What Birds Visit Bird Feeders in Fall?

Fall is one of the most dynamic seasons for backyard birdwatching. As temperatures drop and days shorten, many birds begin their annual migration, while others adjust their feeding habits to prepare for the colder months ahead. If you’ve ever wondered what birds visit feeders in fall, you’re in for a rewarding season.

Common Birds That Visit Feeders in Fall

We’ll explore the most common birds you can expect in fall, the foods that attract them, and practical tips to maximize your birdwatching experience.

1. Chickadees and Nuthatches

Fall is the time for chickadees and nuthatches to visit backyard feeders. These quick little birds storing seeds-solutions such as sunflower or peanut seeds-into little crevices under bark for eating later when it grows even colder. Watching them is quite an amusement since they are always on the move, especially in cold weather when they cluster with titmice and woodpeckers. Please toss out black oil sunflower seeds or shelled peanuts, and they'll be coming back all the time. You will probably be entertained with their constant back and forth flying!

2. American Goldfinches

Goldfinches are all the activity one could ever want at any feeder, even when it is fall, and the bright yellow feathers change to a more dull olive or brown. This color change will deceive beginners in birding. They believe that the goldfinches are gone, whereas, in reality, they have changed color for the season. These feathered friends feed on Nyjer seeds and small sunflower bits to build energy during the chillier times. Being social, it would not be common for them to come alone. So, providing a special Nyjer feeder might just ensure their continued presence there this fall.

3. Woodpeckers

In the fall, you'll probably see woodpeckers like downies, hairies, and red-bellieds at your feeders. Since bugs aren't around like they are in spring and summer, these birds switch to fatty food such as suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. It's fun to watch woodpeckers at suet feeders, and it's cool knowing they help control pests naturally. If you reside where pileated woodpeckers live, keep an eye out – you might see these big, pretty birds also coming for suet.

4. Blue Jays

Blue jays are fall regulars. You always know they're around, they're so loud! In the fall, they are always grabbing acorns, peanuts, you name it, hiding them away for winter. Smart birds—they remember where they stashed their snacks months later. At bird feeders, they can be kind of bossy. Put out a platform feeder with peanuts; that usually keeps them happy, and watching them is funny. Plus, their bright blue feathers look great against the fall leaves.

5. Cardinals

The northern cardinal remains a popular backyard bird throughout the year, fall well included. The bright red color of male cardinals and the beautiful warm subtle tones of females lighten up autumn gardens. At this time of the year, cardinals build up some fat reserves by frequenting the feeders usually arriving at dawn, while there is still silence in the area, or dusk, when everything starts to get lively. They like black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. While they are generally shy and spooked by movements near a house or window, these birds almost always seem comfortable feeding just outside homes, giving ample opportunity to watch them during the shorter daylight hours of autumn.

6. Sparrows and Juncos

As autumn comes around, you'll spot different sparrows like the white-throated and song types at feeders. Dark-eyed juncos tag along too, and they usually mean winter's not far off. These birds like to eat off the ground, so they go for millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds on trays or just scattered around. They like to hang out in groups, which makes the feeders more fun to watch. Spotting them is pretty cool too, like noticing the white throat on the white-throated sparrow or the gray color of juncos. It's like a fun game for anyone who likes birds.

7. Migrating Birds

As autumn comes around, you'll spot different sparrows like the white-throated and song types at feeders. Dark-eyed juncos tag along too, and they usually mean winter's not far off. These birds like to eat off the ground, so they go for millet, cracked corn, and sunflower seeds on trays or just scattered around. They like to hang out in groups, which makes the feeders more fun to watch. Spotting them is pretty cool too, like noticing the white throat on the white-throated sparrow or the gray color of juncos. It's like a fun game for anyone who likes birds.

How to Attract More Birds in Fall

Do you want more birds hanging around your place this fall? It's not just about tossing out some seeds; you need to make your yard a place birds actually want to be. Think of it like setting up a bird hotel - comfy, safe, and with good snack options!

1. Food 

But don't just dump out one kind of seed and call it a day. Birds are picky eaters, just like us! Get a few different kinds of feeders. Those tube feeders with tiny holes are great for smaller birds like finches. A tray feeder is open and flat, so lots of birds can get at it. And don't forget suet cages! Suet is a high-fat food that birds need for energy, specially when the weather gets cold. Think of it like a bird energy bar.

2. Bird Feeders 

Keep them clean! Dirty feeders can spread diseases and nobody wants sick birds. Every few weeks, take them down and give them a good scrub with soapy water. Rinse them really well before putting them back up.

3. Water 

Birds need it to drink and bathe. A birdbath is perfect, but make sure you keep it filled. As it gets colder, consider getting a heated birdbath. This will keep the water from freezing, so the birds always have a fresh drink.

Too many birds at one feeder can make things tense. Think about how you feel in a crowded restaurant, right? Spread out your feeders around the yard. That way, everyone gets a snack at peace.

4. Bird-friendly Yard 

Plant some shrubs and trees. These give birds shelter from the wind and rain, and a safe place to hide from predators. Think of it as building them little bird apartments.

You can try WoBirdy Smart Bird Camera Feeder. It can do things like tell you what kinds of birds are showing up, how much they're eating, and keep squirrels away! Squirrels are bandits when it comes to bird feeders! If you really want to be the best bird host, smart feeders really help you fine-tune your setup.