The indigo bunting is a small, vibrantly colored songbird that breeds across much of the eastern and central United States. With their brilliant indigo blue plumage and sweet song, indigo buntings are a joy to have visit backyard bird feeders. However, attracting these beautiful birds takes a bit of knowledge about their dietary preferences. Here are some quick answers about what kind of bird feeder is best for indigo buntings:
– Indigo buntings are seed-eating birds. They prefer small seeds like millet and nyjer. A feeder that offers these small seeds will be most attractive.
– Platform or tray feeders are excellent for allowing easy access to small seeds for indigo buntings.
– Hopper or tube feeders with small perches and seed ports will also allow indigo buntings access to their preferred foods.
– Avoid mixes with filler grains like milo, wheat, corn, peas, etc. Stick to pure small seeds.
– Locate feeders in semi-open areas near bushes or hedges. Indigo buntings feel safest with nearby cover.
– To discourage bigger, more aggressive birds, use feeders with weight-sensitive perches or small short perches.
– Keep feeders clean and protect seeds from moisture. Damp, moldy seed is unhealthy.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what kind of feeder will best attract indigo buntings, let’s dive into some more in-depth questions and answers about feeding these colorful backyard visitors.
What Are Indigo Buntings’ Dietary Habits?
Indigo buntings are primarily seedeaters, though they supplement their diet with insects when feeding nestlings. Their preferred seeds are very small grains like millet and nyjer seed. During winter months they will also readily eat oil sunflower seeds. Some key facts about the dietary habits of indigo buntings:
– They use their conical beak to crack open small seeds.
– Grassy fields rich in small weed seeds are ideal foraging habitat.
– They sometimes pick seeds off the heads of grasses and weeds.
– Insects like beetles, caterpillars, spiders and grasshoppers are fed to nestlings.
– Berries and buds are occasionally eaten in winter.
– Nectar from flowers may supplement the diet.
– Indigo buntings have high metabolism and must eat frequently.
– Quality seed from feeders can help them survive colder months.
Understanding what indigo buntings like to eat from grasses and weed seeds informs us about the best offerings at backyard bird feeders. Small grains that mimic their native foods will be readily eaten.
Preferred Seeds at Bird Feeders
Based on their typical diet in the wild, here are the seeds indigo buntings prefer to eat from backyard feeders:
Millet | Tiny white seeds, often called “bird seed.” |
Nyjer | Small, oil-rich black seeds also loved by finches. |
Oil sunflower | Meaty black & white striped seeds, especially in winter. |
Feeders that make these small seeds easily accessible to indigo buntings will get frequent visits from these colorful birds. They will avoid mixes with filler grains and prefer pure small seeds.
What Type of Bird Feeder Do Indigo Buntings Prefer?
Indigo buntings have short conical beaks suited for cracking open small seeds. This physical adaptation informs what kinds of feeders they best feed from. Some ideal feeder characteristics include:
Platform Feeders
Platform feeders, also called tray feeders, provide open access to seeds. Indigo buntings appreciate being able to perch on edges and pluck small seeds. Try using platform feeders with a mix of millet and nyjer seeds. The shallow tray prevents bigger birds from hogging the food.
Short Perches
Since indigo buntings are small, they prefer short perches. Tube and hopper feeders with perches under 1.5 inches long will make it harder for larger birds to land. Weight-sensitive perches also limit access by big birds.
Small Port Holes
Just as short perches discourage big birds, so do small seed ports. Indigo buntings can easily access ports around 1-inch wide. Larger birds will have trouble fitting their beak in to grab seeds.
Small Hanging Feeders
Compact hanging feeders with short perches and small seed ports can be ideal for indigo buntings while limiting larger birds. Try tube feeders around 6 inches long with multiple small ports.
The key is offering the small seeds indigo buntings like in a feeder that gives them easy access but keeps away pushy birds like grackles, starlings and house sparrows. This lets the indigo buntings feed comfortably and maximizes visits.
Where Should I Place the Feeder to Attract Indigo Buntings?
Proper feeder placement is just as important as having the right feeder style and seeds to attract indigo buntings. Here are some tips on situating your feeder in optimal spots:
Semi-Open Areas
Indigo buntings want to feed near some protective cover. Try placing the feeder about 5-10 feet from bushes, dense vegetation or brush piles. This gives them a quick escape from predators.
Raised Up
Hanging your feeder or mounting it on a tall pole makes indigo buntings feel safer as they can observe surroundings more easily. Elevated feeders also deter bigger ground-feeding birds.
Near Trees/Shrubs
Indigo buntings often perch in trees before visiting feeders. Situate your feeder near or within view of wooded edges or shrubs to provide quick access from perches.
Away From Feeders for Larger Birds
If you have other feeders that attract bigger, more aggressive birds, make sure to separate them from an indigo bunting feeder. This prevents intimidation at specialized feeders.
Out of Prevailing Wind/Rain
Put your indigo bunting feeder in a sheltered spot to keep seeds dry. A location protected from the wind lets them feed more comfortably.
With some experimentation and observation, you can find theprime spots on your property to install an indigo-friendly feeder. The right placement makes all the difference in attracting these colorful birds.
How Can I Deter Larger Aggressive Birds?
One challenge with attracting small songbirds like indigo buntings is keeping away larger aggressive species like grackles, jays, magpies, and starlings. These bigger bullies can monopolize feeders and intimidate the smaller birds. Here are some tactics to minimize their impact:
Use Specialized Caged Feeders
Tube, hopper and tray feeders surrounded by a wire cage allow small birds to access the openings but keeps out the large ones. The caged protection creates a safe dining area.
Employ Weight-Sensitive Perches
Perches that close access to seed ports when a heavy bird lands trains the bullies that they can’t eat at that feeder. Only small songbirds under 2 ounces can trigger the perch.
Offer Safflower Seeds
Larger birds don’t care for safflower. You can fill a hopper or tube feeder with safflower to attract small birds like indigo buntings while deterring bigger ones.
Use Feeders With Short Perches
Short perches no bigger than 1.5 inches long will discourage larger birds from using a hanging tube or hopper feeder. Only small birds can comfortably perch and feed.
Place Feeders in Semi-Hidden Areas
Situate feeders near dense bushes, trees or brush piles. The cover makes small birds feel safe but deters aggressive species that prefer open areas with wide visibility.
With the right techniques, you can minimize access by bully bird species at your feeders. This creates opportunities for beautiful but timid songbirds like indigo buntings to enjoy the seed offerings in peace.
What Are the Best Seeds to Offer?
We’ve covered the types of seeds indigo buntings prefer, but which specific seed products are the best bet for your feeder? Here are some top options:
Millet Mixes
Look for bags of seed labeled as “millet mix.” These will likely include white proso millet, red millet, flax, oat groats, and canary grass seed. Avoid “dove mixes” with fillers like milo.
Nyjer Seed
Black nyjer seed is a particular favorite of indigo buntings. Make sure to get nyjer that is not too fresh, so seed casings come off easier.
Finch Mixes
Combinations of small seeds marketed for finches will also appeal to indigo buntings. Avoid mixes with tasty fillers like sunflower.
Hulled Sunflower
For winter feeding, hulled sunflower broken into small chips gives energy but prevents choking on large pieces.
Safflower
Safflower can be used to deter bullies but isn’t a top seed choice for actively attracting indigo buntings.
Stick to pure small-grain mixes without filler seeds the birds won’t like. Buying in bulk bags is the most economical way to always have their preferred foods on hand.
How Do I Keep the Seeds Fresh and Safe?
Maximizing visits from indigo buntings relies not just on offering their preferred seeds, but also keeping those seeds fresh and safe for consumption. Here are some tips:
Use Good Quality Seed
Purchase seed from a supplier with high turnover to ensure freshness. Check expiration dates. Moldy, old seeds pose health risks.
Buy Seed in Smaller Bags
Don’t buy more than you expect to use in a month or two. Seeds, particularly oily types, eventually go rancid.
Store Seeds in Airtight Containers
Metal garbage cans with tight lids will keep rodents out. Dark, air-tight buckets prevent light and oxygen from degrading seeds.
Check for Mold or Insects
Before filling your feeder, inspect seeds. Discard any with visible mold or signs of infestation.
Clean Feeders Regularly
Every two weeks, clean feeders with a 10% bleach solution to kill harmful bacteria and other microbes. Rinse thoroughly.
Keep Seeds Dry
Place feeders under cover to prevent exposure to rain and snow. Wet seed sprouts mold quickly. Use drain holes in platforms.
Following these safety measures ensures no spoiled seed makes birds sick. Caution and proper storage allows seed to remain fresh and nutritious while waiting to be eaten.
Conclusion
Indigo buntings are a real joy to host at your bird feeding station. By offering their preferred small seeds like millet and nyjer in specialized feeders designed for small perching birds, you can reliably attract them. With some tips for deterring larger bullies, keeping seeds fresh, and placing feeders in sites that make these timid birds feel safe, you’ll be rewarded with regular visits from these bright blue beauties. Watching a flash of vibrant indigo come to feast on the seed buffet you provide is one of the great pleasures of backyard birding. Do your homework on how to cater to the unique needs of indigo buntings, and they will become a frequent sight at your feeders.