What Kind of Bird Food Do Cardinals Eat?

Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalsis) are beautiful bright red (males) to reddish-brown (females) birds which are medium in size and are known for their distinctive singing voice. They are native to North America, in both central and the eastern U.S., and parts of Mexico. These birds have adapted to California, Bermuda and Hawaii. Food requirements vary but they prefer grainier seeds.

Cardinal

Identification

Both male and female cardinals have long tails and raised feather crests on their heads. When they eat, the birds need something solid to perch on in the wild.

Wild Bird Food

In the wild, cardinals eat seeds, grains and fruits. They like seeds which can be husked with ease. They drink water by tipping their heads back after taking a sip.

Feeders

Cardinals will eat from feeders which have a built in or hand made pirch. Feed them sunflower or safflower seeds.

Fact

Cardinals are mainly herbivores; however, they will eat insects and the flesh of dead animals.

Considerations

The safflower seeds which Cardinals prefer isn't generally touched by other birds. They like black oil and striped versions.

References

• BioKids
• Yardners