With their bright red feathers, cardinals are one of the most loved backyard birds — and one of the easiest to attract, because they are happy seed-eaters that stick around all year.
What cardinals eat
Cardinals are mainly seed and grain eaters, and they also enjoy fruit, berries and insects — with insects becoming especially important in spring for feeding their chicks. Because they do not migrate, cardinals rely on backyard feeders through the winter, which makes them regular, welcome visitors.
Their favourite feeder foods
The way to a cardinal's heart is black-oil sunflower seed and safflower seed — safflower is a particular favourite, with the bonus that squirrels and many pest birds dislike it. They also take cracked corn, peanuts and millet, cracking hard seeds open with their strong beaks.
How to attract cardinals
Cardinals are fairly large and like a stable place to perch, so use a platform feeder, hopper feeder or sturdy tray rather than a small hanging one. They often feed early morning and at dusk. Offer sunflower and safflower seed, provide water and some shrubby cover, and cardinals will happily become regulars.