6 Best Mealworm Feeders For Attracting Bluebirds That Starlings Hate
Attract bluebirds, not starlings. Our guide reviews 6 mealworm feeders with starling-proof designs, ensuring smaller songbirds get exclusive access.
You put out a handful of precious, wriggling mealworms, hoping to see the flash of a bluebird’s wing. Instead, a raucous flock of European starlings descends, emptying the dish in under a minute. This frustrating cycle is why choosing the right feeder isn’t just about feeding birds; it’s about selectively feeding the right birds.
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Why Starlings Dominate Standard Mealworm Feeders
Starlings are the bane of many backyard bird feeders for a reason. They are aggressive, intelligent, and travel in large, coordinated flocks that can overwhelm a food source with sheer numbers. Their success comes down to simple biology and behavior.
A starling’s body is stocky, and its legs are strong. This allows them to land on and cling to almost any feeder type, from open trays to suet cages. Unlike the more delicate bluebird, which prefers to perch and carefully select a meal, starlings will crowd, shove, and gobble up everything in sight.
Most basic mealworm feeders are little more than a simple cup or tray. This open-access design is a dinner bell for a starling flock. They can land directly in the dish, block access for smaller birds, and empty it before a bluebird even has a chance. The solution isn’t to stop feeding mealworms; it’s to use a feeder that exploits the starling’s weaknesses.
These weaknesses are their size and their feeding style. Starlings are larger than bluebirds and are generally uncomfortable entering tight, enclosed spaces to feed. Feeders designed with these two facts in mind are your best defense. They create a physical barrier that starlings can’t or won’t bypass, while still allowing bluebirds easy access.
Droll Yankees Caged Feeder: A Classic Defense
The caged feeder is the most direct approach to starling control. The concept is simple: a dish or cup holding the mealworms is surrounded by a wire cage. The openings in the cage are the key.
These openings are typically 1.5 inches square, just large enough for a bluebird, chickadee, or nuthatch to slip through. A starling, however, is too broad-shouldered to fit. They’ll try, of course. You’ll see them cling to the outside, craning their necks, but they simply can’t get to the food.
The main tradeoff here is that you might also exclude other desirable, larger birds like mockingbirds or gray catbirds. Some bluebirds, particularly those new to feeders, can also be timid about entering a cage at first. A little patience and a visible location usually solve this, as they quickly learn it’s a safe, private dining spot.
Birds Choice Feeder: Simple Side-Entry Design
Another effective design relies on restricting access from above. The Birds Choice feeder often uses a clear dome or a solid roof over a feeding dish, with entry holes only on the sides. This simple change in geometry is surprisingly effective.
Starlings prefer to drop down directly onto their food. They are hesitant to fly up and into a side-entry port, especially if it feels enclosed. Bluebirds, on the other hand, adapt to this style quite readily. They will land on the edge or a nearby perch and pop inside for a mealworm.
The clear dome models offer excellent visibility, letting you enjoy the birds without obstruction. The main consideration is that a particularly persistent starling might eventually figure it out. However, it deters the vast majority of the flock, which is the primary goal. It’s a great choice for those who find caged feeders a bit too restrictive.
Erva Starling-Proof Feeder: All-Metal Build
If you’re looking for a feeder that will last a lifetime, the all-metal construction of an Erva feeder is hard to beat. These are built not just to deter starlings but to withstand everything else, from squirrels to raccoons to harsh weather. Think of it as a long-term investment.
Like other caged feeders, the Erva models use wire mesh with 1.5-inch openings to exclude starlings. The difference is the heavy-duty, powder-coated steel construction. Nothing is getting chewed on this feeder. The mealworm dish is often a removable glass cup, which is easy to clean and won’t degrade in the sun like plastic.
This is the "buy it once" option. It might cost more upfront, but you won’t be replacing it in a few years. Its durability and effectiveness make it a practical choice for a hobby farmer who values tools that are built to last. The design is purely functional, prioritizing performance over aesthetics, which is exactly what you need for a tool like this.
Sky Cafe Feeder: Adjustable Dome Protection
The Sky Cafe feeder offers a unique and highly effective form of protection: an adjustable dome. This large, squirrel-proof dome can be raised or lowered over the central feeding tray. The key is to create a specific gap between the dome and the tray.
By lowering the dome, you can create a horizontal opening that is too short for a starling to comfortably fit through. You can fine-tune the height to be perfect for bluebirds. Set it to about 1.5 to 1.75 inches, and you’ll find most starlings are physically blocked, while bluebirds can easily slip underneath.
The main challenge is the initial setup. It requires some observation and adjustment to find the sweet spot. You might need to tweak it a few times. But once you have it dialed in, it’s an incredibly effective and versatile feeder that also offers excellent protection from rain and snow.
Woodlink Caged Screen Feeder for Versatility
For those who like to offer more than just mealworms, the Woodlink Caged Screen Feeder is an excellent, versatile option. It features the standard starling-proof cage, but instead of a solid dish, it has a metal screen bottom.
This screen provides fantastic drainage. If you’re offering live mealworms, it keeps them from sitting in water after a rainstorm. It also allows you to offer other foods like suet nuggets, peanuts, or sunflower seeds without the tray turning into a swampy mess. This flexibility is a major plus.
The cage works on the same principle as others, blocking larger birds. The combination of a protective cage and a well-draining screen floor makes this a robust, all-weather feeding station. It’s a practical workhorse feeder that adapts to different seasons and different bird preferences.
Songbird Essentials Feeder: Clear Viewing
Sometimes, the whole point of feeding birds is to see them. The Songbird Essentials line often includes feeders made from clear polycarbonate or acrylic, designed specifically for maximum visibility. These feeders provide an unobstructed view of the bluebirds as they eat.
The starling-proofing mechanism is typically a dome with side-entry holes, similar to the Birds Choice model. The clear construction seems to make bluebirds feel more secure, as they can see their surroundings while inside. It’s a simple, elegant design that puts the focus on the birds themselves.
The primary tradeoff is durability. While strong, polycarbonate isn’t as tough as powder-coated steel. A determined squirrel or an accidental drop could potentially cause damage. However, for a protected location where viewing pleasure is a top priority, it’s an excellent and effective choice.
Feeder Placement: The Key to Bluebird Success
You can buy the best feeder in the world, but if you put it in the wrong place, the bluebirds won’t come. Feeder placement is just as important as the feeder itself. Bluebirds are birds of open country, and their instincts reflect that.
Place your mealworm feeder in a relatively open area, but with a safe perch nearby. A fence post, a shepherd’s hook, or a low tree branch about 10-20 feet away is ideal. This gives the bluebirds a staging area where they can land, survey the scene for predators, and then fly to the feeder. Avoid placing it deep in the woods or right next to dense shrubs where cats or hawks can hide.
Also, consider separating it from your other, busier feeders. Don’t put your bluebird feeder right next to a sunflower seed feeder mobbed by finches, sparrows, and jays. The constant activity can intimidate the more reserved bluebirds. Give them their own quiet, safe space, and they are far more likely to become regular visitors.
Ultimately, outsmarting starlings isn’t about a single magic bullet feeder, but a thoughtful strategy. By choosing a feeder that leverages their size against them and placing it where bluebirds feel secure, you can turn a frustrating situation into a rewarding one. The goal is to create an invitation for the birds you love, not just a barrier against the ones you don’t.
