Cardinals are one of the most beloved backyard birds across North America. With their bright red plumage and cheerful songs, it’s no wonder they are a favorite of many bird enthusiasts. When it comes to feeding cardinals, using the right type of bird seed can help attract more of these beautiful birds to your yard. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to know which bird seed cardinals prefer. This article will break down the top bird seed picks for cardinals to help you choose the best option to bring more of these striking birds to your feeders.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Black oil sunflower seeds are universally loved by all backyard birds, and cardinals are no exception. The thin hulls make these seeds easy for cardinals to crack open and access the meat inside. Black oil sunflower seeds have a high oil content, which provides cardinals with the fat and calories they need, especially in winter. These seeds can be purchased alone or as part of mixed bird seed blends.
When buying black oil sunflower seeds, opt for seeds with thin hulls. Thick-hulled sunflower seeds are harder for cardinals to open. You can usually tell the difference by looking at sunflower seeds—thin-hulled seeds appear solid black, while thick-hulled seeds have black and white stripes.
Offer black oil sunflower seeds in tube feeders, hopper feeders, or platform feeders. Scatter some on the ground to attract cardinals feeding there as well. Be sure to store unused seeds in a cool, dry place to prevent them from spoiling.
Benefits of Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
- High fat and protein content
- Thin hulls cardinals can easily crack open
- Readily available and affordable
- Attracts many backyard birds in addition to cardinals
Safflower Seeds
Another excellent bird seed choice for cardinals is safflower. Safflower seeds have hard shells, which makes them difficult for smaller birds like finches and sparrows to eat. But cardinals have strong enough beaks to crack them open and enjoy the nutritious seeds inside.
Safflower seeds are especially useful if you want to discourage small pesky birds while still feeding cardinals. Offer safflower seeds in tube feeders with small ports that allow cardinals access but block smaller birds. Platform feeders work well too.
One downside to safflower seeds is they lack the fat content of sunflower seeds. So it’s best to offer safflower alongside another energy-rich seed like sunflower. This provides a more balanced diet for cardinals while taking advantage of safflower’s ability to deter nuisance birds.
Benefits of Safflower Seeds
- Hard shells deter small birds
- High protein content
- Tube feeders limit access to desirable birds like cardinals
Nyjer Seeds
Nyjer seeds, also known as thistle seeds, are small, black seeds that attract finch species like goldfinches. But cardinals will eat nyjer seeds too, especially in winter when food sources are scarce. The small size makes nyjer seeds accessible to cardinals of all sizes.
Offer nyjer seeds in specialty tube feeders made for tiny seeds. Use nyjer seeds as an add-on offering to supplement sunflower seeds and safflower. This provides extra variety in your cardinal’s diet.
One issue with nyjer seeds is they are expensive compared to other bird seed options. And nyjer seeds have thin shells that some larger birds can crack open. So they don’t deter bigger nuisance birds like blackbirds and starlings as well as safflower. But the high oil content makes nyjer seeds worthwhile for adding calories and fat to your feeder offerings.
Benefits of Nyjer Seeds
- Small size accessible for all cardinal sizes
- High fat and oil content
- Provides diet variety
Cracked Corn
While not their favorite, cardinals will eat cracked corn as a bird seed offering. The large kernels provide plenty of carbohydrates cardinals can use for energy. However, corn lacks the fat and protein content of seeds like sunflower and safflower.
Scatter cracked corn on platform feeders or the ground to attract cardinals. Mixing some corn into other seed blends helps stretch your bird feeding budget further. But rely too heavily on corn, and cardinals may ignore your feeders for better offerings in your neighborhood.
Avoid whole corn kernels, as they are too large and tough for cardinals to consume. Opt for coarse cracked corn sized appropriately for bird consumption.
Benefits of Cracked Corn
- Provides carbohydrates for energy
- Inexpensive way to stretch bird feeding budget
- Readily available
Millet
Millet is a small, round seed that attracts ground-feeding birds like juncos, towhees, and sparrows. Cardinals will eat millet, but it’s not their preferred food. Still, sprinkle some millet onto platform feeders to add variety to your bird seed mix.
When buying millet, avoid the finely ground “bird pudding” mixes with other fillers and Binders added. Opt for whole millet seeds instead. This provides better nutrition for the price compared to bird pudding mixes.
Because millet is so small, it can fall through the mesh of some platform feeders. Offer it on feeders with smaller mesh or tray bottoms to hold the tiny seeds in place.
Benefits of Millet
- Small size usable for birds of all sizes
- Adds variety to feeder offerings
- Very inexpensive
Peanuts
Cardinals will happily eat whole peanuts when offered. The fat and protein in peanuts make them a nutritious treat. Look for raw, unsalted peanuts in shells. Then set them out in a mesh bag or platform feeder so cardinals can easily pick them out.
Avoid peanuts roasted or cooked in oil, as well as flavored or salted nuts. These processed nuts can harm birds. Shelled peanuts are also not ideal, as they quickly degrade when exposed to air.
Because of their size and shape, whole peanuts in shells can be tricky for cardinals to eat. Chopped peanuts are easier for them to handle. But avoid peanut pieces as they can choke hazards for birds.
Benefits of Peanuts
- High in fat and protein
- Provide variety from seeds
- Cardinals enjoy them as a treat
Mealworms
While not a bird seed, dried mealworms make excellent supplemental food for cardinals. Mealworms are packed with protein, fat, and other nutrients cardinals need. They provide a hearty meal and help ensure your feeders offer something cardinals want to eat.
Offer dried mealworms inside mesh bags or platform feeders so they don’t blow away. Cardinals will grab and eat them as a tasty, meaty snack. Look for dried mealworms at pet stores or online bird suppliers.
Avoid mealworms packed with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Plain dried mealworms are healthiest for birds. Store opened packages in the refrigerator or freezer to help them last.
Benefits of Mealworms
- Excellent source of protein and fat
- Provide diet variety and meat that seed lacks
- Convenient to add to platform feeders
Fruit
In addition to bird seed, cardinals enjoy various fruits. Cut apples, oranges, grapes, raisins, and berries entice cardinals to feeders. Just be sure to remove any uneaten fruit within a day to avoid spoilage.
Chop fruits into small pieces before offering them to cardinals. Whole grapes or large chunks of apple can pose a choking risk. Skewer diced fruit onto sticks secured into platform feeders so cardinals can easily grab bites.
Fruit offers hydration, carbohydrates, vitamins, and antioxidants cardinals need. It provides delicious variety from standard seeds and expands the types of food you can offer cardinals.
Benefits of Fruit
- Adds variety to diet
- Provides key vitamins
- Cardinals relish the sweet treat
No-Waste Bird Seed Blends
When buying pre-made bird seed mixes, read the label carefully and look for “no-waste” blends made for cardinals. These specialized mixes avoid cheap filler seeds that cardinals ignore.
Good no-waste blends for cardinals contain mostly black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. Avoid mixes with lots of wheat, milo, corn, oats, and other filler seeds cardinals don’t prefer. More black oil sunflower seeds and safflower mean less wasted seed.
Paying a little more for a no-waste cardinal blend reduces waste and saves you money in the long run. Your cardinals get more of the seeds they love too.
Benefits of No-Waste Cardinal Seed Mixes
- Maximize favored seeds for cardinals
- Avoid cheap filler seeds
- Less wasted seeds
- Saves money long-term
Feeder and Waterer Placement
Along with offering the right seeds and foods, proper feeder and waterer placement helps draw cardinals to your yard. Follow these tips:
- Place feeders and water sources in open areas with good visibility. Cardinals are wary birds and prefer safe settings.
- Use feeders and waterers near trees, shrubs, and other cover. This allows cardinals quick escape routes.
- Elevate feeders 5-7 feet off the ground on posts or hang from tree branches. Cardinals prefer feeding above ground level.
- Include a water source like a fountain, pond, or bird bath. Cardinals drink frequently while eating.
- Clean feeders and waterers weekly to prevent disease transmission.
- Provide feeders and water year-round. Cardinals don’t migrate and need the food and water even in winter.
Conclusion
With a bit of care when choosing bird seed, you can easily turn your yard into a cardinal paradise. Stick with top choices like black oil sunflower seeds, safflower, and nyjer seeds. Supplement with peanuts, mealworms, fruit, and no-waste seed blends. Place feeders and fresh water in areas cardinals favor.
Following these tips will have gorgeous red cardinals flocking to your yard to enjoy the bounty. Watching these striking birds feed, nest, and raise young is a rewarding experience. With the right bird seed and feeders supplied, you’ll soon have cardinals vying to be the stars of your backyard.