Cardinals, with their vibrant plumage and melodious songs, are a welcome sight in any backyard. Attracting these beautiful birds to your feeder isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it also supports their well-being, especially during harsh weather conditions. But what exactly should you offer these feathered friends? The key to a successful cardinal feeder lies in understanding their dietary preferences.
Understanding the Cardinal Diet
Before diving into specific food options, it’s helpful to understand the cardinal’s natural diet. These birds are primarily seed-eaters, but their diet also includes fruits, berries, and insects, particularly during the breeding season. This varied diet provides them with the necessary nutrients for survival and reproduction.
Cardinals are not ground feeders. They prefer to feed off of elevated platforms such as tree branches.
Seasonal Dietary Shifts
The cardinal’s diet changes with the seasons. In the winter, when insects and fruits are scarce, they rely heavily on seeds and nuts. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects and berries to provide protein and other essential nutrients for themselves and their young. This seasonal shift highlights the importance of offering a variety of foods in your feeder.
Understanding these seasonal changes allows you to tailor your offerings to best meet their needs throughout the year.
The Best Seeds for Cardinals
Seeds are the cornerstone of a cardinal’s diet, particularly during the colder months. Offering the right types of seeds is crucial for attracting and sustaining these birds.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: A Cardinal Favorite
Black oil sunflower seeds are arguably the most effective seed for attracting cardinals. These seeds are high in fat and calories, providing essential energy, especially during winter. Their thin shells are easy for cardinals to crack open, making them a readily available food source. The high oil content is also beneficial for maintaining healthy feathers.
Another benefit is that black oil sunflower seeds appeal to a wide variety of birds, increasing the overall biodiversity in your backyard.
Safflower Seeds: A Close Second
Safflower seeds are another excellent choice for cardinals. They are similar in size and shape to sunflower seeds, but have a slightly thicker shell. While cardinals can still crack them open, many other birds, such as squirrels and starlings, tend to avoid them. This makes safflower seeds a great option if you want to attract cardinals while deterring less desirable visitors.
Safflower seeds are also rich in fat and protein, providing a valuable source of nutrition.
Other Seed Options
While black oil sunflower and safflower seeds are the top choices, other seeds can also attract cardinals. These include:
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Striped Sunflower Seeds: Cardinals can eat these, but they prefer the black oil variety due to the thinner shell.
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White-Striped Sunflower Seeds: Similar to striped sunflower, these are less preferred but still consumed.
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Hulled Sunflower Seeds (Sunflower Hearts/Chips): These are easy for cardinals to eat since the shells are already removed, and they eliminate the mess of discarded shells. However, they are more expensive.
Avoid using mixes with a lot of filler seeds like millet, cracked corn, and wheat, as these are less attractive to cardinals and often go to waste.
Beyond Seeds: Expanding the Cardinal Menu
While seeds are essential, supplementing your cardinal feeder with other food options can provide a more balanced and attractive diet.
Nuts: An Energy-Rich Treat
Nuts are a great source of protein and fat, providing cardinals with a concentrated source of energy. Peanuts (shelled or unsalted in-shell) are a popular choice.
Offer nuts in a platform feeder or a specialized nut feeder with wire mesh. Make sure the nuts are unsalted and free of additives.
Fruits and Berries: A Natural Delight
In their natural habitat, cardinals enjoy fruits and berries. Offering these in your feeder can add variety to their diet, particularly during the breeding season.
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Berries: Offer fresh or dried berries like blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries.
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Small Pieces of Apple or Grape: Cardinals will happily consume these fruits, especially if they are cut into small, manageable pieces.
Consider planting native berry-producing shrubs and trees in your yard to provide a natural food source for cardinals throughout the year.
Insects: Protein Power for Breeding Season
During the breeding season, cardinals require a higher protein intake to support egg production and chick development. Offering insects can help meet this need.
- Mealworms: These are a great source of protein and can be purchased dried or live.
- Crickets: Similar to mealworms, crickets provide a high-protein boost during the breeding season.
Offer insects in a small dish or platform feeder. Live insects may be more attractive to cardinals.
Choosing the Right Feeder for Cardinals
The type of feeder you use can significantly impact your success in attracting cardinals. Cardinals are relatively large birds and prefer feeders that offer ample space and a stable perch.
Platform Feeders: A Cardinal’s Preferred Perch
Platform feeders are ideal for cardinals because they provide a large, flat surface where the birds can comfortably perch and feed. Choose a platform feeder with good drainage to prevent seeds from becoming soggy.
Tube Feeders with Large Perches
Tube feeders can also attract cardinals, but it’s crucial to choose one with large, sturdy perches. The perches should be wide enough for cardinals to comfortably grip and feed.
Hopper Feeders: Offering Protection from the Elements
Hopper feeders, also known as house feeders, offer some protection from the rain and snow, keeping the seeds dry and accessible. Choose a hopper feeder with wide perches to accommodate cardinals.
Avoid feeders that are too small or have flimsy perches, as these may discourage cardinals from using them.
Feeder Placement and Maintenance
Where you place your feeder and how well you maintain it are crucial factors in attracting and keeping cardinals coming back.
Location, Location, Location
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Proximity to Cover: Place your feeder near trees or shrubs where cardinals can easily escape from predators.
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Sheltered Spot: Choose a location that is protected from strong winds and direct sunlight.
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Visibility: Ensure the feeder is visible to cardinals, allowing them to easily spot it.
Regular Cleaning: Preventing Disease
Regular cleaning is essential for preventing the spread of disease among birds. Clean your feeder at least once every two weeks, or more often if it becomes dirty or wet.
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Empty the feeder and discard any old seeds.
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Scrub the feeder with hot, soapy water.
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Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before refilling.
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Consider using a bird-safe disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria or fungi.
Preventing Pests: Keeping Squirrels and Other Intruders Away
Squirrels and other pests can quickly deplete your feeder and discourage cardinals from visiting.
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Squirrel-Proof Feeders: Invest in a squirrel-proof feeder that prevents squirrels from accessing the seeds.
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Baffles: Use baffles to block squirrels from climbing up the feeder pole.
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Location: Place the feeder away from trees, fences, and other structures that squirrels can use to jump onto it.
Creating a Cardinal-Friendly Environment
Beyond providing food, you can create a backyard environment that is attractive to cardinals.
Plant Native Trees and Shrubs
Native trees and shrubs provide cardinals with natural food sources, shelter, and nesting sites. Consider planting species like:
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Dogwood: Provides berries and nesting sites.
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Hawthorn: Offers berries and thorny protection.
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Serviceberry: Produces edible berries.
Provide a Water Source
Cardinals need access to fresh water for drinking and bathing. Provide a bird bath or a shallow dish of water, and keep it clean and filled.
Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides can harm birds and reduce their food supply by killing insects. Avoid using pesticides in your yard.
Troubleshooting: Why Aren’t Cardinals Visiting My Feeder?
If you’re not seeing cardinals at your feeder, there could be several reasons.
Competition
If your feeder is dominated by other birds, cardinals may be hesitant to visit. Consider adding a second feeder to reduce competition.
Food Preferences
Ensure you’re offering the right types of food. Black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds are the most attractive to cardinals.
Feeder Placement
Make sure your feeder is located in a suitable spot, near cover and away from predators.
Cleanliness
A dirty feeder can deter birds. Clean your feeder regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
Time of Year
Cardinals may be less visible during the summer months when natural food sources are abundant.
By understanding cardinal dietary preferences, providing the right types of food, choosing the appropriate feeder, and creating a welcoming environment, you can successfully attract these beautiful birds to your backyard and enjoy their presence throughout the year.
What is the most effective type of sunflower seed to attract cardinals?
Black oil sunflower seeds are the top choice for attracting cardinals. Their thin shells make them easy to crack, even for birds with less powerful beaks. They are also high in oil content, providing a valuable source of energy, particularly during colder months and migration periods. Offering these seeds consistently will quickly establish your feeder as a reliable food source for cardinals.
Striped sunflower seeds are larger and have thicker shells, which some cardinals may find more challenging. While they will eat them if black oil seeds are unavailable, prioritizing black oil sunflower seeds will significantly increase your chances of drawing cardinals to your feeder. You can also offer a mix of both types, but ensure black oil seeds make up the majority of the blend.
Besides sunflower seeds, what other foods do cardinals enjoy?
Cardinals are not solely reliant on sunflower seeds and have a varied diet. White-striped safflower seeds are another excellent option, often preferred over sunflower seeds by cardinals in areas where squirrels are a problem, as squirrels tend to avoid them. They also enjoy peanuts (especially shelled peanuts or peanut hearts), cracked corn, and berries when available.
Offering a variety of these foods alongside sunflower seeds will create a more appealing and nutritious feeding station for cardinals. Consider adding a suet feeder, especially during the winter, as suet provides a high-fat, high-energy source. Berries, either fresh or dried, can also be added to platform feeders or offered on berry trays.
What type of feeder is best for attracting cardinals?
Tube feeders with larger perches or platform feeders are ideal for cardinals. Tube feeders should have sturdy perches that allow cardinals to comfortably grip while feeding, as they are larger birds. Look for models with larger feeding ports specifically designed for sunflower seeds and peanuts.
Platform feeders offer ample space for cardinals to land and feed, making them a comfortable and accessible option. Ground feeding is also an option, but it can attract unwanted visitors like rodents. Regardless of the feeder type, ensure it is easily accessible to cardinals and placed in a location that provides some cover, like nearby trees or shrubs.
How high should a feeder be placed to attract cardinals?
Generally, placing feeders at a height of around 5 to 6 feet off the ground is ideal for attracting cardinals. This height provides a balance between accessibility for the birds and protection from ground predators. It also allows you to easily monitor and refill the feeder.
Consider the surrounding environment when determining the optimal height. If there are low-hanging branches or shrubs nearby, you may need to adjust the height to ensure the feeder is visible and accessible to cardinals. Positioning the feeder near natural cover allows cardinals to feel safe and secure while feeding.
How often should I clean my bird feeder to prevent disease spread among cardinals?
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent the spread of disease among cardinals and other birds. Ideally, you should clean your bird feeder at least once every two weeks, or more frequently if you notice signs of mold, mildew, or excessive debris. A clean feeder promotes a healthy feeding environment for your feathered visitors.
To clean your feeder, disassemble it and scrub all parts with hot, soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow it to dry completely before refilling. You can also disinfect the feeder with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) before rinsing and drying. This helps to kill any lingering bacteria or fungi.
What can I do to deter squirrels from eating the food intended for cardinals?
Squirrels can be a nuisance at bird feeders, often consuming large amounts of food meant for cardinals. Using squirrel-resistant feeders is a good starting point. These feeders are designed with cages or baffles that prevent squirrels from reaching the food while allowing birds to access it.
Placing the feeder away from trees, fences, and other structures that squirrels can use to jump from can also help. A baffle, either cone-shaped or cylindrical, attached above or below the feeder can prevent squirrels from climbing up the pole. Offering safflower seeds, which squirrels tend to dislike, can also help to discourage them from visiting the feeder.
Are there plants I can grow in my yard to further attract cardinals?
Yes, planting native shrubs and trees that provide food and shelter can significantly enhance your yard’s appeal to cardinals. Berry-producing plants like serviceberry, dogwood, and hawthorn offer a natural food source, especially during the fall and winter months. These plants also provide cover for cardinals to escape predators and nest.
Consider planting dense shrubs like evergreens and thickets to provide safe nesting sites and roosting areas for cardinals. These natural elements create a welcoming habitat that encourages cardinals to establish themselves in your yard. Adding a bird bath with fresh water will further enhance your landscape’s attractiveness to these beautiful birds.