Deter bluebirds and deter starlings with Starling proof bluebird feeders!
Designed to match bluebirds’ size and feeding habits, they protect these insect-controlling, plant-pollinating birds from invasive starlings.
When choosing a feeder, consider the feeding hole size, food type, and material durability.
This guide will help you pick the perfect feeder for an enhanced birdwatching experience…
Best Starling-Proof Bluebird Feeders
We have compiled a list of the top starling-proof bluebird feeders on the market, ensuring that you can provide a safe and accessible feeding environment for your bluebirds while keeping starlings at bay.
JCs Wildlife Ultimate Enclosed Bluebird Feeder
A quality enclosed feeder that keeps larger birds out, but might take time for bluebirds to get accustomed to.
Pros
- Durable and eco-friendly materials
- Fully enclosed, keeping bully birds out
- Easy-to-clean design
Cons
- Bluebirds may take time to use it
- Potential issue with squirrels
- Limited to 2 cups of dried mealworms
The JCs Wildlife Ultimate Enclosed Bluebird Feeder is an ideal choice for those who want to offer a safe dining space for bluebirds while keeping larger, unwelcome birds out. Made in the USA using acrylic and sustainable recycled poly lumber, this feeder is not just durable but eco-friendly as well.
With its 16 entrance holes and fully enclosed design, the Ultimate Enclosed Bluebird Feeder effectively keeps larger birds like starlings and sparrows from gatecrashing the bluebirds’ mealtime. However, some users have noticed that it might take a while for the bluebirds to start using the feeder as they need to grow accustomed to the new feeding space.
While the feeder holds up to 2 cups of dried mealworms in its four jars, it might need frequent refilling if you have a busy bluebird population visiting your yard. Additionally, some customers have reported issues with squirrels breaching the feeder, which could be a concern for those with persistent furry visitors.
In conclusion, the JCs Wildlife Ultimate Enclosed Bluebird Feeder is a well-built and environmentally friendly option for dedicated bluebird enthusiasts. Although it may take some time for the birds to adjust and you might need to address squirrel issues, its ability to keep larger bully birds away makes it well worth considering.
Erva Bluebird Feeder
An impressive feeder worth considering to attract bluebirds while keeping starlings and squirrels at bay.
Pros
- Versatile mealworm dish for multiple bird species
- Easy assembly and cleaning with removable parts
- Durable and sturdy construction
Cons
- Bigger than expected
- May allow larger nuisance birds to access food
- Slightly expensive for its build quality
The Erva Bluebird Feeder provides a dependable solution to attract various bird species including bluebirds, orioles, cardinals, and robins. The feeder’s versatility lies in its mealworm dish which can also accommodate smaller fruit-eating birds. As a durable and robust product, it ensures that enthusiastic bird watchers can enjoy bird feeding activities for years to come.
One of the standout features of the Erva Bluebird Feeder is its quick-release thumb nut that enables easy disassembly and cleaning. The removable blue glass mealworm dish can also be conveniently washed in the dishwasher, ensuring cleanliness and hygiene. Furthermore, the vinyl-coated wire mesh and powder-coated top and bottom guarantee the feeder’s sturdiness and longevity.
Despite its many advantages, the Erva Bluebird Feeder has a few shortcomings. The size of the feeder may be more substantial than initially anticipated, potentially posing issues in terms of placement. Furthermore, some large nuisance birds might still access the food by hovering around the feeder, although it is designed to keep starlings out. Lastly, considering its build quality, the price may seem slightly steep for some potential buyers.
In conclusion, the Erva Bluebird Feeder is an excellent choice for bird enthusiasts looking for an easy-to-maintain, versatile, and durable feeder that attracts multiple bird species. While there are a few drawbacks, the overall performance of this feeder still makes it a reasonable investment for bird watchers.
Mosloly Mealworms Bird Feeder
The Mosloly Mealworms Bird Feeder is a great choice for keeping starlings at bay while offering easy access for bluebirds.
Pros
- Starling-proof square cage design
- Sturdy and weatherproof construction
- Detachable assembly for easy installation and cleaning
Cons
- Grid size may not prevent all unwanted birds
- Minor assembly difficulty reported
- 7 lbs heavy duty, which may be an issue for some hanging locations
The Mosloly Mealworms Bird Feeder is an excellent solution for those seeking a starling-proof bluebird feeder. The square cage design effectively deters larger birds and squirrels, ensuring that your backyard bluebirds get the mealworms they love. The feeder is made of heavy-duty stainless steel and iron, providing a weatherproof and durable structure suitable for years of use.
While some customers mention difficulties with assembly, the feeder is designed to be detachable and easy to clean, allowing flexibility in choosing which small bird feeder to place inside. The 7 lbs weight may pose a challenge for some hanging locations, but the product provides ample space for bluebirds to feed, granting bird enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to observe their favorite feathered friends.
Ultimately, the Mosloly Mealworms Bird Feeder offers effective protection for your bluebirds’ meals and is a solid investment for bird lovers. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting use, making it a valuable addition to any bird enthusiast’s collection.
Songbird Essentials Mealworm Feeder Blue/Grey
A good choice for bluebird enthusiasts seeking a starling-proof feeder that’s easy to fill and clean.
Pros
- Attractive blue color
- Simple mealworm refilling process
- Wide viewing area
Cons
- Potential leakage issues
- Plastic components may be less durable
- Some squirrels and unwanted birds may still access the feeder
This Songbird Essentials Mealworm Feeder boasts a beautiful blue and grey design, sure to catch the eye of any backyard birdwatcher. It’s a visually appealing addition to your garden and the wide viewing area allows for comfortable observation of your feathered friends.
Filling the feeder with mealworms is a breeze, making it convenient for both experienced and beginner bird enthusiasts. Its plastic construction may raise concerns about long-term durability; however, the benefit is that it won’t rot like wooden feeders. On the other hand, it’s important to note that some customers have reported issues with leakage, which can cause the mealworms to become wet and potentially spoil.
As for its starling-proof capabilities, the feeder is mostly successful, deterring most unwanted birds and pests. However, some clever squirrels and smaller birds might still find their way in to feast on the mealworms. In summary, the Songbird Essentials Mealworm Feeder Blue/Grey is a solid choice for anyone wanting to attract bluebirds and keep starlings away, despite a few minor drawbacks.
Kettle Moraine Cedar Hanging Bluebird Mealworm Feeder
A durable and efficient feeder to attract bluebirds, while keeping larger, more aggressive birds away.
Pros
- Sturdy cedar and stainless steel construction
- Easy-to-fill hinged roof
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Bluebirds may take time to adjust to the feeder
- Plexiglass viewing windows need regular cleaning
- May require additional visual cues to help bluebirds find entry holes
The Kettle Moraine Cedar Hanging Bluebird Mealworm Feeder is a high-quality, American-made bird feeder designed specifically for attracting bluebirds. Its solid cedar and stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting durability and resistance against harsh weather conditions.
The feeder features a hinged roof to make filling with mealworms easy and convenient. The stainless steel hanging cable allows for simple and secure placement of the feeder in your yard. Additionally, the plexiglass viewing windows let you monitor the bird activity and check if the feeder needs a refill.
However, it may take some time for bluebirds to adapt to the feeder’s design and find the entry holes on either end. In this case, you can use visual cues such as colored tape to make it easier for them to locate the holes. Additionally, while the plexiglass viewing windows are a useful feature, they might need a regular cleaning to maintain their transparency.
Overall, the Kettle Moraine Cedar Hanging Bluebird Mealworm Feeder is an excellent choice for bluebird enthusiasts looking for a durable and efficient feeder that keeps larger, more aggressive birds away. Enjoy watching your backyard come alive with these beautiful birds!
JCs Wildlife Enclosed Bluebird Feeder 2.0
This bird feeder is a great investment for those looking to entertain and feed bluebirds while keeping larger, unwanted birds at bay.
Pros
- Effective enclosed design to deter starlings
- Eco-friendly materials and construction
- Easy-to-use design with removable feeding jars
Cons
- May require some initial adjustments to attract bluebirds
- Squirrels may still be able to access the contents
- Larger than some other bluebird-only feeders
The JCs Wildlife Enclosed Bluebird Feeder 2.0 provides a safe and peaceful space for bluebirds to enjoy their mealworms while keeping unwanted visitors away. With 12 entrance holes specifically sized for bluebirds, this feeder ensures that larger bully birds such as starlings cannot access the food.
One of the best aspects of this feeder is its eco-friendly construction. Made in the USA, the feeder is built from acrylic and recycled poly lumber, contributing to a more sustainable approach to bird feeding. Additionally, the feeder features two jars, each capable of holding 1 cup of dried mealworms, making the process of cleaning and refilling easier and more convenient.
However, some users have reported needing to make minor adjustments to attract bluebirds initially, such as removing a side panel or repositioning the feeder. There are also reports of squirrels still accessing the feeder, which might require some creative solutions from users. Lastly, its size may be larger than some other bluebird-only feeders, but this does not hinder its effectiveness, only potentially affecting the space occupied by the feeder.
Buying Guide
When choosing a starling-proof bluebird feeder, it is important to consider several factors to ensure that you are providing a safe and effective feeding environment for your bluebirds while keeping the starlings away.
First, you should look at the design and construction of the feeder. Ensure that it is made of durable materials, such as metal or heavy-duty plastic, that can withstand any attempts by starlings to break in. Additionally, the entrance should be designed specifically for bluebirds, with a small hole that starlings cannot enter. Bluebirds require an entrance hole of approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, while starlings typically need a larger opening.
Another feature to consider is a weight-sensitive mechanism. Some starling-proof bluebird feeders feature systems that close access to the food when a heavier bird, such as a starling, attempts to perch on the feeder. This will allow lightweight bluebirds to enjoy the meal without starlings stealing it.
Ease of maintenance is another significant factor. A feeder that is easy to clean and refill will enable you to provide a hygienic environment for the birds, reducing the risk of disease spread. Look for feeders that can be easily disassembled for cleaning or have removable parts that can be washed.
Consider the feeder’s capacity. Depending on your location and the number of bluebirds visiting your property, you might need a feeder with a larger capacity to accommodate the demand. A larger capacity feeder will also require less frequent refilling, which can save you time and effort.
Finally, it’s essential to select a feeder that can be securely attached or mounted to a post, tree, or another supporting structure. This will prevent the feeder from falling or being knocked over by strong winds or persistent starlings, ensuring that your bluebirds can feed safely and without interruptions.
Keep these factors in mind when choosing a starling-proof bluebird feeder, and you should be able to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for your feathered friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep starlings away from my bluebird feeder?
To deter starlings from your bluebird feeder, you can:
- Choose a feeder that is designed to be starling-proof
- Place the feeder in an open area away from dense foliage
- Use food that attracts bluebirds but not starlings (such as mealworms)
What features should a starling-proof bluebird feeder have?
A starling-proof bluebird feeder should have:
- Entrance holes that are the correct size for bluebirds, but too small for starlings
- A weight-sensitive mechanism that closes when heavier birds like starlings try to feed
- A design that prevents starlings from reaching the food inside
Where can I buy a reliable starling-proof suet feeder?
Reliable starling-proof suet feeders can be found at:
- Local garden centers or bird-watching shops
- Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or dedicated bird supply websites
How do Erva bluebird feeders compare to other starling-proof feeders?
Erva bluebird feeders are generally well-regarded for their durability and effectiveness. They often feature:
- High-quality construction and materials
- Easy-to-use design for filling and cleaning
- Proven success in deterring starlings
However, be sure to research and compare other brands for the best fit for your needs.
Are there starling-proof bird feeders with mesh?
Yes, some starling-proof bird feeders have a mesh design that allows smaller birds like bluebirds to pass through, while deterring larger birds like starlings.
Which peanut feeders are effective in keeping starlings away?
To keep starlings away from peanut feeders, look for models that have:
- A weight-sensitive mechanism that only allows lighter birds to feed
- A cage or mesh design that prevents larger birds from accessing the peanuts inside
