties sunflower feeders, then vanishes for years.
Sources
- Red Crossbill — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red Crossbill life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Red Crossbill — 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.