Globe Bird Feeders: Everything You Need to Know

Globe feeders offer a visually appealing and functional option for attracting a variety of birds to your backyard. They are made of clear plastic or metal and can be small and inexpensive. This type of feeder is designed for the small birds such as chickadees, nuthatches. and titmice. Some designs can be more difficult to clean.

What is a Globe Bird feeder?

A globe bird feeder is a type of feeder shaped like a sphere. It is  typically made of plastic with spaced feeding ports. Spaced ports allow for more birds with different feeding styles to feed simultaneously. Other globe feeders are made of a metal cage that prevent squirrels and large birds from accessing a central tube feeder.  

How does it work?

A globe bird feeder is somewhat different from the more popular bird feeders. Here’s how it works:

• Multiple Entry Points: Unlike a traditional tube feeder with just a few ports, globe feeders have several feeding ports distributed around the sphere. This allows more birds to feed simultaneously, reducing crowding and competition.
• Seed Accessibility: The size and design of the feeding ports can vary depending on the feeder. Some have small perches near the ports, catering to birds that prefer to grasp seeds while they eat. Other feeders may have larger openings suitable for birds that prefer to scoop or flick seeds out of the feeder.

Squirrel Deterrence (Optional): Some globe feeders incorporate features to deter squirrels.

This might include cages around the feeding ports or specially designed openings. It could also involve slick surfaces that make it difficult for squirrels to climb and access the seeds.

However, not all globe feeders are squirrel-proof.  Determined squirrels may still find a way to access the seeds.

Related:
Fruit & Jelly Bird Feeders
Hummingbird Nectar Feeders
Window Bird Feeders

Description:

• Material: Globe feeders are typically made of clear plastic or polycarbonate for easy seed monitoring. Metal options are also available.
• Design: These feeders are spherical in shape, with a seed reservoir in the center and feeding ports spaced around the outside.
• Features: They have multiple feeding ports (typically 4-8) with perches extending from the base for birds to land on while feeding. Drainage holes may be incorporated at the bottom to prevent water accumulation and seed spoilage. Some feeders have a removable roof to protect the seed from the elements and a hinged door for easy cleaning.
• Size and Variety: Globe feeders come in a variety of sizes, from small feeders holding just a few cups of seed to larger feeders that hold several pounds. Some globe feeders are designed to incorporate squirrel baffles to deter unwelcome guests.

Seed Type:

• Globe feeders are suitable for a variety of seed mixes including black-oil sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and shelled peanuts. The size of the feeding ports may limit the use of some very small seeds like nyjer seed.

Seed Capacity:

• Seed capacity varies depending on the size of the feeder, but typically ranges from 1 quart to 2 gallons.

Refilling Recommendation:

• To avoid attracting unwanted pests like raccoons, it’s recommended to refill your globe feeder in the morning after the birds have had a chance to eat most of the seed.

Birds Attracted:

• Globe feeders can attract a variety of birds depending on the seed type offered. Some common visitors include:
  • Chickadees
  • Finches (goldfinch, house finch, purple finch)
  • Titmice
  • Juncos
  • Nuthatches
  • House sparrows
  • Cardinals (depending on feeder size and port design)

Advantages:

• Easy to monitor seed levels due to the clear plastic construction.
• Offers multiple feeding ports allowing several birds to feed at once.
• Variety of sizes available to suit your needs.
• Some models incorporate squirrel baffles to deter unwanted pests.

Related:
Suet Bird Feeders
Thistle Bird Feeders
Hopper or House Bird Feeders

Disadvantages:

• Can be difficult to clean compared to some other feeder types, especially if they lack a removable center section or large access door.
• Seed may spill from the feeder ports attracting unwanted pests on the ground.
• May not be suitable for attracting birds that prefer clinging to feeders while eating, such as woodpeckers.

Related:
Tube Bird Feeders
Tray (Platform) Bird Feeder

Key Takeaways about Globe Bird Feeders:

Globe feeders are a good choice for attracting a diverse group of birds to your backyard.  Just consider the seed type you want to offer and be prepared for slightly more cleaning maintenance.

• Multi-Entry feeding area: Globe feeders offer a variety of feeding ports around the sphere, allowing many birds to feast at once and reducing competition.
• Wide Appeal: The design attracts a wider range of birds due to the multiple access points and potential for perches or open feeding areas.
• Seed Options: These feeders work well with various seed mixes, but very large seeds like sunflower seeds may not fit in all ports.
• Squirrel Deterrence (Optional): Some models have features like cages or slick surfaces to deter squirrels, but determined ones may find ways in.
• More Cleaning: The multiple ports and potential for seed to fall inside the globe may require more frequent cleaning compared to some feeders.

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