One of my favorite ways to make our backyard feel more inviting is by attracting birds.
Between gardening, planting flowers, and adding simple outdoor decor, bird feeders are one of those small touches that make a big difference.
Not only do they bring color and movement to your yard, but they can also help support local bird populations throughout the year (as does a cute bird bath too!).
The best part is that you don’t need to spend a fortune on store-bought feeders.
Many of the cutest and most creative bird feeders can be made with items you already have at home.
From rustic wooden feeders to simple upcycled projects made from mason jars, tin cans, and pinecones, there are plenty of easy ways to create a bird-friendly backyard.
Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend DIY, a project to do with your kids, or a way to add more charm to your garden, these DIY bird feeder ideas are sure to inspire you.
Before we get into the projects, let’s look at a few supplies you’ll want to keep on hand.
And remember, birds needs these bird feeders in the fall and winter so make sure to keep these bird feeders filled up!
Materials to Keep Handy for DIY Bird Feeders
Before getting started, gather a few basic supplies. Many bird feeder projects use a combination of these materials:
Basic Supplies
- Twine or jute rope
- Wire
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun (my favorite)
- Drill
- Small hooks
- Wooden dowels
- Popsicle sticks
- Paint and paintbrushes
- Mason jars
- Plastic bottles
- Tin cans
- Wooden scraps
- Terracotta pots
- Pinecones
Natural Materials
- Sticks and branches
- Bamboo pieces
- Driftwood
- Acorns
- Large seed pods
- Coconut shells
Bird Food Supplies
- Birdseed mix
- Black oil sunflower seeds
- Nyjer seed
- Cracked corn
- Peanuts
- Dried fruit
- Mealworms
- Suet
Cute & Easy Bird Feeders You Can Make
If you want to attract cheerful chickadees, colorful finches, curious blue jays, or bright cardinals, these DIY bird feeder ideas will help transform your backyard into a bird-friendly oasis.
1. Pinecone Bird Feeder
This classic bird feeder is inexpensive, kid-friendly, and can be made in just a few minutes. You can make a few of these as they aer popular with the birds.
Materials
- Large pinecone
- Peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter)
- Birdseed
- Twine
Instructions
- Tie a piece of twine around the top of the pinecone.
- Spread peanut butter over the entire pinecone using a butter knife.
- Pour birdseed onto a plate or tray.
- Roll the pinecone through the seed until fully coated.
- Hang from a tree branch where birds can easily spot it.
- 2. Mason Jar Hanging Feeder
This farmhouse-inspired feeder looks beautiful hanging from a pergola or shepherd’s hook.
And, it’s easy to make in an afternoon. Have fun! Be warned, this is a bit messy as the finished product.
2. Mason Jar Bird Feeder
This rustic mason jar bird feeder is an easy upcycling project that adds charm to your backyard while providing a steady source of seed for visiting birds. A mason jar is attached to a chicken feeder base, creating a simple gravity-fed feeder that’s both practical and decorative.
Materials
- Quart-sized mason jar
- Screw-on chicken feeder base (you can get them on Amazon easily)
- Strong waterproof adhesive (such as E6000)
- Pot lid with handle (optional for hanging)
- Birdseed
Instructions
- Clean and dry the mason jar thoroughly.
- Glue the jar to the pot lid and allow it to dry completely.
- Fill the jar with birdseed and screw on the feeder base.
- Turn the feeder upright and hang it from a hook or shepherd’s pole.
3. Teacup Bird Feeder
Perfect for cottage gardens and vintage decor lovers.This leans very much like a whimsical Alice in Wonderland look too!
Materials
- Vintage teacup
- Matching saucer
- Waterproof adhesive
- Twine or chain
Instructions
- Glue the teacup onto its side on the saucer.
- Allow the adhesive to cure completely.
- Attach twine or chain around the saucer.
- Fill the cup and saucer with seed.
- Hang from a sturdy tree branch.
4. Orange Peel Bird Feeder
A natural, biodegradable feeder birds will love. It’s great for the environment and you don’t have to worry about throwing it away either.
Materials
- Orange
- Twine
- Birdseed
Instructions
- Cut an orange in half and scoop out the fruit.
- Punch four small holes around the rim.
- Thread twine through the holes to create a hanger.
- Fill with birdseed.
- Hang outdoors and replace when the peel begins to break down.
5. Milk Carton Bird Feeder
If you want a great recycling project for kids, try this milk carten bird feeder.
I’m sure your children will love making these bird feeders.
Materials
- Empty milk carton
- Craft knife
- Paint
- Twine
- Birdseed
Instructions
- Wash and dry the carton.
- Cut large feeding openings on opposite sides.
- Paint and decorate as desired.
- Punch holes near the top and thread twine through.
- Fill with seed and hang outdoors.
6. Wooden Platform Feeder
For more wild birds in your backyard, try this bird feeder. It’s ideal for attracting cardinals, blue jays, and doves.
If you don’t want squirrels attach it to a long pole.
Materials
- Wooden board
- Four short wood pieces
- Screws
- Drill
Instructions
- Build a shallow tray with low sides.
- Attach four legs or mount on a post.
- Sand rough edges.
- Add birdseed directly onto the platform.
- Place in an open area of the yard.
- Bonus: drill drainage holes for when it rains
7. Wine Bottle Bird Feeder
This elegant feeder adds charm to any garden. And who doesn’t want a little chic in their garden?
Materials
- Empty wine bottle
- Wooden base
- Small feeding tray
- Bottle holder
Instructions
- Secure the bottle upside down to a wooden frame.
- Position a tray beneath the bottle opening.
- Fill the bottle with birdseed.
- Allow seed to slowly flow into the tray.
- Mount or hang outdoors.
8. Coconut Shell Feeder
If you have a coastal theme in your home, then why not extend it to your bird feeder?
This tropical-inspired feeder that blends naturally into the landscape.
Materials
- Coconut shell halves
- Rope
- Drill
- Birdseed
Instructions
- Drill three holes around the coconut shell.
- Thread rope through the holes.
- Tie the ropes together above the shell.
- Fill with seed.
- Secure the top half for shade and rain
- Hang from a tree branch.
9. Popsicle Stick Birdhouse Feeder
This adorable feeder resembles a tiny birdhouse. Plus, your children will love making these too!
Materials
- Popsicle sticks
- Hot glue gun
- Paint
- Twine
Instructions
- Glue popsicle sticks into a small tray.
- Build walls and a simple roof.
- Paint if desired.
- Attach hanging twine.
- Add birdseed inside the feeder.
10. Bundt Pan Bird Feeder
For a creative bird feeder try this bundt pan one! The center hole makes hanging easy.
Materials
- Old bundt pan
- Chain or rope
- Birdseed
Instructions
- Thread chain through the center hole.
- Secure tightly.
- Fill the pan with seed.
- Hang level from a tree branch.
- Refill as needed.
11. Tin Can Bird Feeder
A colorful and budget-friendly project for any family to do. It’s simple and easy to make too!
Materials
- Empty tin can
- Paint
- Rope
- Wooden dowel
Instructions
- Remove labels and clean the can.
- Paint with outdoor paint.
- Glue a dowel across the opening for a perch.
- Thread rope through the can.
- Hang horizontally and add seed.
12. Terracotta Pot Lighthouse Feeder
I love terracotta! Why not make one into a lighthouse bird feeder? Adds cottage garden charm to flower beds.
Materials
- Terracotta pots
- Paint
- Saucer
- Metal rod
- Birdseed
Instructions
- Stack pots upside down on a rod.
- Paint each pot red or blue with a window to make it look like a lighthouse
- Attach a saucer underneath.
- Secure everything tightly.
- Fill the saucer with seed.
- Place in the garden.
13. Wreath Bird Feeder
Who says you can’t holidize a bird fefdder? A festive feeder that works year-round.
Materials
- Wreath bird feeder
- Birdseed
- Suet mixture or balls
Instructions
- Form wire into a wreath shape.
- Press seed mixture onto the frame.
- Allow to harden.
- Hang outdoors for birds to enjoy
14. Plastic Bottle Feeder
For a simple project try this simple beginner bird feeder. It doesn’t have a lot materials and the assembly is straight forward.
Materials
- Plastic bottle
- Wooden or plastic spoons
- Craft knife
- Birdseed
Instructions
- Cut holes through the bottle.
- Slide spoons through opposite sides.
- Make small openings above the spoon bowls.
- Fill with seed.
- Hang from a tree.
15. Colander Bird Feeder
It’s always a good thing when you can recycle old kitch accessories. This feeder doubles as garden decor.
Materials
- Vintage metal colander
- Wire flower basket
- Chain
- Birdseed
Instructions
- Attach chains evenly around the colander.
- Hang securely.
- Fill with seed.
- Enjoy the decorative look.
More DIY Bird Feeders to Make
Here are some more ideas you can try this summer!
16. Teacup Umbrella Bird Feeder
17. Stacked Teacup Bird Feeder
18. Lovely Glass Tray Bird Feeder
19. Mini Basket Bird Feeder
20. Cute Terracota Bird Feeder
21. Triangle Bird Feeder
22. Large Plastic Bottle
23. Cookie Tin Bird Feeder
24. Muffin Tray Bird Feeder
25. Plastic Milk Carton Bird Feeder
Make a Bird Feeder Today!
There ya go! I hope you liked this list of creative bird feeders you can make. With just a few material things, you can make cute, whimsical bird feeders.
Just make sure to supply your bird feeder and give the birds more feed in the fall and winter!
