As bird feeding has grown in popularity, so has the interest in providing a more diverse diet beyond traditional seeds, including protein-rich insects like mealworms. The answer to whether cardinals enjoy mealworms is a definite yes, as these larvae offer a valuable nutritional boost that supplements their typical seed-based diet. Understanding this preference and how to properly offer them can significantly increase the chances of attracting and supporting these beautiful songbirds.
Cardinal Preference for Mealworms
Cardinals are primarily known as seed-eaters, possessing robust, cone-shaped beaks perfectly adapted for cracking open tough shells like those on sunflower seeds. Despite this specialization, their natural diet is not exclusively plant-based, and they readily consume a variety of insects and other arthropods. This insect-eating behavior is driven by a nutritional necessity, especially the need for high-quality protein.
Mealworms, which are the larval form of the darkling beetle, provide a concentrated source of protein and fat that seeds alone cannot match. This preference for insects is a natural feeding instinct, and offering mealworms simply taps into the cardinal’s need for animal matter in its diet.
Best Practices for Serving Mealworms
When deciding how to offer this high-protein treat, you can choose between live and dried mealworms, each with its own set of considerations. Live mealworms are often more appealing because their wiggling motion attracts a bird’s attention and engages their natural hunting instincts. However, live worms require maintenance, including proper storage and refrigeration to prolong their shelf life.
Dried, or freeze-dried, mealworms are a mess-free, convenient alternative with a much longer shelf life, often lasting several months without refrigeration. To make dried mealworms more palatable and easier to digest, it is recommended to re-hydrate them by soaking them in a small amount of water for 10 to 15 minutes before placing them outside. This process restores some moisture content, making the treat more like fresh prey.
Cardinals prefer open, stable feeding surfaces. The best way to serve mealworms is by placing them in a shallow dish, a tray feeder, or a platform feeder where the birds can perch comfortably. Since cardinals often forage on the ground, sprinkling a small amount in a clean, open ground-feeding area is also an effective method. Offer only a small quantity at a time, such as a tablespoon or two, to ensure they are eaten quickly and do not spoil, which helps maintain a clean feeding environment.
Seasonal Feeding Considerations
While cardinals will accept mealworms year-round, the demand for this protein source increases significantly during specific periods. The most important time is the nesting and breeding season, typically from early spring through summer. During this time, parent cardinals require a massive amount of protein to produce eggs and, more importantly, to feed their young.
Nestling cardinals, which grow rapidly and fledge in just 9 to 11 days, need a diet composed almost entirely of animal matter for muscle and feather development. The adult birds will actively seek out insects, including mealworms, to deliver to their chicks, making your feeder a valuable resource for the entire nesting family. Mealworms are also beneficial in winter, especially during periods of harsh weather when natural insect populations are unavailable. A high-fat and high-protein diet during the cold months helps cardinals maintain their body temperature and energy reserves.