Are you looking for the best pigeon-proof bird feeder? Then, you’re in the right place!
Rock pigeons or rock doves perfectly embody the aphorism, “survival of the fittest.” Though humans have virtually wiped out innumerable bird species (including the passenger pigeon), they’ve failed to exterminate rock pigeons. Instead, you’ll find pigeons swarming on public squares of cities all over the world, scavenging on bird seeds and discarded foods.
So, if you want to feed small birds but keep away rock pigeons exclusively, these are our recommendations for the seven best pigeon proof bird feeders:
Top 7 Best Pigeon Proof Bird Feeders
1. Brome Buster Mini Bird Feeder (Editor’s Choice)
The ergonomic design of the Buster Mini Bird Feeder from Brome makes it supremely suitable for finches, blue jays, and cardinals. The shroud or cage shuts down when a squirrel, large bird-like rock pigeon, or mourning dove tries to alight. In addition, this bird feeder features a robust hanger with a triangle-shaped loop that allows you to hang it from a tree branch or shaft.
The feeder’s different components have been shaped out of UV-resistant, rustproof, waterproof, and chew-proof RoxResin™ material that secures it from squirrels, pigeons, and doves. In addition, the transparent feeder tube locks solar energy, and the traditional tube design prevents heated air from escaping out.
Pros
- Designed ergonomically keeping the feeding needs of small birds
- The shroud closes automatically when a pigeon or squirrel tries to perch, thwarting access to seeds.
- You can take the feeder apart for cleaning with your bare hands.
- The patented ventilation system keeps seeds fresh for a long time.
- Lifetime free servicing if you purchase this bird feeder
- Constructed from durable materials
Cons
- This feeder is not a big one, so it probably can’t hold a sufficient quantity of seeds that will last for a week or more.
2. Woodlink Absolute II Bird Feeder (Close Runner-Up – But Read the Cons Section!)
The Woodlink Absolute II Bird Feeder features a solid powder-coated steel framework that makes it incredibly durable. It is hefty enough to allow chickadees and willow tits to perch but closes under the weight of a rock pigeon. In addition, there are openings or slots on both ends of the feeder for attracting different bird species.
The shroud can hold up to 12lbs of blended seeds, thus freeing you from the hassle of refilling the feeder frequently. Squirrels, ravens, doves, or pigeons will have difficulty tampering with the feeder as it is made of high-quality steel. The structure of the Absolute II draws small birds but fends off large birds.
Pros
- Premium quality powder coated die-cast steel frame with aluminum lid, polycarbonate tube, and metallic perches
- Can hold up to 12lbs of bird feed
- You can set the weight of the perch at medium, light, and heavy, allowing you to feed birds you prefer
- You can embed the feeder on the ground, hang it from a pole, or suspend it from a tree branch.
- A zinc-plated steel pole is included in the package.
- Specialized TopLoc functionality for easy filling and cleaning, and locking securely
Cons
- In some cases, birds’ legs could get trapped in the notches of the bracket. However, the notches can quickly be filled with silicone, which completely solves the problem.
3. Audubon NATUBE3 Bird Feeder
Audubon’s squirrel-resistant NATUBE3 Bird Feeder is one of the best pigeon-proof bird feeders you’ll come across. The feeder features a tube feeder constructed out of ABS plastic that is very tamperproof. In addition, this bird feeder has four seed slots that offer smaller birds access but keep away squirrels, raccoons, and pigeons.
The cage boasts robust steel construction, which keeps the bird feeder functional for years to come. On the other hand, this Audubon bird feeder can hold up to 1.25lbs of blended bird seeds.
Pros
- Bird feeder comes with four ports or openings for attracting birds of different species.
- Cage made from industrial grade powder-coated steel for fending off squirrels and rock pigeons
- Can hold one quart of mixed seeds
- Sports an attractive forest green color
Cons
- Squirrels could pop open the lid as the metallic washers affixed to it appeared flimsy.
- Birds’ legs could get trapped in the constricted gaps between the looped wiring of the steel cage.
4. Stokes Select Abundance Bird Feeder
More Birds’ Stokes Select Abundance Bird Feeder is supremely ideal for drawing purple finches and nuthatches. It can keep up to 3.5lbs of bird seeds. The six perches can enable small and medium-size birds to alight but ward off large ones like pigeons and rock doves.
The thistle port inserts are suitable for feeding songbirds to double up as finch feeders.
Pros
- Six feeding slots
- Six adaptable perches
- Thistle/Nyjer feeder can hold up to 3.5 pounds of tiny seeds.
- The base opens in half that facilitating easy and quick cleaning.
- Constructed from durable plastic that makes the feeder extremely hardy
Cons
- The perches being overly close to the (feeder) tube could prevent many small bird species from feeding.
- The lid does not shut firmly, and squirrels can easily exploit this drawback.
5. Birds Choice Bird Feeder
Do you wish to install a bird feeder in your backyard or front garden that tempts titmouse, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds? If so, opt for the Classic Hanging Tube Feeder from Birds’ Choice that attracts small birds in droves but keeps out larger birds. This hopper features a robust acrylic/steel body with four aluminum ports that offer ready access to blue jays, orioles, and finches.
This feeder’s USP is its tough weather guard that deters large birds like rock doves, pigeons, and ravens. In addition, you can stock up to 1.2 gallons of mixed seeds inside this tube feeder, thereby ensuring relief from frequent refills.
Pros
- The feeder comes with a weather guard for discouraging large birds from perching.
- Can hold up to 1.2 gallons of various birdseed blends
- It comes with a metallic loop for hanging on a tree branch or a shaft.
- Seed diverter for facilitating smooth seed flow to the ports
- Easy to clean, maintain, and refill
Cons
- The absence of drainage could lead to the accumulation of rainwater, wetting, and damaging the seeds.
6. Woodlink WLC6S Bird Feeder
The WLC6S bird feeder is a top-quality product from the house of Woodlink that can whet your passion for feeding small birds. The squirrel-resistant cage surrounding the tube feeder is made of solid steel, making it entirely weatherproof. Additionally, the cage gaps or slits allow finches and orioles to access the tube feeder easily.
However, larger bully birds like pigeons and ravens will struggle to squeeze inside to feed.
Pros
- Detachable tube with pop-out base for easy filling and cleaning
- You can install it instantly
- Tough powder-coated metal lattice cage
- Six feeding ports
- See-through tube feeder for keeping an eye on the seed level
Cons
- Even the smallest birds could struggle to feed due to the size and location of perches.
7. Gardener’s Supply Company Bird Feeder
If you are looking for a suitable bird feeder that will allow access exclusively to hummingbirds and blue jays, then don’t look beyond this Gardener Supply’s feeder. This product sports a sturdy squirrel-proof cage that offers instant access to small birds but deters pigeons, crows, and doves. In addition, the Gardener Supply Company’s bird feeder has been shaped by toughened plastic, polycarbonate, and powder-coated steel.
So you can rest assured that this feeder will stay in service for an extended period. It has four integrated feeding slots and can take in up to three cups filled with tiny seeds.
Pros
- The cage encircling the tube feeder has slits that offer orioles and finches but repel larger bullies.
- Squirrels struggle to remove the top latch and eventually give up.
- Drainage holes prevent water from accumulating and thus keep seeds fresh and dry.
- Four feeding ports
- Holds up to three cups topped with seeds
Cons
- The latch which locks the lid is fragile.
- Seeds could get trapped in the base of the feeder.
How to Pigeon Proof Your Bird Feeder
- Go for a feeder that can only accommodate small birds but not pigeons (suet feeders, hummingbird feeders, seed tube feeders, cylinder feeders, and so on)
- Buy a bird feeder that comes with a sturdy cage enclosure.
- Or choose a feeder with a built-in pigeon guard, especially a hopper feeder.
- Feed shelled nuts and seeds.
- Avoid bird seed mixtures that come with filler ingredients.
- Hang the feeder on a lofty tree branch or a long shaft
- Clean the bird feeder regularly
No matter whatever type of bird feeder you buy, it’ll inevitably draw rock pigeons. However, you can take some effective measures to discourage pigeons from roosting on a bird feeder to access the feeding tube. For instance, avoid platform feeders that you need to install on the ground.
Instead, choose a feeder where the cage or enclosure surrounding the tube (feeder) has openings that allow small birds access only. Also, see that the feeder’s perch’s design does not allow pigeons to alight and roost steadily. Finally, place bird feed that pigeons avoid but are preferred by sparrows, goldfinches, and orioles.
So, What’s the Best Pigeon Proof Bird Feeder?
This article reviewed seven top pigeon-proof bird feeders, including Woodlink, Brome, Audubon, and Gardener’s Choice models.
Though almost all the bird feeders had a feature that would prevent pigeons from accessing them, a few had loopholes that would enable them to keep on trying. However, you can remedy the lacunae by going DIY (like adding a karabiner or clip to a flimsy lid).
Rounding up, every bird feeder reviewed in this article meets the criteria for being labeled as a pigeon-proof feeder. However, in our opinion, the Buster Mini Bird Feeder is the best pigeon-proof bird feeder available on the market at the moment.