Attract Northern Cardinal: Best Feeders, Foods, and Habitat Tips

There's nothing quite like the flash of brilliant red against a green lawn or a snowy branch. The Northern Cardinal is one of North America's most beloved backyard birds, and for good reason! They don't migrate, which means with a little effort, you can enjoy their beauty and cheerful songs all year round.

If you've been wondering how to make your yard a favorite spot for these stunning birds, you're in the right place. Here’s how you can attract Northern Cardinals and keep them coming back.

1. Serve Their Favorite Meals

The fastest way to a cardinal's heart is through its stomach. Their strong, cone-shaped beaks are perfect for cracking open seeds.

• Top Choice: The absolute favorite for cardinals is sunflower seeds bird feed, especially the black oil variety. Safflower seeds are another excellent option.
• Other Treats: They also enjoy cracked corn, peanut hearts, and berries. In the winter, a little suet can provide a much-needed energy boost.

Keeping your feeders consistently full, especially in the early morning and late evening when they love to eat, will signal to cardinals that your yard is a reliable food source.

2. Choose the Right Feeder

Cardinals are larger songbirds and can be a bit shy about wobbly, lightweight feeders. They prefer a stable place to perch while they eat.

• Best Feeder Style: A platform bird feeder is an ideal choice. It gives them plenty of space to land and feel secure. Hopper feeders with a wide perch or a seed tray also work very well.
• Placement is Key: Place your feeder near some cover, like shrubs or a small tree. This gives them a safe place to retreat to if they feel threatened. However, avoid placing it right in dense bushes where predators could hide.

3. Create a Northern Cardinal-Friendly Habitat

Beyond food, cardinals look for a safe and comfortable environment.

• Provide Water: All birds need water for drinking and bathing. A birdbath is a great addition to your yard. Cardinals are especially attracted to the sound of moving water, so adding a small dripper or solar fountain can make it irresistible. Remember to keep the water clean and, if you live in a cold climate, consider a heated birdbath for the winter.
• Offer Shelter: Cardinals feel safest in yards with dense foliage. Planting a mix of shrubs (Learn more about the native plants), evergreens, and trees of varying heights provides them with cover from predators and shelter from the elements. They also use these dense shrubs for nesting—they don't use birdhouses!

4. Listen to Their Beautiful Songs

One of the great joys of having cardinals nearby is hearing their music. The song of the cardinal bird is a series of clear, rich whistles. You'll often see the male singing from a high perch to announce his territory.

But here’s a fascinating fact: the cardinal singing female is a bit of a rarity among North American songbirds! She often sings from the nest, possibly to communicate with her mate about when it’s time to bring food for the chicks.

With these simple tips, your backyard can become a true haven for the Northern Cardinals that North America is famous for. By providing their favorite foods, the right feeders, and a safe environment, you’ll be rewarded with daily visits from these magnificent red birds. And with a smart bird feeder, you can capture every beautiful moment, even when you're not there to see it in person.