Cardinals are mid-sized songbirds frequent visitors to backyards and suburban gardens, often spotted at feeders year-round. Many people seeking to host a nesting cardinal pair look for a traditional, enclosed birdhouse, but this approach is unlikely to succeed. Cardinals are not cavity nesters, meaning they will not use a house with a small entrance hole like bluebirds or wrens. Instead, attracting a cardinal for nesting requires providing an open nesting shelf or platform that mimics their natural environment. This specialized structure, combined with proper placement, offers the necessary security and accessibility the female cardinal requires.
Understanding Cardinal Nesting Preferences
Cardinals have a specific and consistent nesting behavior that explains why they avoid enclosed boxes. They are classified as “open nesters,” preferring to build their cup-shaped nests in dense, protective foliage. The female constructs the nest primarily from twigs, grass, and bark strips, strategically wedging it into a fork of small branches or a tangle of vines. This open-air approach allows the incubating female a clear view of her surroundings, a defense mechanism against predators.
In the wild, these nests are typically located low to the ground, ranging from as little as one foot up to 15 feet high. The female lines the outer layer of coarse twigs with softer materials like grass and pine needles. Because of this preference for open, well-concealed sites, any artificial structure must replicate the security of dense shrubbery without obstructing the bird’s view or flight path.
Designing the Ideal Cardinal Nesting Platform
Since cardinals do not use traditional birdhouses, the structure required is an open-fronted nesting shelf. This platform provides a stable base and overhead cover while allowing the bird unrestricted access. The base of the platform should offer ample space for the nest cup and the adult bird, with recommended dimensions ranging from 6×8 inches to 8×10 inches.
A low lip or side barrier, no more than one or two inches high, should be included on the platform’s front and sides to prevent eggs or young from rolling out. Above the nesting surface, a slanted roof is a necessary feature, extending at least four inches past the platform’s edge. This overhang offers shelter from direct sun and heavy rain. The platform should also include small drainage holes in the floor to prevent water accumulation after storms.
Choosing the right material is important for both durability and bird safety. Untreated wood, such as cedar or pine, is preferred because it is weather-resistant and lacks the chemical odors that can deter nesting birds. If a finish is used, it should be a natural or dark color that helps the structure blend into the surrounding foliage. The final product is essentially a small, three-sided lean-to with a secure roof.
Mounting and Locating the Platform for Success
The structure should be mounted between four and 15 feet off the ground, aligning with the height range cardinals naturally choose for their nests. This elevation helps provide protection from ground predators while still being accessible to the birds.
The platform must be positioned in a quiet, secluded area, ideally within dense foliage like a thick shrub, vine tangle, or evergreen tree. Cardinals rely on nearby cover for quick escape, making proximity to dense brush a strong factor in site selection. When attaching the platform to a pole or post, installing a predator guard is recommended to deter climbing animals like snakes and squirrels.
Orientation matters, as the open front should face away from prevailing winds and the harshest afternoon sun. Cardinals are highly territorial during breeding season, so the platform should be placed away from busy areas, including active bird feeders. While cardinals frequently visit feeders, they prefer to keep their nesting sites separate from high-traffic feeding zones to maintain a sense of security. If the first location is unsuccessful, moving the platform to a different spot with better cover may encourage a pair to utilize it in the next breeding season.