Independent, research-based buying guides for backyard birders
Reader-supported · we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases
Home › Feeder Types › Tube Feeders
Feeder Types · Roundup
Feeder Types · Best-of Roundup
Best Tube Bird Feeders (2026)
Tube feeders suit small seed-eating birds such as finches and chickadees. We compared five well-known models on ports, capacity, cleaning and mounting, using manufacturer specs from Amazon listings and Project FeederWatch's feeder 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.
Quick Answer
A tube feeder is a hollow cylinder with feeding ports and perches. Project FeederWatch notes that short perches suit small birds such as finches and exclude larger birds like grackles and jays. Pick a model with a removable base for cleaning and ports sized for your seed.
Our five picks differ mainly in capacity (about 1 to 5 pounds of seed), port count (four to six) and cleaning design. Squirrels will empty any of them unless the pole is baffled.
Five tube feeders compared
How this guide was made: research-based and AI-assisted, then editor-reviewed. We have not tested these feeders hands-on. Specs come from each Amazon listing. Check the listing for current price, dimensions and warranty.
Largest capacity
Droll Yankees Yankee Tipper (YCPT-360)
A 17-inch tube with four ports that holds up to five pounds of seed. The listing describes a metal base and cap, a UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube, an internal baffle that spreads seed to all ports and a weight-activated design meant to deter squirrels. Who it is for: feeding stations where you want fewer refills. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a small, simple feeder (it holds up to five pounds).
View on AmazonEasy cleaning
Aspects Quick-Clean Seed Tube (395)
A medium tube with a 1.25-quart capacity and four hex-shaped feeding stations. Die-cast metal caps pair with a clear UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube, and the removable base and built-in seed deflector are meant to let birds reach the last seed and make cleaning quick. Who it is for: people who clean often. Who should skip it: anyone needing more than the 1.25-quart capacity.
View on AmazonMost ports per dollar of listing detail
Stokes Select Jumbo Seed Tube
Six feeding portals, an open tube design for maximum seed capacity and a built-in socket that mounts to a 1-inch pole. The rooftop design of the portals sheds rain to help keep seed dry. Who it is for: yards that want six ports on a 1-inch pole. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a removable-base cleaning design (not stated in the listing).
View on AmazonSix ports, looped perches
Woodlink Audubon 6-Port Tube (NATUBE12)
A 15-inch plastic tube with six ports and four fully looped perches that holds about two pounds of seed. The roof lifts for filling and cleaning, and a wire hanger is included. Who it is for: hanging use with looped perches. Who should skip it: anyone who prefers a metal tube, since this one is plastic.
View on AmazonCompact metal tube
Perky-Pet Metal Tube Feeder (391)
A powder-coated metal tube with six plastic ports and perches that holds up to one pound of mixed or black oil sunflower seed. Perches and base are removable for cleaning. Who it is for: small yards that want a compact metal tube. Who should skip it: anyone who wants to fill several pounds at a time (it holds up to one pound).
View on AmazonHow do you choose a tube feeder?
Four decisions matter more than any single spec.
Port size and perch length
Project FeederWatch says feeders with short perches accommodate small birds such as finches but exclude larger birds such as grackles and jays. Nyjer (thistle) seed needs special small ports to prevent spillage, so do not put it in a standard sunflower tube.
Capacity
Capacity runs from about one pound to five pounds in this group. A large tube means fewer refills but older seed, so match it to how fast your birds empty it. FeederWatch notes tube feeders keep seed fairly dry.
Cleaning
Look for a base or perches that come off without tools. A feeder you can take apart in under a minute gets cleaned more often, which matters for bird health.
Mounting and squirrels
Hang a tube from a pole with a baffle, or choose a weight-activated design. Our squirrel guides cover both approaches.
Tube bird feeder questions
Which birds use tube feeders?
Small seed-eating birds, such as finches. Project FeederWatch says short perches on tube feeders accommodate small birds and exclude larger ones like grackles and jays.
Can I put nyjer (thistle) seed in any tube feeder?
No. FeederWatch notes that special small feeding ports are required for nyjer seed to prevent spillage. Use a feeder made for it.
Are tube feeders squirrel-proof?
Most are not. A few, such as weight-activated designs, are built to deter squirrels. Otherwise mount the feeder on a pole with a baffle.
Related guides
More guides: how to clean a bird feeder
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.
Photo: American goldfinch by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
Last verified October 2026 · Next review January 2027