The best feeder for yellow-headed blackbirds
Nests in deep cattail marshes and feeds in nearby fields; flocks hit rural feeders in migration.
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
- Cracked corn
- Millet
- Black-oil sunflower
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Yellow-headed Blackbird measures 8.3–10.2 in and weighs 1.6–3.5 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 yellow-headed blackbirds?
Platform / tray feeder. An open, stable surface for larger birds and ground-feeders.
What should I put in a feeder for yellow-headed blackbirds?
Cracked corn, Millet, Black-oil sunflower.
Where should I place a feeder for yellow-headed blackbirds?
Nests in deep cattail marshes and feeds in nearby fields; flocks hit rural feeders in migration.
Sources
- Yellow-headed Blackbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-headed Blackbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Yellow-headed Blackbird — 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.