How to Attract Finches (With Food, Shelter, and Ribbons)

If you’re here, you’re no doubt interested in seeing more finches in your yard.

Keep reading, because we’re sharing how to attract finches with the right types of bird feeders, the best bird food, and additional attractions that appeal to them.

Key Takeaways

It’s vital to provide the right bird feeders and seeds to attract finches
Finches especially like plants, trees, and flowers like zinnias, coneflowers, and elderberry
Bird baths with features like drippers and fountains draw in finches
Use colorful ribbons and flowers to catch their attention

Table of Contents

Understanding Finches: A Quick Overview

Finches are a diverse group of small, colorful birds that often draw birdwatchers and homeowners to their feeders.

Among the well-known species are:

House finches
American goldfinch
Lesser goldfinch
Purple finch

Many finch species inhabit North America, especially the United States, where they are cherished not just for their charming appearance, but also for their sweet songs.

Finches are year-round residents in many regions of the United States, but some species do migrate. The American Goldfinch, for instance, migrates across a range that stretches from northern Canada to central Mexico.

(Tip: Being aware of local migration patterns and the types of finches in your region can help you plan your yard more effectively.)

Read Next: How to Attract Goldfinches

How to Attract Finches to Bird Feeders

When it comes to attracting finches to your backyard, selecting the right feeders plays a crucial role.

So first, let’s talk about the types of bird feeders finches prefer.

Types of Finch Bird Feeders

There are several types of bird feeders that finches love. These include:

Tube Feeders: Featuring small holes and perches, tube feeders cater well to finches’ small beaks, making it easier for them to get to the seeds.
Sock Feeders: Made of a mesh material, sock feeders allow finches to cling to the surface while they feed, providing a comfortable dining experience. These are probably the easiest feeders for these particular birds to access.
Finch Stations: These specialized feeders are designed particularly for finches. Finch stations often come with multiple feeding ports, making it easy for several birds to eat simultaneously.

Feeder Placement Tips

Bird feeder placement is just as important as feeder type. That’s why we’re providing the following crucial tips to help you create an inviting environment for finches.

Sunshine: Hang your feeders in areas that receive plenty of sunlight, as these bright and lively birds love basking in the sun.
Shelter: Provide some shelter near the feeders, such as trees or bushes, which will offer protection from predators and create a safe spot for finches to perch while they eat.
Weather Guard: Installing a weather guard over your feeders will protect the seeds from rain and prevent them from drying out or becoming stale.
Squirrel-Proof: To prevent squirrels and other unwanted critters from accessing your bird feeders, hang feeders at least 10 feet away from tree branches or install squirrel-proof devices. For more tips on protecting bird feeders from squirrels, read this article.

Choosing the Best Bird Food for Finches

Finches primarily feast on seeds, though they also enjoy insects and other tiny creatures.

Let’s dive into the seed types to serve them.

Finch-Friendly Seeds

A variety of seeds can be used to effectively attract finches to your yard. Some popular choices are Nyjer seeds and sunflower seeds. These seeds are high in oil content, making them an ideal food source for small-beaked birds like finches.

Nyjer seeds, also known as thistle seeds, are particularly popular with finches due to their small size and high nutritional value.

Another option is black oil sunflower seeds. These seeds are also high in oil content and are easy for finches to pick up with their small beaks. In addition, planting flowers like sunflowers and thistles can help attract finches, as they naturally feed on the seeds of these plants.

Finally, you can also offer millet to attract finches.

It’s important to ensure that the seeds you provide are fresh, as brown and stale-looking seeds will not be attractive to finches. Remember to keep an eye on the seed productive season to make sure you’re providing fresh seeds.

Avoiding Unwanted Birds

While it’s important to provide seeds that attract finches, it’s also important to avoid foods that may attract unwanted birds, such as blue jays.

One way to do this is by opting for safflower seeds. These seeds have a slightly bitter taste, which may deter some larger birds like blue jays, while still being palatable to finches.

Another strategy is to keep your feeding area clean. Regularly clear up any spilled seed and debris on the ground, as this can help deter larger, less-desirable bird species.

Providing a clean and tidy environment is not only beneficial for attracting finches but also for maintaining their health and ensuring they continue to visit your yard.

How to Set Up the Right Habitat

A habitat with various plants, water sources, and nesting opportunities will encourage these beautiful birds to visit your yard more often.

Plants for Finches

Grasses: Finches enjoy tall grasses, such as millet and sorghum, which provide seeds for them to eat and a natural cover from predators.
Flowering plants: These birds love flowers like coneflowers, sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, and zinnias, where they can find seeds and nectar.
Additional plants: Don’t forget to provide materials like cottonwood fluff, cattails, and milkweed, which can provide the finches with nesting material and places to hide.

Shrubs and Trees

Lots of trees and shrubs will create an attractive finch habitat. These plants offer shelter, cover, and nesting opportunities for finches.

Dogwood: This multi-seasonal tree provides finches with bright fruit in the fall and dense cover for nesting.
Elderberry: This shrub produces clusters of small berries that finches enjoy eating.
Hawthorn: Known for its beautiful flowers and edible fruit, hawthorns are an excellent choice for all finch species.
Willow: As versatile trees with a dense growth habit, willows offer shelter and nesting locations for finches.

Water Sources

Finches need access to fresh water for drinking and bathing. Setting up a simple water source in your yard can attract finches and keep them coming back. A few ideas include:

Birdbaths: These shallow basins provide clean water for finches to drink and bathe in.
Fountains: A gentle flow of water can attract finches, as the sound of moving water is appealing to birds.
Shallow ponds: A small pond or water garden can offer finches a place to swim, drink, and clean their feathers.

Providing Additional Finch Attractions

Bird Baths and Fountains

To attract finches and make your backyard more enticing to these beautiful birds, be sure to include a water source. A bird bath or fountain can serve as an excellent attraction for finches.

Make sure the water is clean and fresh to provide the birds with a reliable drinking and bathing source.

Finches are particularly drawn to moving water sources, so consider adding a dripper or installing a fountain to make it more appealing.

Birds like American Goldfinches prefer shallow water, so maintain a depth of about 1-2 inches in the bird bath. It is critical to clean the bird bath regularly to prevent the spread of disease and ensure that it remains an attractive water source for finches.

Colorful Ribbons and Accessories

Finches, especially American Goldfinches, are attracted to bright colors and visual cues.

This is why adding colorful ribbons to your backyard or near your bird feeders in shades like bright reds, purples, and oranges can draw finches in. The movement of the ribbons in the breeze can signal safety and the presence of other birds.

Additionally, planting colorful and downy plants such as willows and goldenrods can provide finches with an appealing and natural environment.

These plants offer more than just visual appeal; they also supply shelter, moisture, and food sources for finches. The small beaks of finches allow them to easily feed on the seeds of downy plants.

Maintaining a Healthy Environment

Cleaning and Maintaining Feeders

To successfully attract finches, it is paramount to keep your feeders clean and free from bacteria. A clean feeder will not only be more attractive to finches but also prevent the spread of diseases among backyard birds.

Regularly clean feeder tubes and socks, using a mild solution of warm water and bleach. This will help eliminate any bacteria or mold that may be present.

Here are some easy steps for cleaning your feeders:

Empty the feeder and dispose of any remaining seeds.
Create a solution of one part bleach to nine parts warm water.
Soak the feeder tubes, socks, and other components in the solution for about 10-20 minutes.
Gently scrub the feeder with a soft brush, ensuring you reach all the nooks and crannies.
Rinse thoroughly to remove any chemical residue.
Allow the feeder to air dry completely before refilling with fresh seeds.

Remember that backyard birders should avoid using harsh chemical treatments on feeders to maintain a safe environment for finches.

Deterring Predators and Ensuring Safety

Creating a secure environment for finches is just as crucial as providing the right food. It would help to keep predators, such as cats, at bay by strategically placing the feeders near trees or shrubs. This allows the finches to feel more at home while providing quick access to shelter if needed.
Another great way to ensure the safety of finches is to create natural barriers around feeders. Planting tall, dense bushes or installing fences can provide additional layers of protection from predators.
Be mindful of other possible dangers, and make sure there are no other potential hazards, such as rivers or steep drop-offs, that may pose a threat to the birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of food is best to attract finches?

Finches absolutely love Nyjer seed due to its high oil content, which provides a great source of energy for these active birds. Black oil sunflower seeds and thistle seeds are also known to be popular among finches.

Which types of flowers can draw finches to my garden?

Planting seed-bearing flowers can attract finches to your yard. Some great options include sunflowers, coneflowers, and zinnias.

These plants not only provide seeds for finches, but also add aesthetic appeal to your garden.

Which style of feeder is most suitable for finches?

There are a few types of suitable feeders specifically designed for finches, such as feeder tubes, socks, and finch stations.

Sock feeders are especially easy for the little birds to access, as they can cling to the mesh while feeding on the seeds inside.

Do finches prefer specific colors for their feeders?

Finches are drawn to bright colors, particularly yellow. Using yellow feeders or tying colorful ribbons around your yard can help attract these lively birds.

What can I do to increase finch visits to my feeder?

To make your feeder more appealing to finches, ensure it is placed in a safe and quiet area, away from their predators.

Keep the feeder clean, well-stocked with seed, and weatherproof for the best results. Additionally, installing a birdbath and keeping it clean can also encourage finches to visit your yard.

Do finches have seasonal preferences for feeding?

Finches can be found throughout the year; however, certain species, such as the American goldfinch, may be more active during specific seasons.

It’s critical to provide a consistent food source and suitable habitat for finches all year round to encourage their presence in your yard regardless of the season.