How to Attract Cardinals to Your Backyard

Providing places for nesting is one way to attract cardinals to your backyard.

The Northern cardinal, or Cardinalis cardinalis, is one of the most recognizable backyard birds because of the brilliant red color of the male of the species. The cardinal's range in the United States includes areas in New Mexico, California, Arizona and most regions of the country found east of the Rocky Mountains. These birds do not migrate, will mate for life and typically lays eggs twice a year. Providing essential elements in your backyard that are attractive to cardinals will often keep a family of cardinals there for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Bird feeder
• Birdbath
• High quality birdseed
• Sunflower seeds
• Trees and shrubs

Instructions

1. Install 4- to 6-foot tall bird feeders that are large enough for cardinals to perch on comfortably. Use stationary feeders in place of hanging feeders.

2. Fill the feeder with high-quality wild birdseed specific for cardinals, or varieties that include fruits, nuts, grains and seeds. Add additional black-oil sunflower seeds to the feeder, which are a favorite of cardinals.

3. Place a birdbath in your backyard near the location of the birdfeeder and away from high-traffic areas. Change the water often or keep a slow running flow of water into the birdbath.

4. Plant specific shrubs and trees around the backyard that will not only provide food that attracts cardinals, but also shelter areas where cardinals typically nest. Varieties to plant include dogwood, cherry, mulberry sumac, blueberry, hawthorn, raspberry, grape, hackberry and viburnum.

References

• Nature Works: Northern Cardinal--Cardinalis Cardinalis
• All Birds: Northern Cardinals
• Extension: How Can I Attract Cardinals to My Property
• For The Birds: How to Attract the Seven Most Desired Wild Birds