The Northern Cardinal is one of the most recognizable backyard birds in North America. They maintain a flexible diet that allows them to thrive across diverse environments and seasons. Cardinals are classified as omnivores, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter. This adaptability is a factor in their widespread success and ability to remain year-round residents throughout much of their range.
The Cardinal’s Primary Plant-Based Diet
The adult cardinal’s diet is predominantly composed of plant material for the majority of the year. This can account for up to 90% of their intake, especially during winter when other food sources are scarce. They forage for a variety of seeds, grains, and wild fruits.
Their robust, cone-shaped beak is adapted to crack open tough husks. Favorite food items include black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, which provide high energy content. Cardinals also consume waste grain, leaf buds, and fruits, such as those from sumac, dogwood, and wild grape plants.
Essential Animal Protein Sources
Although cardinals are commonly seen eating seeds, they rely on animal matter for crucial protein and fat. The “meat” they consume is primarily invertebrates and arthropods, not the flesh of larger animals. These small creatures provide the amino acids that plant matter often lacks.
Their animal menu includes insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and cicadas. They also consume spiders, centipedes, and snails, foraging mostly on the ground or in low shrubs. This protein intake is fundamental for maintaining the adult bird’s plumage health and overall vigor.
Dietary Needs During Nesting Season
The consumption of animal protein peaks during the breeding and nesting period, typically from March through September. This seasonal shift is linked to the nutritional demands of their young. Adults seek out soft-bodied insects and larvae to feed their nestlings.
Developing young birds require a diet nearly exclusive to protein for rapid growth and muscle development. Parents forage for protein-rich items like caterpillars and grubs, which are easier for the nestlings to digest. The male often feeds the fledglings after they leave the nest, allowing the female to begin incubating a subsequent brood.
Catering to Cardinal Diets in the Backyard
Understanding the cardinal’s omnivorous diet allows for effective feeding efforts in a backyard setting. Providing high-energy, easily accessible food sources supports these non-migratory birds year-round. Black oil sunflower seeds are a top choice, but offering variety addresses their need for both plant and animal nutrition.
Supplementing seed with unsalted crushed peanuts or suet cakes provides fat and protein, especially in cold weather. Live or dried mealworms are effective during the nesting season to help parents meet high-protein demands of their young. Since cardinals prefer to feed on stable surfaces, utilizing platform or tray feeders near protective shrubbery will encourage visits.