The best feeder for yellow-billed magpies
A California Central Valley endemic that visits rural feeders and stockyards in noisy groups.
Feeder styles that work
An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
Mimics natural ground foraging; place within 10 ft of shrubs.
What to fill it with
- Peanuts in the shell
- Suet scraps
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Yellow-billed Magpie measures 16.5–23.6 in and weighs 5–6 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 yellow-billed magpies?
Platform / tray feeder. An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
What should I put in a feeder for yellow-billed magpies?
Peanuts in the shell, Suet scraps.
Where should I place a feeder for yellow-billed magpies?
A California Central Valley endemic that visits rural feeders and stockyards in noisy groups.
Sources
- Yellow-billed Magpie — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-billed Magpie life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-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.