The Northern Cardinal is a non-migratory bird, meaning it remains in the same area throughout the year, even when temperatures drop significantly. Unlike species that fly south, cardinals must continuously forage to fuel their high metabolism against the intense cold of winter. This year-round residency makes maintaining energy reserves during short, cold days and long, frigid nights a matter of survival. Their smaller body size and the need to shiver for thermoregulation increase their daily energy expenditure, requiring a consistent intake of calorie-dense foods.
Primary High-Energy Winter Foods
The most effective food to offer cardinals in winter is Black Oil Sunflower Seed (BOSS), which provides a high concentration of fat necessary for insulation and energy production. BOSS seeds are superior to striped sunflower seeds because their thinner shells are easier for the cardinal’s strong beak to crack quickly. The kernel inside BOSS is rich in oil, protein, and fiber, making it an efficient fuel source for maintaining body heat.
Another high-calorie option is suet, which consists of rendered animal fat that is easily digestible and provides immediate energy. Suet cakes, particularly those with added peanuts or seeds, are excellent because they are composed almost entirely of fat and protein. Cracked corn also serves as a beneficial supplement, offering carbohydrates that contribute to the necessary high-calorie winter diet.
Safflower seeds are also favored by cardinals and provide a high-fat content similar to sunflower seeds. Safflower’s slightly bitter taste is generally disliked by squirrels and certain nuisance birds, helping to ensure the food remains available for the cardinals. Providing a variety of these high-energy options helps ensure the birds can meet their increased caloric needs throughout the coldest months.
Foraging for Natural and Emergency Meals
When natural food sources are covered by snow or human-provided feeders are empty, cardinals turn to the environment to find sustenance. They forage for dried berries and fruit that may persist on native shrubs and trees throughout the winter. Plants like sumac, holly, and elderberry are valuable because their dried fruit remains accessible and provides carbohydrates and hydration.
Cardinals also search for seed heads remaining on native plants like coneflower, thistle, and sunflowers left standing in gardens. Their strong, cone-shaped beaks are adapted for crushing these tough seeds. They supplement this plant-based diet by probing bark crevices and leaf litter to find dormant insects, spiders, or insect larvae, which provide an important source of protein.
Water and Roosting Requirements for Winter Survival
Beyond food, access to fresh, unfrozen water is necessary for a cardinal’s winter survival. Birds require water not only for drinking but also for maintaining their plumage, which is essential for effective insulation. When natural sources freeze, a heated bird bath ensures continuous access to water for hydration and feather preening.
Roosting requirements are met by seeking dense, protective cover, as cardinals do not use birdhouses or cavities for warmth. They prefer the thick branches of evergreen trees, such as pines and spruces, or dense, thorny shrubs. This foliage acts as a windbreak and creates a microclimate that helps the birds trap heat, allowing them to conserve energy.
At night, cardinals often fluff their feathers to create an insulating layer of air near their bodies, which minimizes heat loss. This behavior, combined with sheltered roosting sites, helps them survive the coldest hours of the night. The cover also provides refuge from nocturnal predators, enhancing their sense of security.
Optimal Feeder Placement and Maintenance
For winter feeding success, the type and placement of the feeder are as relevant as the food itself. Cardinals prefer stable feeding platforms, such as hopper or tray feeders, which allow them to perch comfortably while accessing the seeds. Unlike smaller birds, they generally avoid tube feeders with small perches because their size requires more space.
Feeders should be strategically placed near dense cover, such as evergreen shrubs, but not directly in them. Positioning the feeder approximately ten feet from cover provides the cardinals with a quick escape route from predators while preventing predators from using the cover for ambush. Consistency in refilling is important, especially in the late afternoon, to allow the birds to stock up on calories before the overnight temperature drop.
Regular maintenance is necessary during winter to prevent the spread of disease and ensure food quality. Snow and ice can quickly spoil seeds, so cleaning the feeder and removing wet, clumped food is a regular task. This vigilance ensures that the high-energy food remains safe and accessible, maximizing the cardinal’s chances of survival during harsh conditions.