Cardinals are beloved backyard birds that add a pop of color and vitality with their bright red plumage. Attracting cardinals to your yard with bird feeders allows you to enjoy their beauty up close. But with so many types of bird feeders available, how do you choose the right one for cardinals? The cardinal’s feeding habits and preferences should guide your bird feeder selection.
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Cardinal Feeding Habits
Understanding how cardinals eat and behave at feeders is key to picking the best feeder design and placement. Here are some cardinal feeding facts:
- Cardinals are primarily seed eaters who prefer sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked corn, millet, and peanut hearts.
- They have strong, thick bills adapted for cracking hard seeds and nuts.
- Cardinals feed throughout the day, with peak activity in early morning and late afternoon.
- They prefer to eat on larger flat or tray-style feeders where they can grab a mouthful of seeds.
- Cardinals are wary birds that prefer feeders with cover to provide protection.
- They feed low to the ground, between 3 to 10 feet off the ground.
- Cardinals do not feed upside down like chickadees or woodpeckers.
Keeping these behaviors in mind will help you select a functional feeder that attracts cardinals.
Recommended Cardinal Feeders
Here are the best bird feeder styles and features to consider for cardinals:
Tray or Platform Feeders
Tray or platform feeders are open, flat feeders that allow cardinals to perch and grasp many seeds at once. Some have a raised mesh bottom to allow water drainage while retaining seeds. Look for larger trays, at least 1-2 feet across, to accommodate several cardinals. Place the tray near or on the ground. Attach a rain guard to protect the seeds from wet weather.
Hopper Feeders
Hopper or house feeders have an enclosed seed reservoir and feeding stations that cardinals can perch on. Choose hopper feeders with large tray areas and multiple perches. Position the feeder at cardinal height with perches and seed ports no more than 3 feet off the ground. Funnel-style openings make it easier for the birds to grasp seeds. Guard rails on the perches give cardinals something to grip.
Window Feeders
Specialty window feeders attach right to your glass to give you an up-close view of feeding cardinals. Choose a window feeder with a large tray area at least 8 inches across and drain holes to keep seeds dry. Select a model with a removable tray that makes cleaning and refilling easy. Suction cups securely adhere the feeder to the window glass.
Covered/Roof Feeders
Look for feeders with roofs, covers or screened-in sections to provide the shelter that wary cardinals prefer. Hopper and platform feeders with roofs keep seeds dry while giving birds cover. You can also add additional covers or baffles to open feeders.
Squirrel Baffles
Use feeders with integrated squirrel baffles or add a baffle accessory to deter squirrels. Cardinals and squirrels often feed at the same level, so squirrel prevention is key. Choose baffles with 7+ inch openings to allow cardinals to reach the feeder while preventing squirrels.
Seed Type
Feeders that hold cardinal favorites like sunflower, safflower, cracked corn, millet, and peanuts are ideal. Single seed ports for nyjer thistle or mixed birdseed blends are less suited for cardinal feeding.
Perch Design
Since cardinals do not cling or feed upside down, look for feeders with flat, textured perches where they can settle in comfortably. Avoid tube feeders with narrow perches. Large 2-3 inch flat perches give cardinals a graspable space to perch and feed.
Feeder Capacity
Choose larger capacity feeders that require less frequent refilling. Feeders that hold 5+ pounds of birdseed are preferable to smaller capacity models. This ensures an ample seed supply for daily cardinal flocks.
Year-Round Access
Go for feeders made of chew-proof, weather-resistant materials so you can keep them accessible year-round. Metal feeders hold up to repeated use and stand up to elements. Provide a feeder cleaning/rotation schedule to maintain clean feeders.
Best Bird Feeder Styles for Cardinals
Here is a comparison of popular bird feeder types and how suitable they are for cardinals:
| Feeder Style | Good for Cardinals? |
|---|---|
| Tray/Platform Feeder | Yes – ideal for cardinals |
| Hopper Feeder | Yes – excellent for cardinals |
| Tube Feeder | No – tube openings too small |
| Suet Feeder | No – cardinals do not eat suet |
| Oriole Feeder | No – opening not suited for cardinals |
| Window Feeder | Yes – allows close viewing |
| Ground Platform | Yes – place flat on the ground |
Based on their design, tray/platform, hopper, and window feeders are best matched to a cardinal’s feeding preferences and behavior.
Feeder Placement Tips
Proper feeder placement is also important for attracting cardinals:
- Place feeders near protective cover like thick bushes or trees so cardinals have a place to retreat.
- Elevate feeders between 3-10 feet high for optimal cardinal feeding zones.
- Situate feeders within 6-10 feet of vegetation or other cover so the birds can make quick escapes.
- Avoid exposing feeders to prevailing winds and weather which can blow seed away.
- Set up multiple feeders 10+ feet apart to minimize competition and crowding.
- Locate feeders where you can enjoy watching cardinals visit from a window.
Best Seeds for Cardinals
Cardinals enjoy a variety of common birdseeds. Here are the top seeds to offer cardinals:
| Seed | Nutrition & Benefits |
|---|---|
| Sunflower seeds | High fat content for energy; thinner shells easier to crack |
| Safflower | Favorited for its rich taste; disliked by squirrels |
| Cracked corn | Starch for weight gain; large pieces easy to pick up |
| Millet | Small seeds provide variety; contains protein |
| Peanut hearts | High fat nuts are an energy-dense treat |
Opt for black oil sunflower seeds which have thinner shells. Skip mixed birdseed blends with fillers like milo and wheat that cardinals ignore.
Best Feeders for Different Settings
The optimal feeder also depends on your specific setting. Here are tailored recommendations:
Backyard Feeders
For attracting backyard cardinals, use:
- Hopper feeder – provides protection and multiple perches
- Platform feeder – open access for a flock
- Window feeder – up-close viewing
Front Yard Feeders
For curb appeal and visibility try:
- Decorative hopper – blends into landscaping
- Ground platform – natural yet low profile
Deck or Patio Feeders
For small spaces use:
- Barrier platform – mounts on deck railings
- Lantern feeder – hangs unobtrusively
Apartment Feeders
For apartments go for:
- Window feeder – outside glass mounted
- Balcony platform – fits on railings
Additional Cardinal Feeding Tips
To maximize your success attracting cardinals, incorporate these extra feeding tips:
- Provide fresh water for bathing and drinking via a ground birdbath or water feature.
- Offer fruits like oranges, berries and grapes along with seeds.
- Supplement feeders with native plants and trees that provide berries, seeds and cover.
- Broadcast seeds onto the ground to reach ground-feeding cardinals.
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent spoiled seeds and spread of disease.
- Use feeders year-round to provide a continuous food source.
Conclusion
With their bright plumage and cheerful songs, cardinals epitomize the delight of backyard birdwatching. Place specialized feeders designed for cardinals’ feeding style and preferences to reliably attract them. Choose large tray, hopper, or window feeders with prime perch space located at optimal cardinal height. Stock the feeder with cardinal-favorite seeds like sunflower, safflower, cracked corn, millet, and peanuts. Site the feeder near protective cover for a shy bird, but also make sure to position it where you can regularly see and enjoy the splash of red when cardinals arrive.
With the right seed selection and feeder, you’ll have brilliant cardinals flocking to your yard for years of easy viewing and birdfeeding enjoyment.