How to Attract the Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal, often referred to as a Red Bird, can be found along the eastern half of the United States from Maine to Florida and as far west as Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Cardinals remain in the same area all year and do not migrate. This brilliant red bird is not difficult to attract if you provide an environment that includes features of its natural habitat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bird Seed (Cardinal Mix)
• Fresh water
• Shrubs or trees

1. Locate a feeding area that is near shrubs and trees that will offer shelter for the cardinal. A mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees is ideal. Cardinals like to watch the feeding area from a perch at a distance away from household traffic. It is common for one of the pair of cardinals to set watch while the other feeds.

2. Provide an adequate supply of bird seed that is a mixture of sunflower, safflower, cracked corn, millet, peanuts, white bread and apples. The cardinal prefers to ground feed, but will feed from a platform feeder if the food supply is abundant and attractive. By broadcasting a good mixture of seed under a platform feeder, you may be able to coach cardinals to feed from the feeder.

3. Provide a source of fresh water. In areas where the temperature dips slightly below freezing an active water fountain may prevent freezing. If your area is colder and you can not provide fresh water during the winter months, provide a fountain or bird bath during the summer.

4. Establish an environment that provides a nesting area for cardinals. Trees or shrubs facing an open field will invite cardinals to nest in the area. Once established these beautiful birds will remain in the same area. The couple mates for life and will be content to raise their young in your backyard if they are provided with a suitable environment.

Resources

• Habitat Range for Northern Cardinals