The Northern Cardinal, recognizable by its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest, is a common visitor to backyard feeders across North America. Safflower seeds are a popular choice for bird enthusiasts. Cardinals readily consume safflower seeds, making them an excellent option for attracting this colorful species. Safflower seeds can help manage the bird population at a feeder by selectively appealing to certain birds, including the cardinal.
The Cardinal’s Preference for Safflower Seeds
Cardinals are drawn to safflower seeds due to their nutritional density and the ease of accessing the inner kernel. Safflower seeds are rich in protein and fat, providing a significant energy source. This high-calorie content is beneficial for non-migratory cardinals, helping them maintain body temperature during colder winter months. The seed’s white hull is relatively soft and easy for the cardinal’s specialized, cone-shaped beak to crack open. Safflower offers a comparable nutritional profile to black oil sunflower seeds, ensuring a rewarding meal for the bird.
Why Safflower Seeds Deter Unwanted Visitors
One of the primary benefits of using safflower seed is its ability to deter certain common feeder pests. The shell possesses a naturally bitter taste that is unappealing to mammals like squirrels, leading them to search for other food sources. Safflower also discourages aggressive bird species, such as European Starlings and House Sparrows, from dominating the feeder. While some avoid the seed due to the bitter taste, others find the hard, thick shell difficult to crack. This selective feeding ensures the high-quality seed is primarily consumed by intended species, including cardinals, chickadees, and doves.
Best Practices for Feeding Safflower
To successfully offer safflower to cardinals, selecting the correct feeder type is important. Cardinals prefer a stable surface for feeding, often favoring open tray or platform feeders. Hopper-style feeders with wide perching areas are also highly effective, offering stability and keeping the seeds protected. Tube feeders can be used, but they should feature larger ports and an attached tray or perch extension. When introducing safflower, mixing it with a small amount of a familiar seed encourages initial acceptance, and placing the feeder near dense foliage offers beneficial cover.
A Cardinal’s Year-Round Diet
While safflower is a welcome feeder addition, it serves as a supplement to the cardinal’s diverse natural diet. Northern Cardinals are omnivores, foraging on the ground or in low bushes for a variety of food items. Their diet consists of wild seeds and grains, which their powerful beaks are perfectly adapted to crush. During the nesting season, insects become a major part of their diet, and they also consume numerous berries and wild fruits that provide the pigments responsible for the male’s red coloration. Feeder seeds are particularly relied upon in the winter when natural food sources are scarce.