Are you tired of your bird feeders getting wet with water and your feathered friends getting soaked in the rain?
Well, worry no more! In this guide, I will share the 5 best bird feeders that are specifically designed to thrive even in the wettest conditions, keeping your feathered friends dry and happy all year round.
Here’s a quick overview of my top picks!
Keep reading until the end to check out my detailed review of the best bird feeders for rainy weather, buying guide, how to feed birds in rainy weather, and information on weather guards for bird feeders.
Note: If you’re in a hurry, here’s the best rain guard for bird feeders available on Amazon. It’s a large rain guard that sits over the bird feeders, protecting the seeds from rainy or snowy conditions. Bonus? It also protects the feeder from squirrels who are always looking to munch away those seeds from bird feeders!
How To Decide Which Bird Feeder Is Best For Rainy Weather? Buying Guide
If you’re a birdwatcher or just like the presence of birds in your yard, you know that rainy weather can make normal bird feeders difficult to use and attractive to birds.
But don’t worry! With a little careful consideration, you can find the perfect bird feeder that is best suited for rainy weather.
First and foremost, look for a bird feeder that has a top cover or baffle to protect the contents from getting soaked in rain.
This is crucial to ensure that the seeds or other feed you put in the feeder remain dry and fresh, and birds have access to a steady supply of food even during wet weather.
The top cover should be large enough to provide adequate protection for the birds while they feed, even when it’s raining heavily.
Durability is another important factor to consider.
Look for a bird feeder that is made of sturdy materials that can withstand heavy rains and windy conditions. Opt for feeders that are made of weather-resistant materials such as metal or durable plastic, as these can endure the elements without deteriorating quickly.
Capacity is also key. Choose a bird feeder that has a good seed-holding capacity so that you don’t have to constantly refill it during bad weather.
Rainy days can make it challenging to frequently go out and refill feeders, so finding one with ample storage capacity can save you time and effort.
Look for feeders with larger seed chambers that can hold a substantial amount of seeds to keep your feathered friends well-fed even during prolonged rainy periods.
Comfort for the birds is another aspect to keep in mind.
Look for a bird feeder that is spacious enough to allow birds to perch and feed comfortably. Avoid feeders that are too small or cramped, as they may discourage birds from using them during wet weather.
Choose feeders with ample perching space and multiple feeding ports to accommodate multiple birds at once, providing them with a comfortable and inviting feeding experience even when it’s raining outside.
#1. Birds Choice Classic Hanging Feeder – Our Top Pick
Key Features:
- Classic tube-style bird-feeder with ample space for feeding.
- Includes a cover to protect the seed and birds from rain, ensuring that the food stays fresh.
- Multiple access holes allow for several birds to feed simultaneously, providing a community-feeding experience.
- Designed to effectively deter squirrels, helping to keep the birdseed exclusive to birds.
Key Specs:
| Specifications | Details: |
| Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 12 inches |
| Material | Steel and Acrylic |
| Color | Green |
| Weight | 2 pounds (907 grams) |
| Holding Capacity | 1.2 gallons (4.5 liters) |
What I Like:
This bird feeder has made it to the top of our list because it hits all the checkboxes. While it may not be as feature-rich as the next bird feeder on our list, or as sturdy as metal bird feeders we’ve included, it excels in being the best-all-round bird feeder suitable for rainy weather.
One of the standout features of this feeder is its large baffle, which not only covers the seeds but also provides shade to the birds. This is important for keeping the seeds dry during rainy days. It’s a perfect bird feeder that protects feed from wind and rain.
Additionally, the seed holding capacity of this feeder is quite impressive.
What I personally love about this feeder is that it has a high success rate at preventing squirrels from accessing the seeds. This is a significant advantage because it prevents unwanted visitors while specifically attracting the feathered friends you’ve set up the bird feeder for.
What I Don’t Like:
It would have been better if the bird feeder was made with a more robust material which would have added to its sturdiness instead of simply using acrylic (plastic) in the majority of structure.
Secondly, there is a small-design related issue which causes the plastic cover (the baffle) to eventually slide down with usage which could block the seed access hole.
But with small tweaks like inserting a few screw or permanently affixing the baffle at a place on the feeder, this shouldn’t be a big issue
Pros And Cons:
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Weather-proof bird feeder | Plastic is used in the construction |
| Squirrel-proof design | The plastic cover can slide down with use |
| Multiple birds can feed at a time | |
| High seed holding capacity |
>> Check Current Price Here (on Amazon)
Why It Is Suitable For Rainy Weather:
The design of the BirdChoice bird feeder doesn’t allow water to get inside and cause any damage to the seeds. So you can be assured that your seeds will stay fresh and dry until your feathered friends have eaten them.
The best part: Not only does it keep the seeds dry, but the dome-like plastic structure mounted on top of the feeder (baffle) also protects the birds from the rain. So, if the birds are hungry, they can enjoy feeding on the seeds even in rainy weather without any worries.
The design of this feeder is such that it can easily withstand heavy rain and stormy conditions.
#2. Netvue Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder – Best Feature-Rich Pick
Key Features:
- Simple bird feeder but with high-tech design.
- Comes along with a 1080p camera to see the birds.
- The camera can identify more than 6000 types of birds.
- App connectivity available which notifies when bird visits.
- You can see the bird in color night vision and 8x magnification.
- The footage is stored automatically and stored in the cloud for free up to a week which can be extended by purchasing a subscription or using an SDcard.
- Using the camera, you can deter unwanted visitors like squirrels through lights, sirens, or voice through microphone.
Key Specs:
| Specifications | Details: |
| Dimensions | 8 x 7 x 11 inches |
| Material | Plastic |
| Color | Blue |
| Weight | 4.6 pounds (2 kilograms) |
| Holding Capacity | 0.4 gallons (1.5 liters) |
What I Like:
One of the things I love the most about this bird feeder is how incredibly easy it is to refill. With just a simple flick of the top cover, you can easily pour in the seeds, and the best part is that you can do it with just one hand!
No need for complicated maneuvers or struggling with heavy lids – it’s a breeze to keep your feathered friends well-fed.
But that’s not all – the camera feature is definitely a game-changer. Imagine being able to view your favorite birds from the comfort of your own home, on your smartphone! It’s like having your very own bird-watching station right at your fingertips.
And the best part is that you can share the footage with other family members, so everyone can enjoy the thrill of birdwatching together.
But what sets this bird feeder apart from the rest is its feature of deterring squirrels. We all know how pesky those little critters can be when they try to steal food from the bird feeder.
But with this feeder, you have the power to deter them using lights, sirens, or even your own voice! It’s a clever and effective way to keep those squirrels at bay and ensure that your feathered friends get all the treats they deserve.
What I Don’t Like:
Unfortunately, the design of the feeder does not offer a 360° viewing experience. So, if too many birds come to your feeder, it may not provide enough space for multiple birds to feed at the same time. However, this is just a minor compromise you have to make to enjoy the benefit of viewing birds directly on your phone through the feeder’s camera.
The second drawback of this bird feeder is its cost. Compared to other feeders, this feeder is relatively expensive. However, it is worth the investment because it offers high-tech and impressive features that are sure to delight you as a birdwatcher.
Pros And Cons:
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Weatherproof bird feeder | Costly than other bird feeders |
| Camera for viewing the birds | May not hold multiple birds at a time |
| Detering system to keep squirrels away | |
| Easy to install and refill |
>> Check Current Price Here (on Amazon)
Why It Is Suitable For Rainy Weather:
The Netvue bird feeder is made of high-quality ABS plastic material, and its structure is weatherproof, so you don’t need to worry about rainy weather. The roof structure will protect the birds from the rain while they are enjoying their meal, and the feeder is spacious enough for birds to perch upon.
#3. Nature Anywhere Window Bird Feeder
Key Features:
- Transparent window bird feeder made with string suction cups
- Simple design like a standard window bird feeder
- Not many parts involved, just a seed holding tray and the bird feeder roof-like structure.
Key Specs:
| Specifications | Details: |
| Dimensions | 9.84 x 4.33 x 9.84 inches |
| Material | Polycarbonate |
| Color | Transparent |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds (680 grams) |
| Mounting Type | Window Mount |
What I Like:
If you live in an apartment or simply want a bird feeder on your window, this bird feeder is the perfect choice. One thing that really stands out is its sturdy feel and strong suction cups that securely hold it in place without any worry.
One of the things I love about window feeders is how easy they are to use. You simply pull out the seed tray, fill it with your desired seeds, assemble it back, and your feeder is ready to go.
The best part is that the transparent design allows you to view the birds feeding through the feeder, adding an enjoyable and interactive element to bird-watching.
Another notable feature of this window bird feeder is that if you place it a few feet away from trees, you won’t have any issues with squirrels. This is a big plus for those who want to keep their bird feed exclusive to birds.
The seed tray is also compartmentalized, allowing you to fill it with different types of seeds or other bird foods, giving you the flexibility to attract various types of birds to your window.
What I Don’t Like:
One thing to keep in mind is that this bird feeder is specifically designed for window placement, so you’ll be limited to assembling it on a window.
Also, unlike classic tube-style hanging bird feeders, which can accommodate multiple birds feeding at once, this window bird feeder may only allow one or few small birds to feed at a time.
However, the transparent design still allows you to enjoy watching birds up close as they visit the feeder on your window.
Pros And Cons:
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Simple and transparent design | Limited to only on-window placements |
| Easy to refill the bird feeder | May not allow a lot of birds to feed at a time |
| Offers good viewing experience | |
| Weather-proof and sturdy |
>> Check Current Price Here (on Amazon)
Why It Is Suitable For Rainy Weather:
The suction cups of this bird feeder hold up well, whether it’s rainy or snowy weather outside. Window feeders are a great choice to feed birds because their structure and design prevent rainwater from getting inside the seed.
The rainwater should drip and flow out from the top of the structure. And the birds will enjoy the warmth and dry seeds in this bird feeder even on a rainy day.
#4. Kingsyard Metal Mesh Weatherproof Bird Feeder
Key Features:
- Nice seed holding capacity
- Weatherproof design
- Surdy structure
- Design suitable for easy refilling
- Compartmentalised seed holder for holding different types of seeds
Key Specs:
| Specifications | Details: |
| Dimensions | 11.89 x 11.85 x 8.27 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Color | Dark Green |
| Weight | 2.79 pounds (1.3 kilograms) |
What I Like:
The first thing I like about this feeder is its unique design – the seed holding container divided into two compartments from the middle. This feature can be very helpful if you want to attract multiple birds with two different types of seeds. You don’t need an extra bird feeder just to have another type of seed, thanks to the compartment feature.
The next best thing I really like about this feeder is how easy it is to fill. You don’t need to unscrew a lot of things to fill the seeds. Simply open the lid, fill in the seeds, and close it – and you’re ready to hang your bird feeder again.
What I Don’t Like:
Some large-sized birds like cardinals can have a hard time fitting in because the distance between the top cover and the perching platform is a bit less. That said, small cardinals and most small or medium-sized birds should be able to easily feed from the bird feeder.
The feeder is not fully squirrel-proof but can work in most cases depending on how you hang it and how squirrels react to the feeder. The baffle at the top is made of sturdy plastic, so it should act as a good guard. However, for extra precaution, I would recommend keeping it a little bit away from the tree trunk.
Pros And Cons:
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Sturdy and durable | May not be suitable for big-sized birds |
| Weather-proof design with top cover | Not fully squirrel proof |
| Compartments for different seed types | |
| Easy to refill the seeds inside the feeder |
>> Check Current Price Here (on Amazon)
Why It Is Suitable For Rainy Weather:
The dome-shaped cover at the top of the feeder is large enough to ensure that your birds can feed from this feeder even on a rainy day. The bird feeder has a sturdy structure, and the plastic dome-like structure protects the seeds from water damage.
The design of the top of the feeder allows water to drip away, so you no longer have to worry about seeds getting soaked in the rain.
#5. Hanging Bird Feeder With Baffle
Key Features:
- Weather-proof
- Sturdy and durable
- Easy to fill and assemble
- Good seed holding capacity
Key Specs:
| Specifications | Details: |
| Dimensions | 14.37 x 9.84 x 9.84 inches |
| Material | Metal |
| Color | Brown |
| Weight | 2.29 pounds (1 kilograms) |
| Holding Capacity | 2 pounds (1 kilograms) |
| Mounting Type | Hanging Mount |
What I Like:
The first thing I like the most about this bird feeder is its seed holding capacity. It can hold about 2 pounds of seeds which is a lot. This feature can be especially helpful when weather conditions are bad and you don’t prefer refilling the feeder every now and then.
The next thing I like the most about this product is its simple, cute, and stylish looks. It has a cute cat cover on the top which can be a nice feature to have especially if you want the bird feeder to be more appealing for the kids to interact with.
There are not too many bells and whistles. Just fill in the seeds, and the birds should feed from the feeder while perching on the wire perches made suitable for the birds. And the brown color of the feeder gives it an elegant look.
What I Don’t Like:
Despite the baffle, the feeder has a low success rate in preventing squirrels from accessing the seeds. Hanging it near a tree or on a pole doesn’t deter squirrels, as they can still land on the bottom tray.
When hanging this bird feeder on a pole, attaching a baffle or dome-shaped structure below the feeder may be necessary for better squirrel protection
Another issue is that filling the feeder daily can be time-consuming. You have to unscrew the top baffle, open the cover, and fill the seeds, instead of a simple open-and-toss process.
Pros And Cons:
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Durable and sturdy design | Not fully squirrel-proof |
| Good seed holding capacity | Filling in the seeds may be a bit time-consuming and difficult |
| Can withstand harsh weather conditions including rainy season | |
| Nice appearance and design |
>> Check Current Price Here (on Amazon)
Why It Is Suitable For Rainy Weather:
Like most other bird feeders I have discussed with you in this guide, this hanging bird feeder also comes with a top cover over the feeder, which protects the contents inside from rain.
The design of the top cover (baffle) is such that rainwater will fall off from the top and won’t affect the seeds inside. This ensures that the birds can enjoy fresh and dry seeds all the time.
In addition to this, the bird feeder also has a waterproof paint coating, which ensures that it can withstand harsh weather conditions during the rainy seasons. Moreover, to protect it from heavy winds and rain, the manufacturer has installed a metal connecting rod in the bird feeder structure, enhancing its sturdiness
How Do You Feed Birds In The Rainy Weather?
Feeding birds in rainy weather requires extra care to keep their food fresh and dry. Here are some rainy-season bird-feeding tips.
Even on rainy days, feeding birds is a wonderful way to add joy and beauty to your backyard. Feeding birds in rainy weather, on the other hand, necessitates extra caution to ensure that the food remains fresh and dry for our feathered companions.
Here are some useful hints for feeding birds during the wet season.
One critical step is to dry the feeders before refilling them. Moisture accumulation can harm seeds and make them less enticing to birds. After a rainstorm, completely dry the feeders before filling them with fresh birdseed. This will assist to keep the meal dry and avoid it becoming soggy.
Another helpful option is to place the feeders in natural shade, such as under a large tree. This will keep the food dry and protect the feeders from severe rain. However, positioning the feeder near a tree should be done with caution because it may attract squirrels who may steal the bird seed.
Consider having a squirrel-proof bird feeder or positioning the feeder away from the tree trunk while still ensuring that the tree shadow protects the feeder from rain.
If possible, install the bird feeder beneath a roof-like structure to provide additional weather protection. This could be a porch, or any other portion of your yard that is covered. Hanging the feeder elevates it, preventing the food from being wet and rotting.
It’s also important not to feed birds on the ground when it’s raining, unless they eat on the ground, in which case you should still feed them on a slightly elevated feeder.
When bird food is thrown on the ground in moist conditions, it can rot and spoil quickly. Choose a hanging bird feeder instead, which will keep the food dry and fresh.
How To Make Your Existing Bird Feeder Rainproof?
So, you already have a bird feeder you love, but you want to ensure it’s protected from the rain? No worries! There are two ways you can do this:
#1. The DIY Route:
Using durable plastic sheets, you can create a rainproof cover for your bird feeder. Look for plastic sheets that are large enough to roll over the top of your bird feeder and attach securely with waterproof tape or glue, forming a roof-like structure.
Water or soda bottles may not be suitable for this purpose due to their small diameters, so try to find larger plastic bottles or containers with broader diameters that can provide adequate coverage.
#2. Purchasing a Weather guard Baffle:
If you prefer not to make your own rainproof cover, you can simply purchase a weather guard cover – like this one available on Amazon.
Attach the baffle to your bird feeder and hang the feeder underneath it. This way, you can save money on buying a new bird feeder if you already have one, and still ensure that your feathered friends have a rainproof place to dine.
Wrapping Up
In short, if you’re willing to invest in a fun, feature-rich bird feeder and have the budget for it, I recommend the Netvue Smart Bird Feeder. Its top cover provides protection against rainy conditions.
However, if you’re seeking a bird feeder that offers superior protection from harsh weather while still providing ample opportunity for birds to feed on seeds and effectively deterring squirrels, I suggest the Birds Choice hanging bird feeder.
If you’re planning to set up a bird feeder near a window of your home, purchasing a window feeder is a great option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for sturdier bird feeders, I recommend the metal bird feeders I mentioned in this guide as they have good durability.
