7 Best Feeders for Offering Dried Fruit in 2026

Cedar Waxwings are among the most elegant birds you can attract to your backyard. These sleek birds with their silky plumage, yellow belly tips, and distinctive waxy red wingtips create a stunning visual display. They travel in large flocks and their soft, high pitched trills make them a joy to watch and hear.

But here is the challenge. Cedar Waxwings are not typical seed eating birds. They are frugivores, which means their diet consists primarily of fruit and berries.

This makes them a bit trickier to attract compared to cardinals or chickadees. You need the right type of feeder that can hold dried fruit, fresh berries, and other fruit based offerings.

Key Takeaways:

• Cedar Waxwings eat fruit year round, making them different from most backyard birds. You need feeders that can hold dried fruit, raisins, cranberries, and fresh fruit pieces rather than seeds or suet alone.
• Platform feeders work exceptionally well for Cedar Waxwings because these birds prefer to land on flat, open surfaces where they can see their surroundings. The wide landing area accommodates their flocking behavior.
• Spike style fruit feeders allow you to offer orange halves, apple pieces, and other large fruit chunks. Cedar Waxwings will perch and feed directly from these spikes, creating excellent viewing opportunities.
• Combination feeders that hold both jelly and fruit attract not only Cedar Waxwings but also orioles, tanagers, and other fruit loving species. This increases your chances of seeing diverse bird activity.
• Placement matters significantly. Cedar Waxwings prefer feeders near berry producing trees or shrubs where they feel protected. Position feeders with clear sightlines and close to natural cover for best results.
• Consistency is crucial when attracting Cedar Waxwings. Keep your feeders stocked with fresh or dried fruit regularly, especially during late summer, fall, and winter when natural food sources become scarce.

Wild Delight Advanced Formula Bugs N Berries Bird Food

This product is technically a bird food blend rather than a feeder, but it deserves mention because it pairs perfectly with any Cedar Waxwing feeder. The Wild Delight Bugs N Berries formula contains real dried berries, raisins, and insect protein that Cedar Waxwings love.

The blend includes black oil sunflower, peanuts, tree nuts, berries, and calcium enriched insects. This combination attracts not just Cedar Waxwings but also bluebirds, robins, woodpeckers, and other fruit eating species. The added insects provide essential protein during breeding season.

You can use this blend in any platform feeder, tray feeder, or hopper style feeder. The dried fruit pieces are appropriately sized for Cedar Waxwings to eat easily. Many customers report seeing increased Cedar Waxwing activity within days of offering this blend.

The 4.5 pound bag provides substantial value and lasts several weeks depending on bird activity. The food remains fresh longer than fresh fruit, which spoils quickly in outdoor conditions. This makes it ideal for year round feeding.

Pros:

• Contains real dried berries and fruit that Cedar Waxwings prefer
• Includes insect protein for complete nutrition
• Attracts multiple fruit eating bird species
• Long shelf life compared to fresh fruit
• Excellent customer reviews with 4.3 rating

Cons:

• Not a feeder itself, requires separate feeder purchase
• Some spillage possible with smaller seeds in mix
• Price point higher than basic seed mixes

Hanging Bird Feeder Tray Platform Metal Mesh

This metal mesh platform feeder is one of the most versatile options for attracting Cedar Waxwings. The open tray design allows you to place dried fruit, raisins, chopped apples, and berries directly on the feeding surface. Cedar Waxwings can easily land and feed together in small groups.

The mesh bottom provides excellent drainage, which is critical when offering fruit. Fresh and dried fruit can absorb moisture from rain or dew, and without proper drainage, the food becomes moldy quickly. The mesh design prevents water accumulation and keeps fruit fresher longer.

This feeder hangs from a sturdy chain and can hold a generous amount of fruit offerings. The lightweight metal construction means it will not rust or deteriorate quickly in outdoor conditions. The hanging design also deters squirrels and larger birds from dominating the feeder.

Installation is simple. You can hang this feeder from tree branches, shepherd hooks, or porch eaves. The open design provides 360 degree access, allowing multiple Cedar Waxwings to feed simultaneously. This accommodates their flocking behavior beautifully.

Pros:

• Open platform design perfect for fruit offerings
• Excellent drainage prevents mold and spoilage
• Accommodates multiple birds feeding together
• Rust resistant metal construction
• Amazon’s Choice product with 4.4 rating
• Affordable price point under $10

Cons:

• No weather protection for food
• May attract squirrels if positioned incorrectly
• Requires regular cleaning to maintain hygiene

Kingsyard Adjustable Platform Bird Feeder with Dome Top

The Kingsyard platform feeder takes things up a notch with its adjustable dome top that provides weather protection. This feature is particularly valuable when offering dried fruit because it keeps the food dry during rain and extends its freshness. Cedar Waxwings appreciate the protected feeding environment.

The metal tray construction is durable and easy to clean. The raised edges prevent fruit pieces from blowing away in wind. The tray is deep enough to hold substantial amounts of dried fruit, raisins, or chopped fresh fruit without spillage.

What makes this feeder exceptional is the adjustable height dome. You can raise or lower the protective cover to accommodate different bird sizes. For Cedar Waxwings, position the dome to allow easy access while keeping larger birds like crows or jays out. This ensures your fruit offerings go to the intended visitors.

The green powder coated finish looks attractive in garden settings and resists rust and corrosion. The feeder hangs securely from a sturdy cable and has good weight capacity. Multiple Cedar Waxwings can perch on the rim and feed comfortably.

Pros:

• Weather protection keeps fruit dry and fresh
• Adjustable dome height controls which birds can access
• Large capacity tray holds generous fruit portions
• Durable metal construction with rust resistant finish
• Excellent 4.6 rating from nearly 2000 reviews
• Attractive design enhances backyard aesthetics

Cons:

• Higher price point around $29
• Dome may need adjustment for optimal Cedar Waxwing access
• Slightly heavier making hanging position important

Kettle Moraine Recycled Single Oriole Orange Fruit Stick Feeder

This spike style fruit feeder offers a completely different approach to feeding Cedar Waxwings. The single metal spike allows you to impale orange halves, apple quarters, or even push dried fruit onto the spike. Cedar Waxwings will perch on the wooden base and feed directly from the fruit.

The recycled plastic construction makes this feeder environmentally friendly and extremely durable. It will not rot, crack, or deteriorate from weather exposure. The simple design requires minimal maintenance while providing years of reliable service.

Cedar Waxwings are particularly attracted to orange colored objects, possibly because many of their natural food sources are orange or red berries. This bright orange feeder naturally draws their attention. Once they discover the fruit offering, they return regularly.

The feeder includes a hanging cable for easy installation. Position it near shrubs or trees where Cedar Waxwings feel comfortable approaching. The vertical design takes up minimal space but provides excellent viewing opportunities as birds cling to the feeder.

Pros:

• Unique spike design holds fruit securely
• Bright orange color attracts fruit eating birds
• Made from recycled materials, environmentally conscious
• Extremely durable, weather resistant construction
• Amazon’s Choice with 4.3 rating
• Affordable at around $15.50
• Easy to clean and refill

Cons:

• Holds only one piece of fruit at a time
• Requires more frequent refilling
• Some bird species may find vertical feeding challenging

Nature’s Way All in One Oriole Buffet Bird Feeder

The Nature’s Way Oriole Buffet is a comprehensive fruit feeding station that offers multiple food presentation methods in one feeder. It includes jelly cups, fruit spikes, and a built in dish. This variety gives Cedar Waxwings different feeding options and increases the chances they will find something appealing.

The bright orange color scheme serves as a visual attractant. Cedar Waxwings respond well to warm colors that remind them of their natural berry food sources. The feeder’s design allows multiple birds to feed simultaneously without crowding.

The removable glass dish is perfect for offering chopped dried fruit, raisins, or cranberries. The dish is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. The fruit spikes accommodate orange halves or apple quarters. The jelly cups work well for grape jelly mixed with small dried fruit pieces.

This feeder offers exceptional value because it functions as three feeders in one. You can experiment with different food offerings and see which attracts the most Cedar Waxwings. Many customers report success attracting multiple fruit eating species with this versatile design.

Pros:

• Three different feeding options in one unit
• Removable, dishwasher safe components for easy cleaning
• Bright color attracts fruit eating birds
• Accommodates multiple birds feeding together
• Strong 4.3 rating from over 2400 reviews
• Great value under $15

Cons:

• Plastic construction less durable than metal
• Orange color may fade over time with sun exposure
• Jelly cups require regular cleaning to prevent fermentation

Wild Wings Rot Resistant Cedar Hanging Tray Bird Feeder

This natural cedar wood platform feeder combines beauty with functionality. The rot resistant cedar construction provides a sturdy, attractive feeding platform that blends seamlessly into natural backyard environments. Cedar Waxwings often prefer feeders that look more natural rather than brightly colored plastic.

The generous tray size offers ample space for spreading out dried fruit offerings. You can create an attractive display of raisins, dried cranberries, chopped apples, and dried berries. The raised edges contain the food while allowing easy access from all sides.

The cedar wood has natural preservative properties that resist rot, decay, and insect damage. This means the feeder maintains its appearance and structural integrity for many seasons. The wood also provides excellent grip for bird feet, making feeding more comfortable.

The removable mesh screen bottom sits inside the tray and provides drainage while catching smaller food pieces. You can remove the screen for thorough cleaning. The feeder hangs from a sturdy cable and includes a protective roof that can be positioned over the tray for weather protection.

Pros:

• Beautiful natural cedar wood construction
• Rot resistant, long lasting durability
• Large tray accommodates multiple birds
• Natural appearance blends into backyard settings
• Excellent 4.6 rating from 3500 reviews
• Removable screen for easy cleaning
• Affordable at around $17

Cons:

• Wood requires more maintenance than metal or plastic
• Natural color may attract more squirrels
• Heavier weight requires secure hanging point

Oriole Feeder for Outdoors Hanging with Gift Box

This premium HDPE plastic oriole feeder represents the high end option for Cedar Waxwing feeding. The durable plastic construction resists cracking, fading, and weather damage. The feeder includes multiple feeding stations with fruit holders and a large glass bowl for dried fruit offerings.

The six ounce glass bowl is substantial enough to hold significant quantities of dried fruit, raisins, or fruit nut mixes. The glass is easy to clean and does not retain odors or stains like plastic can. Cedar Waxwings can perch comfortably on the rim and access the food easily.

The integrated fruit holders accommodate orange halves or apple quarters. Multiple feeding options mean you can offer variety, which keeps Cedar Waxwings interested and returning regularly. The feeder’s design allows several birds to feed simultaneously without conflict.

This feeder arrives in a gift box, making it an excellent choice for bird watching enthusiasts. The construction quality is evident immediately. The 4.9 rating from customer reviews reflects the superior design and performance. While more expensive, the durability and effectiveness justify the investment.

Pros:

• Premium HDPE plastic construction, extremely durable
• Large 6 ounce glass bowl for dried fruit
• Multiple feeding stations accommodate flock feeding
• Outstanding 4.9 customer rating
• Comes in gift box, perfect for gifting
• Fade resistant, maintains appearance
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Higher price point at $36
• Larger size requires more hanging space
• Glass bowl requires careful handling during cleaning

Combining Multiple Feeder Types for Best Results

Using several different feeder styles simultaneously increases your chances of attracting Cedar Waxwings and keeping them as regular visitors. Each feeder type offers advantages that appeal to different aspects of their behavior.

A platform feeder serves as your primary offering station. Load it with mixed dried fruit including raisins, cranberries, dried blueberries, and chopped dried apples. This provides the bulk of your fruit offering and accommodates flock feeding behavior well.

Add a spike style fruit feeder for fresh fruit offerings. Impale orange halves, apple quarters, or pear slices. Cedar Waxwings enjoy the variety and the fresh fruit provides moisture along with nutrition. This combination of dried and fresh fruit mimics natural feeding conditions.

Include an oriole style feeder with jelly cups. Fill the cups with grape jelly or mix jelly with small dried fruit pieces. This sticky sweet offering attracts Cedar Waxwings and provides quick energy. Position this feeder slightly away from the others to spread bird activity across your yard.

Monitor which feeders get the most action and adjust your offerings accordingly. You may find Cedar Waxwings prefer one style over others. Once you identify their preferences, focus your efforts on those feeder types while maintaining some variety.

Maintaining Your Cedar Waxwing Feeders

Regular maintenance ensures your feeders remain attractive to Cedar Waxwings and safe for their health. Fruit feeders require more attention than seed feeders because fruit spoils more quickly and can harbor bacteria or mold.

Clean feeders weekly at minimum. Remove old fruit, wash the feeder with hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry completely before refilling. This prevents mold growth and removes bacteria that could sicken visiting birds.

Use a mild bleach solution occasionally for deep cleaning. Mix one part bleach with nine parts water. Soak feeder components for a few minutes, scrub gently, then rinse extremely thoroughly. Any bleach residue is harmful to birds, so rinsing is critical.

Inspect feeders for damage during cleaning. Look for cracks, rust, loose hardware, or sharp edges. Repair or replace damaged components immediately. Cedar Waxwings have delicate feet and damaged feeders can injure them.

Replace fruit offerings before they spoil. In warm weather, dried fruit may need replacing every few days. Fresh fruit should be changed daily or every other day. Spoiled fruit attracts flies and wasps that deter birds from feeding.

What Else Cedar Waxwings Need Besides Food

While feeders are important, Cedar Waxwings need other resources to become regular backyard visitors. Creating a comprehensive habitat increases your success rate significantly.

Water is essential. Cedar Waxwings drink frequently and love bathing. A bird bath with fresh water kept clean attracts them reliably. In winter, a heated bird bath ensures water availability when natural sources freeze. Position the bath near feeders for convenience.

Native berry producing plants provide natural food sources that complement feeder offerings. Consider planting serviceberry, dogwood, winterberry, juniper, hawthorn, or viburnum. These plants produce berries Cedar Waxwings adore and create the natural habitat they prefer.

Nesting sites matter if you want Cedar Waxwings to breed in your area. They nest in trees and shrubs, building cup shaped nests from twigs, grass, and moss. Mature deciduous trees with horizontal branches work well. Avoid excessive pruning that removes potential nesting sites.

Limit pesticide use in your yard. Cedar Waxwings supplement their fruit diet with insects, especially during breeding season. Pesticides reduce insect populations and can poison birds directly. Embrace a more natural yard care approach that supports the entire ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best food to attract Cedar Waxwings to my feeder?

Dried fruit works best for attracting Cedar Waxwings to feeders. Raisins, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, and chopped dried apples are their favorites. You can also offer fresh fruit like orange halves, apple slices, or berries. Combine these with commercial fruit and nut bird food blends that contain real dried berries. Cedar Waxwings eat fruit almost exclusively, so avoid seed based foods.

Do Cedar Waxwings visit feeders regularly or just occasionally?

Cedar Waxwings can become regular feeder visitors, but their patterns differ from seed eating birds. These birds are nomadic and travel in flocks searching for abundant fruit sources. Once they discover your feeders, they may visit daily for weeks or months. Then they might disappear as they move to other food sources. Consistency in offering fresh and dried fruit encourages more regular visits.

What type of feeder works best for Cedar Waxwings?

Platform or tray style feeders work best for Cedar Waxwings because they allow multiple birds to feed together, matching their social flocking behavior. The flat, open surface lets you spread out fruit offerings attractively. Spike style fruit feeders also work well for offering orange halves or apple quarters. Combination feeders with multiple feeding stations accommodate their preference for variety.

When is the best time of year to attract Cedar Waxwings?

Late summer through winter offers the best opportunities for attracting Cedar Waxwings to feeders. Fall months from September through November see increased activity as flocks form and roam widely. Winter feeding from December through March can be highly successful as natural fruit sources become depleted. Early spring before breeding season also brings good feeder activity.

Can I attract Cedar Waxwings if I do not have berry trees in my yard?

Yes, you can attract Cedar Waxwings without berry producing trees, though it is more challenging. Focus on offering generous amounts of dried and fresh fruit in quality feeders. Position feeders near any existing trees or shrubs to provide some cover and comfort. Add a bird bath with fresh water since Cedar Waxwings are attracted to water sources.

How do I keep squirrels and other animals away from fruit feeders?

Squirrels love fruit as much as Cedar Waxwings do, making exclusion challenging. Use feeders with adjustable domes or baffles that allow small birds access while blocking larger animals. Position feeders at least eight to ten feet from trees, fences, or structures that squirrels can jump from. Consider using squirrel proof poles with baffles.