How to Attract Bushtits
Bushtits are tiny, gray-brown, long-tailed birds that travel in busy, chattering flocks across the West. A flock can cover a suet feeder for a few minutes, then vanish into the shrubs.
Offer suet
Bushtits eat mostly insects, but they flock to suet, especially in winter. A small suet cage is perfect for them.
High-fat suet cakes that fit standard suet cages. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees rely on fat like this to get through cold nights.
Check price on Amazon for C&S High Energy Suet Cakes (12-pack) (opens Amazon)Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees happily hang upside down to eat. Starlings and grackles mostly don't, so the suet goes to the birds you want.
Check price on Amazon for Birds Choice Upside-Down Suet Feeder (opens Amazon)Plant shrubs and native trees
Oaks, willows, and dense native shrubs are full of the tiny insects bushtits eat. They also hang their sock-like nests in shrubs and trees.
Add water
A shallow bird bath brings whole flocks in to drink and bathe together.
Birds notice moving water from far away. This floating solar pump turns any bird bath into a small fountain in spring and summer, with no wiring.
Check price on Amazon for AISITIN 2.5W Solar Bird Bath Fountain Pump (opens Amazon)Frequently asked questions
Where do bushtits live?
Across the West, from the Pacific Coast to the Rockies and Texas.
Why do bushtits travel in flocks?
Flocks of 10 to 40 birds forage together and keep in touch with soft calls. They even huddle together on cold nights.
Do bushtits eat seed?
Not much. Suet and insects are what they're after.
Not sure which feeder fits your yard?
Answer three quick questions and we'll match you with the right setup.