If you love watching cardinals visit your yard, you know how special these bright red birds are. But do you ever wonder what the best bird food for cardinals really is?
Giving them the right food can bring more of these beautiful birds right to your window. You’ll discover exactly what cardinals crave and how to keep them coming back day after day. Keep reading to learn the simple secrets that make your backyard a cardinal paradise.
Cardinal Diet Basics
Cardinals eat mostly seeds and fruits. Their favorite seeds are sunflower seeds, especially black oil sunflower. These seeds have thin shells, so cardinals can crack them easily.
They also enjoy safflower seeds, which many other birds avoid. This means cardinals get more food without much competition.
Fresh fruits like berriesand small pieces of apples are good treats. Cardinals also like insects, which give them protein.
- Sunflower seeds (black oil)
- Safflower seeds
- Peanuts (unsalted and shelled)
- Fresh berries and fruits
- Mealworms and small insects
Use a bird feeder that holds large seeds well. Keep food fresh and dry to attract more cardinals.
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Top Seeds For Cardinals
Sunflower seedsare a favorite for cardinals. They have a high oil content that gives energy. Cardinals love black oil sunflower seeds the most.
Safflower seedsare also good. They are less popular with squirrels, so cardinals get more food. These seeds have a hard shell that cardinals can crack easily.
Milletis a small, round seed. It is easy for cardinals to eat. White proso millet is a common choice for wild birds.
Cracked cornis another option. It is cheap and easy to find. Cardinals enjoy eating it on the ground or feeder.
- Black oil sunflower seeds – Most popular and nutritious
- Safflower seeds – Less squirrel attraction
- White proso millet – Easy to eat
- Cracked corn – Affordable and tasty
Fruits Cardinals Enjoy
Cardinals love a variety of fruitsthat provide them with energy and nutrients. Small pieces of fresh fruits attract them well.
- Apples:Cut into small slices or chunks, seeds removed.
- Berries:Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are favorites.
- Grapes:Halved grapes are easy for cardinals to eat.
- Oranges:Peel and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Peaches and nectarines:Soft and juicy, perfect in summer.
Offer these fruits fresh or slightly dried. Avoid any fruit with pesticides or chemicals.
Nuts And Suet Options
Nutsare a favorite food for cardinals. They provide energyand healthy fatsthat cardinals need. Peanuts(shelled or unshelled) are especially loved. Almondsand walnutscan also attract cardinals. Make sure nuts are fresh and not salted.
Suetis another great option. It is a high-energy food made from animal fat. Suet blocks often include seeds, nuts, and fruits. Cardinals enjoy suet especially in cold weather. It helps them stay warm and active.
- Offer unsalted peanutsfor best results.
- Suet blockswith mixed seeds attract more birds.
- Keep food dry to avoid mold or spoilage.
- Use a special feederthat holds suet securely.
Seasonal Feeding Tips
Cardinals need different foods through the year to stay healthy. During winter, they like high-fat seedslike sunflower and safflower. These give them energy to stay warm. In spring and summer, offer fresh fruitsand insects. These help with breeding and growing young birds.
Keep feeders clean to stop disease. Place feeders in safe spots away from cats. Refill food often to keep cardinals visiting.
- Winter: Black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet
- Spring/Summer: Fruit pieces, mealworms, crickets
- Fall: Mix of seeds and nuts for fat storage
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Choosing Quality Bird Food
Cardinals love seeds that are high in proteinand fat. Black oil sunflower seeds are an excellent choice. These seeds have a thin shell, which is easy for cardinals to crack open. They provide essential nutrients and energy.
Another good option is safflower seeds. They are favored by cardinals and are less attractive to other birds. This means more food for cardinals without competition. Cardinals also enjoy white milo. This seed is nutritious and tasty for them.
Mixing different seeds can enhance a cardinal’s diet. You can use a blend of sunflower, safflower, and white milo seeds. This mix offers variety and keeps cardinals healthy and happy. Always ensure the food is fresh and clean to avoid mold.
Feeder Types For Cardinals
Tube feedersare great for cardinals because they have large ports. These ports let cardinals reach the seed easily. They also keep seeds dry and fresh.
Platform feedersare open and flat, perfect for cardinals. Cardinals like to sit and eat comfortably on these feeders. They are easy to clean and refill.
Sock feedersmade of mesh can hold seeds like sunflower seeds. Cardinals peck at the mesh to get seeds out. These feeders hang from branches or hooks.
| Feeder Type | Benefits for Cardinals |
|---|---|
| Tube Feeder | Large ports, keeps seed dry, easy to reach |
| Platform Feeder | Open flat space, easy access, comfortable perch |
| Sock Feeder | Mesh design, holds seeds, hanging option |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Seeds Do Cardinals Like The Most?
Cardinals prefer sunflower seeds, especially black oil sunflower seeds, because they are easy to eat and nutritious.
Can Cardinals Eat Peanuts Or Other Nuts?
Yes, cardinals enjoy peanuts, but they should be unsalted and offered in small pieces or shelled.
How To Attract Cardinals With Bird Food?
Use a feeder with sunflower seeds placed in a quiet, sheltered spot to attract cardinals nearby.
Conclusion
Cardinals enjoy seeds like sunflower and safflower the most. These foods provide energy and nutrients they need daily. Keep the bird feeders clean and filled regularly. Fresh water nearby helps cardinals stay healthy too. Watching these bright birds visit brings joy and peace.
Feeding them right supports their natural habits well. Try different seeds to see what cardinals prefer. Happy bird feeding makes your yard lively and fun.