The Northern Cardinal, with its striking red plumage, is a familiar and cherished sight in many backyards. Understanding their dietary habits is important for their well-being and for those who wish to attract them.
Natural Food Sources
Northern Cardinals are omnivorous, consuming a varied diet primarily consisting of seeds, fruits, and insects. Seeds form a major part of their diet, including those from wild grasses and weeds, along with tree seeds like sumac. They possess strong, thick beaks specifically adapted for cracking open large seeds, such as sunflower and safflower seeds. Their diet also includes a wide array of wild berries and fruits:
- Dogwood
- Wild grape
- Hackberry
- Northern bayberry
- Winterberry
- Hawthorn
- Serviceberry
- Mulberries
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Blackberries
Insects also comprise a significant portion of their diet, particularly during warmer months. Cardinals forage for various insects:
- Beetles
- Grasshoppers
- Caterpillars
- Ants
- Flies
- Spiders
- Centipedes
- Snails
- Crickets
- Katydids
- Cicadas
This protein-rich food source is especially important during the breeding season. They forage extensively while hopping on the ground or within low bushes, though they will also search higher in trees.
Dietary Shifts Throughout the Year
A Northern Cardinal’s diet adapts to the changing availability of food sources across different seasons. During the spring and summer breeding season, insect consumption increases substantially to provide essential protein for nesting activities and for feeding their young. Nestlings are fed almost exclusively insects, such as caterpillars, for their high protein needs.
As summer progresses into fall, their diet shifts to a greater reliance on fruits and berries, which become abundant. During the colder winter months, when insects are scarce, cardinals primarily consume plant material. This shift includes various seeds, waste grains, and dormant insect larvae.
Offering Food to Cardinals
For those wishing to attract Northern Cardinals to their yards, providing suitable food and feeder types is effective. Cardinals show a strong preference for black oil sunflower seeds due to their high fat content and easy-to-crack shells. Safflower seeds are another favored option, often appreciated by cardinals while being less appealing to squirrels and certain other birds. Cracked corn and shelled peanuts also serve as excellent food choices.
Regarding feeders, cardinals prefer sturdy structures that allow for comfortable perching. Platform feeders, hopper feeders, and tube feeders with large perches are recommended as they provide ample space for these relatively large songbirds. Placing feeders near dense shrubs or trees offers protective cover, making cardinals feel more secure while feeding. Additionally, small chunks of suet can be offered, particularly during colder months, as it provides a valuable source of fat and protein to help them maintain energy levels.
Harmful Foods and Hydration
While offering supplemental food can benefit cardinals, it is important to avoid certain items detrimental to their health. Processed human foods, such as chips or candy, and salty snacks should never be given to cardinals, as they can cause significant health issues. The following near feeding areas also pose a serious threat and should be avoided to prevent contamination of their food and water sources:
- Chemicals
- Insecticides
- Herbicides
- Fertilizers
Beyond food, access to clean, fresh water is essential for Northern Cardinals. Water is crucial not only for drinking but also for bathing, which helps maintain their plumage. Providing a consistent water source, especially during extreme temperatures or when natural sources freeze, supports their health. Moving water, such as from a bird bath with a dripper, can be particularly attractive to them.