How to Attract Cardinals to a Bird Feeder

The Northern Cardinal, often referred to as a red bird, is a year-'round resident of the northern U.S. This striking bird brings to the yard a splash of brilliant color that is unrivaled by its paler cousins. Attracting and keeping a pair of cardinals to your feeder may seem like a daunting task, but it is actually easier than you may think, once you understand what cardinals like.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Platform feeder
• Black-oil sunflower seeds
• Wild birdseed (optional)
• Cracked corn
• White millet

1. Select a platform feeder for your yard. Install the feeder in an area that is surrounded by plenty of trees and shrubs. Cardinals like evergreens, so if you have an area near these trees, it is an ideal location. If evergreens are not an option in your yard, choose an area near the bushiest trees and shrubs on your property.

2. Provide generous amounts of black-oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, white millet or other nut meats. Although black-oil sunflower seeds are more expensive than striped sunflower seeds, always pay the extra few dollars for the black-oil seeds. These provide more energy due to their higher fat content. In the cold months, birds need the extra energy they supply.

3. Keep the feeder well-stocked with seeds and avoid letting it sit empty for several days. Your cardinals just may search elsewhere for a steady food source. Add a water source, if it is feasible in your area. This will attract cardinals to the area, both as a source of drinking water and for bathing. A small fountain or birdbath is ideal.

4. Provide an area for ground feeding. Simply scatter the food of choice on the ground beneath trees and shrubs where cardinals are likely to visit. Make sure that any feeder you provide is away from heavy household traffic, has shrubs or trees nearby for shelter and is off-limits to the household cat.

5. Consider altering your landscape to attract cardinals. Planting shrubs and bushes that provide an ample supply of seeds and berries will attract cardinals to your yard all year 'round. Cherry trees, brambles and blueberry bushes are particularly attractive to cardinals. Add a hedge of dense evergreen shrubs to provide shelter and a nesting area.

6. Experiment with different food combinations until you learn what works best for your area. Food preferences vary from region to region, probably due to the native seeds and berries the cardinal has become accustomed to. You may even be successful with dried bread or peanut-butter mixes.

Resources

• Cornell Lab
• Wild Birds Forever