The Northern Cardinal is one of the most recognizable and sought-after birds for backyard enthusiasts due to the male’s brilliant red plumage and the species’ year-round presence across much of the eastern United States. Attracting them is a common goal for many setting up a feeding station. Cardinals are relatively large songbirds with a distinct seed-cracking beak, and they naturally forage on the ground, which influences their feeder preferences. Understanding their dietary and physical requirements is the most effective way to encourage them to visit regularly.
The Preferred Cardinal Diet
The most effective seed for attracting Northern Cardinals is the black oil sunflower seed. These seeds are a superior food source because their thin shells are easy for the cardinal’s strong, conical beak to crack open, unlike the tougher striped sunflower seed. The kernel inside the black oil variety is packed with a high oil content, providing the birds with the necessary fats and calories, especially during colder months or the demanding breeding season.
Another highly recommended option is safflower seed, which cardinals enjoy because it is rich in protein and fat. A significant benefit of safflower is its slightly bitter flavor, which nuisance birds like grackles and European starlings, along with most squirrels, tend to avoid. Offering safflower creates a less competitive feeding opportunity for cardinals and other desirable songbirds.
Cardinals also readily accept crushed peanuts and cracked corn for supplemental energy and variety. Peanuts are high in fat and protein, making them an excellent offering, especially if shelled or crushed for easier consumption. Cracked corn is also an acceptable food source, particularly when scattered on the ground where cardinals prefer to forage.
Feeder Types for Cardinal Comfort
The physical size of the Northern Cardinal dictates a preference for stable and spacious feeding platforms. Cardinals are heavier than many common backyard birds, and they require a sturdy place to land and feed comfortably. They generally avoid small, lightweight hanging feeders that sway significantly under their weight.
The best structures are platform feeders, tray feeders, and large hopper feeders that feature extended perches or trays. These designs allow the cardinal to stand flat-footed on a wide surface, mimicking their natural ground-foraging posture. Hopper feeders are popular because they store a large quantity of seed and often include a roof to protect the food from rain.
Tube feeders are less ideal for cardinals, who often struggle to perch sideways at the small ports. If using a tube feeder, it should be equipped with extra-large perches or specialized “cardinal rings” that allow the bird to face the feeder directly. The cardinal’s generous size and long tail mean they need ample space to maneuver without feeling constrained.
Seeds to Avoid and Why
To ensure the feed is efficiently consumed, eliminate filler seeds often found in generic birdseed mixes. The primary culprits are seeds like milo and red millet, which are included to bulk up the mix but are largely ignored by cardinals. Cardinals typically toss these less-preferred seeds aside while searching for desirable sunflower or safflower.
This selective feeding wastes seed and attracts rodents or other pests beneath the feeder. By purchasing specialized blends or straight seeds, such as black oil sunflower or safflower, you ensure nearly all the product is consumed. Avoiding these fillers saves money in the long run and helps maintain a cleaner feeding area.
Optimizing Feeder Location
Feeder placement is an important factor in encouraging cardinals to visit, as they are naturally cautious birds. Cardinals prefer to feed in locations that offer quick access to dense cover, such as nearby trees or thick shrubs. This protective foliage provides a safe staging area where they can observe the environment before approaching the feeder, and allows for a quick retreat from potential predators.
Placing the feeder approximately 10 feet from this cover provides security without offering squirrels an easy jumping-off point. Cardinals are known to be some of the earliest and latest visitors, arriving around dawn and feeding again at dusk. They feel more secure with shelter nearby during these low-light periods. A birdbath or other source of fresh water close to the feeding station can also make your yard more attractive, as cardinals frequently drink and bathe.