The Northern Cardinal, with its striking appearance and year-round presence across much of the eastern United States, is a highly sought-after visitor for backyard bird enthusiasts. Attracting them reliably requires understanding their specific habits and preferences regarding the type of feeder and food they consume. This guide offers advice on selecting and placing feeders to successfully welcome this popular songbird to your outdoor space.
Feeder Design Features Cardinals Prefer
Cardinals are medium-sized songbirds, and their physical attributes strongly influence the kind of feeder they find comfortable and secure. Unlike smaller finches or chickadees, cardinals do not prefer to cling to small, unstable perches while feeding. Their body size and weight mean they require a substantial, steady surface to land and eat.
The most effective feeder designs offer a wide, flat feeding area, such as platform feeders, tray feeders, or ground feeders. These open designs mimic the cardinals’ natural tendency to forage on the ground or on stable branches, allowing them to stand upright comfortably. Hopper feeders with large, built-in trays also work well because they provide the necessary space and stability.
Feeders with small, narrow perches, particularly tube feeders, are generally unsuitable for cardinals. The birds prefer to face forward while feeding, and the restricted space on a standard tube feeder makes accessing the ports difficult. When selecting a feeder, look for a sturdy structure that minimizes swaying, as the bird’s weight, averaging around 1.5 ounces, can make lightweight feeders feel insecure.
The Cardinal Diet: Preferred Seeds and Foods
The strong, cone-shaped beak of the Northern Cardinal is perfectly adapted for cracking large, tough seeds, which guides their dietary preferences at feeders. The single most effective food for attracting cardinals is Black Oil Sunflower Seed (BOSS). This seed is highly nutritious, packed with fat and protein, and its relatively thin shell is easy for the cardinal’s beak to open.
Another preferred food is Safflower Seed, which is often a strategic choice for birders. While cardinals readily consume safflower, other common backyard birds and deterrent species like grackles and squirrels typically find its bitter taste unappealing. Offering safflower can help ensure the food is available specifically for the cardinals.
Cardinals also enjoy other larger grain-based foods, which supplement their diet and provide energy, particularly in colder months. Cracked corn is a popular option, as are crushed peanuts or small chunks of suet. Since they are natural ground foragers, scattering a small amount of preferred seed directly on the ground or a tray near the feeder can encourage shyer cardinals to approach.
Optimal Feeder Placement and Environment
Feeder placement is nearly as important as the feeder itself in successfully attracting cardinals, as these birds are naturally shy and cautious. Cardinals prefer to feed in locations that offer a quick escape route from potential predators. They are much more likely to visit a feeder situated near dense shrubs, trees, or thick evergreen foliage.
It is best practice to position the feeder about 5 to 10 feet away from this protective cover. This distance allows the birds to quickly retreat to safety while preventing predators, such as house cats, from using the cover to launch a surprise attack. The recommended height for the feeder itself is between 5 and 6 feet off the ground.
This height offers a balance between easy access for the cardinals and protection from ground-level predators. If using a platform or tray feeder, regular cleaning is necessary to prevent seed spoilage and the spread of pathogens, such as Salmonella. Providing a secure and reliably clean food source will ensure these birds become consistent visitors to your backyard.