--- title: "Best Platform and Tray Bird Feeders (2026)" url: https://thebirdfeederguide.com/best-platform-and-tray-bird-feeders/ type: post date: 2026-10-13 modified: 2026-10-25 markdown_url: https://thebirdfeederguide.com/best-platform-and-tray-bird-feeders.md author: "The Bird Feeder Guide Editorial Team" --- # Best Platform and Tray Bird Feeders (2026) Independent, research-based buying guides for backyard birders Reader-supported · we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases [Affiliate Disclosure](/about/) [How We Research](/about/) [![](https://thebirdfeederguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tbfg-logo-header-1200w.png)](/) [Smart Feeders](/smart-bird-feeders/) [Feeder Types](/best-tube-bird-feeders/) [Bird Food](/) [Squirrel-Proofing](/best-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders/) [Hummingbirds](/) [Attract Birds](/) [Deals](/) Home › Feeder Types › Platform & Tray Feeders Feeder Types · Roundup Feeder Types · Best-of Roundup # Best Platform and Tray Bird Feeders (2026) A platform feeder is a flat, raised surface where seed is spread, and it draws more kinds of birds than almost any other style. We compared four well-known tray feeders on drainage, materials and cleaning, using manufacturer specs from Amazon listings and Project FeederWatch's guidance. By The Bird Feeder Guide Editorial Team · Research-based; we have not tested these feeders ourselves Updated October 2026 · Specs checked October 2026 **Disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below go to Amazon; we do not show prices because they change. ![Cardinal and house finch eating together at a feeder](https://thebirdfeederguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Cardinal-and-house-finch-at-a-feeder-Joshua-J.-Cotten-Unsplash.jpg) Can platform feeders be used to offer different types of bird food? Yes. An open platform can hold more than one kind of food, and the Wild Wings cedar tray listing says its wide opening lets you offer seed, dried fruit, in-shell peanuts or whole corn. Project FeederWatch says trays attract most species of feeder birds, and a tray placed near the ground is most likely to attract juncos, doves and sparrows. Choose one with plenty of drainage holes, and a roof if you want to keep seed dry. Our four picks include a screen-bottom recycled-plastic tray, a cedar hanging tray with a removable seed tray and a roofed fly-through model. Trays are open, so larger birds and squirrels reach them easily. ## Four platform feeders compared Specs come from each Amazon listing. Check the listing for current price, dimensions and warranty. Recycled and easy to clean ### Birds Choice Recycled Hanging Tray (Small) A shallow frame with a screened bottom and collapsible steel hanging rods, made from maintenance-free recycled material in the USA. The listing says the patented mesh bottom promotes healthy birds and the tray is easy to clean. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WUPSUG?tag=tbfg-20) Drainage screen ### Woodlink Going Green Platform Feeder (GGPLAT) Made of up to 90 percent post-consumer recycled plastic with a powder-coated metal screen bottom for drainage and a hanging cable included. The listing describes sturdy, screwed-together construction made in the USA. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002W8PVWK?tag=tbfg-20) Widest food range ### Wild Wings Cedar Hanging Tray (WWCF23) A rot-resistant cedar tray whose wide opening suits larger birds such as cardinals and jays and lets you offer seed, dried fruit, in-shell peanuts or whole corn. A removable Fresh Seed tray lifts out for easy cleaning. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKWN6ZY?tag=tbfg-20) Roofed shelter ### Birds Choice Fly-Through Feeder with Roof (Medium) A poly-lumber platform with a protective roof meant to keep seed safe from rain and snow, plus an easy-fill design. FeederWatch notes that a roofed platform helps keep seed dry. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00161BI0S?tag=tbfg-20) ## How do you choose a platform feeder? Four decisions matter more than any single spec. ### Drainage FeederWatch says a platform should have plenty of drainage holes so water does not collect. A screen bottom drains on its own and helps seed stay dry. ### Roof or no roof A roof helps keep seed dry. An open tray is easier to fill and clean but is exposed to rain and snow. ### Height Near the ground, trays are most likely to attract juncos, doves and sparrows, per FeederWatch. Hung higher, they suit a wider mix of feeder birds. ### Cleaning Open trays collect droppings and hulls, so choose one with a removable tray or screen you can scrub and rinse often, and offer small amounts of seed. ## Platform feeder questions What is a platform feeder? Any flat, raised surface onto which bird food is spread, according to Project FeederWatch. It should have plenty of drainage holes. Which birds use platform feeders? Most species of feeder birds. FeederWatch says near the ground a tray is most likely to attract juncos, doves and sparrows. Are platform feeders squirrel-proof? No. Open trays are easy for squirrels to reach, so hang them from a pole with a baffle or place them out of jumping range. ## Related guides ### Best Hopper Bird Feeders Four hopper feeders compared. [Read the guide →](/best-hopper-bird-feeders/) ### Best Tube Bird Feeders Five tube feeders compared. [Read the guide →](/best-tube-bird-feeders/) ### How to Keep Squirrels Off Bird Feeders Placement rules and eight methods. [Read the guide →](/how-to-keep-squirrels-off-bird-feeders/) ### Sources and method Specs were read from each product's Amazon listing in October 2026. We have not tested these feeders. Corrections: corrections@thebirdfeederguide.com. [Project FeederWatch (Cornell Lab of Ornithology), Feeder Types: feederwatch.org/learn/feeding-birds/feeder-types/](https://feederwatch.org/learn/feeding-birds/feeder-types/) [Photo: cardinal and house finch at a feeder by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/@jcotten) Last verified October 2026 · Next review January 2027 ![](https://thebirdfeederguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tbfg-logo-dark-1200w.png) The Bird Feeder Guide publishes research-based buying guides to help backyard birders choose durable, safe feeders. We compare manufacturer specs and published reviews and say clearly when we have not tested a product ourselves. #### Feeder Categories [Smart AI Feeders](/smart-bird-feeders/) [Squirrel-Proof Feeders](/best-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders/) [Best Tube Feeders](/best-tube-bird-feeders/) [Best Hopper Feeders](/best-hopper-bird-feeders/) #### Research [How We Research](/about/) [Editorial Standards](/about/) [How to Keep Squirrels Off Feeders](/how-to-keep-squirrels-off-bird-feeders/) [Contact Us](mailto:questions@thebirdfeederguide.com) #### Policies & Legal [Affiliate Disclosure](/about/) [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy/) [Corrections](mailto:corrections@thebirdfeederguide.com) **Affiliate notice:** As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through links on our site we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Commissions never decide what we recommend. Prices and availability change — check the current details on Amazon. © 2026 The Bird Feeder Guide · thebirdfeederguide.com Reader-supported outdoor gear journalism.