The Northern Cardinal is one of North America’s most recognizable backyard visitors, its brilliant red plumage making it a favorite sight at feeding stations. Choosing the right seed is a constant challenge for homeowners. Many bird feeders struggle to balance attracting songbirds with dealing with unwanted guests that consume seed too quickly. This often leads bird enthusiasts to explore alternative seed types that offer a more selective menu.
Cardinal Preference for Safflower Seeds
Yes, Northern Cardinals readily consume safflower seeds. These seeds provide excellent nutrition, including approximately 38% fat and 16% protein, supplying a high-energy diet. Although the seeds have a hard, white shell, the cardinal’s thick, cone-shaped beak is perfectly adapted to crack the tough outer layer to access the rich meat inside.
Safflower is often considered a secondary preference compared to black oil sunflower seeds, which are the universal favorite for many species. However, cardinals will reliably eat safflower, especially when it is the sole seed type offered. Birds possess fewer taste buds than mammals, allowing them to tolerate the seed’s slightly bitter flavor. This willingness to consume the seed, despite the mild bitterness, makes safflower a strategic feeding option for backyard birders.
The Deterrent Power of Safflower
The primary motivation for selecting safflower seed is its ability to deter unwanted visitors. Common backyard pests, including squirrels and chipmunks, find the natural compounds in the safflower hull unpalatably bitter. This taste aversion means these foraging mammals often leave safflower feeders untouched, moving on to find less bitter food sources.
This selective rejection also extends to several species of nuisance birds known for dominating feeders. European Starlings and Common Grackles generally avoid safflower seed. Using safflower creates a targeted feeding environment that favors species like the cardinal, minimizing competition from these aggressive flocking birds. The hard shell may also limit the number of species that can successfully feed on it, as it is difficult for birds with weaker beaks to open.
Optimal Safflower Feeding Strategies
To maximize the success of feeding cardinals with safflower, the right equipment and placement are necessary. Cardinals are larger songbirds that prefer to perch comfortably, so they do best with feeders offering an open, stable surface. Hopper feeders and platform or tray feeders are ideal choices because their design accommodates the cardinal’s size and feeding style.
If using a tube feeder, select one with larger feeding ports and extended perches to allow easy access. Feeder placement is also important; cardinals feel safer feeding when close to protective cover, such as dense shrubs or trees. Keeping the safflower seed dry prevents spoilage, as wet seed can quickly develop mold harmful to birds. Regularly cleaning the feeder and ensuring the seed stays fresh encourages consistent visits.