Bright red feathers, sweet melodies at dawn, and an aura of wilderness are just a few trademarks of the beautiful cardinals. These avian wonders can turn any garden into a lively oasis.
Ever dreamt of having these captivating creatures as regular visitors in your yard?
Dive into our guide and learn the secrets to making your outdoor space a cardinal haven.
To attract cardinals to your yard, prioritize their needs. Set up bird feeders filled with their favorites, especially sunflower and safflower seeds. Provide fresh, shallow water in bird baths for drinking and bathing. Plant dense shrubs and small trees, like evergreens, for shelter and nesting. Ensure safety by positioning feeders away from potential hiding spots for predators and using window decals to prevent bird collisions. Incorporate native plants and berry-producing shrubs for natural food sources and avoid using harmful pesticides.
Quick Summary on Attracting Cardinals
Cardinals, with their striking red plumage and sweet songs, are a favorite among bird enthusiasts. Attracting these beautiful birds to your yard requires a combination of providing food, water, shelter, and a safe environment. Here are some steps you can take to make your yard cardinal-friendly:
- Provide Food: Cardinals primarily eat seeds, particularly sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. Set up bird feeders filled with these seeds. Tube feeders with larger perches or tray feeders are ideal.
- Supply Fresh Water: Like all birds, cardinals need fresh water for drinking and bathing. A bird bath with clean, shallow water can be a big draw. Ensure the water is changed regularly to keep it fresh.
- Offer Shelter: Cardinals prefer dense shrubs and small trees for nesting and protection. Planting evergreens or thickets can provide the shelter they desire. Avoid trimming these plants excessively.
- Safety is Key: Position bird feeders and baths at least 10 feet away from dense shrubs to prevent ambushes from cats and other predators. Using window decals or netting can prevent birds from crashing into windows.
- Natural Food Sources: Planting berry-producing shrubs and native plants can offer cardinals natural food sources. Dogwoods, viburnums, and sumacs are some favorites.
- Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals can be harmful to birds and reduce the number of insects, which juvenile cardinals feed on. Opt for natural pest control methods instead.
- Dusk and Dawn: Cardinals are often early risers and can be some of the first birds at your feeders in the morning and the last in the evening. Ensure food is available during these times.
- Birdhouses: While cardinals typically prefer open nesting areas in shrubs or trees, some might use platform-style birdhouses if provided.
Choosing the Right Seeds and Nuts
Sunflower seeds
When it comes to attracting cardinals to your yard, one of the most important factors is selecting the right seeds and nuts to offer them. Cardinals have a preference for seeds and nuts, and one of their favorites is sunflower seeds (especially the black oil sunflower seed). These seeds are high in fat and provide cardinals and other birds with the energy they need to thrive.
You can choose from a variety of sunflower seeds, including black oil sunflower seeds, which have a thin shell that is easy for cardinals to crack open. Providing a mix of these seeds will ensure that you are catering to the varied tastes of the cardinals in your area.
Safflower seeds
Another seed option that cardinals love is safflower seeds. These seeds have a hard shell, which makes it a bit more challenging for cardinals to open, but they are still an attractive option.
Safflower seeds have a high oil content and are excellent for attracting cardinals, while deterring less desirable species like squirrels and grackles. Offering safflower seeds in your feeders will help ensure that cardinals are regular visitors to your yard.
Shelled peanuts
Cardinals also enjoy shelled peanuts. Peanuts are a great source of protein and fat, which cardinals require for their overall health. By offering shelled peanuts, you are providing cardinals with another nutritious option that will entice them to visit your feeders regularly. Make sure to choose unsalted peanuts, as too much salt can be harmful to cardinals. Other food they eat includes cracked corn and striped sunflower seeds.
Selecting Cardinal-Friendly Feeders
Hoppers
Cardinals are ground-feeding birds, meaning that they prefer to eat on the ground or on low platforms rather than hanging feeders. Hopper feeders are a great option for attracting cardinals, as they provide a large feeding area and a convenient perch for them to rest on.
Hopper feeders are designed with a large reservoir to hold seeds, and they have multiple feeding ports which allow multiple cardinals to feed at the same time. Hanging a hopper feeder from a sturdy branch in your yard will encourage cardinals to come and dine at their leisure.
Trays
Tray feeders are another excellent choice when it comes to attracting cardinals. These feeders are flat platforms that sit on a post or hang from a tree branch. They provide a generous feeding area that allows cardinals to eat comfortably, and the open design makes it easy for them to access the seeds.
Tray feeders can accommodate a variety of seeds and nuts, which makes them versatile for attracting different bird species. By placing a tray feeder in your yard, you are sure to catch the attention of cardinals and other beautiful birds.
Platforms
Similar to tray feeders, platforms are an ideal feeder option for cardinals. These feeders consist of a solid base with a raised ledge that cardinals can perch on while they eat.
Platforms can be placed on the ground or mounted on a post, and they are suitable for both seeds and nuts. By placing a platform feeder in your yard, you are providing cardinals with a comfortable and convenient feeding option that will keep them coming back for more as Northern Cardinals prefer shelter when feeding.
Ideal Placement for Feeders
Quiet spot near shelter
When it comes to placing your feeders, it’s important to create a peaceful and secure environment for cardinals. Cardinals are relatively shy birds, and they prefer to feed in quiet areas where they feel safe. Choosing a spot near a sheltered area, such as shrubs or trees, will provide cardinals with a sense of security while they dine.
Ensure the feeders are placed away from busy areas, such as windows or doors, as this can startle or scare cardinals away. Creating a peaceful feeding spot will encourage cardinals to visit your yard regularly.
Next to shrubs or trees
Cardinals are known to be more visible and comfortable when they have nearby cover, such as shrubs or trees. Placing your feeders near these natural features will not only make cardinals feel safer but will also provide them with convenient perches to rest on between feeding sessions.
The proximity to shrubs or trees will allow cardinals to quickly retreat to cover if they feel threatened, ensuring that they continue to frequent your feeders. By strategically placing your feeders in areas where cardinals feel secure, you are creating an inviting space that will attract these beautiful birds.
Providing Fresh Water
Heated, ground bird bath
It’s important to offer cardinals a fresh water source to meet their hydration needs. Cardinals are especially attracted to moving water, so a bird bath with a gentle fountain or dripper is an excellent choice. However, during the colder months, it’s essential to ensure that the water doesn’t freeze, as cardinals still require water for drinking and bathing.
Investing in a heated, ground bird bath will provide cardinals with access to clean water throughout the year. The gentle warmth of a heated bird bath will not only prevent the water from freezing but will also entice cardinals and many other backyard birds to visit and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Once a northen cardinal has found a good water source, they are more likely to build their nesting sites close to it, and remember Cardinals Mate for Life.
Utilizing Tray Feeder
Feeding on the ground
While hopper feeders, tray feeders, and platforms are great options for attracting cardinals, it’s worth noting that cardinals are ground-feeding birds. This means that they naturally prefer to feed on the ground rather than from elevated feeders.
To accommodate their feeding preferences, you can utilize a tray feeder for the bird seed on the ground. Simply place the tray feeder filled with seeds and nuts directly on a flat surface, such as your lawn or a platform feeder. This will create a natural feeding area for cardinals and make them feel right at home in your yard.
Placing favorite foods underneath the main feeder
To further entice cardinals to visit your yard and feeders, you can strategically place their favorite foods underneath the main feeder. By doing so, you are creating an additional incentive for cardinals to explore and discover the delicious treats you have to offer.
Consider scattering some sunflower seeds or shelled peanuts on the ground below the feeder. This will not only attract cardinals but also provide them with an easy and accessible food source. The combination of a tray feeder on the ground and scattered favorite foods will make your yard a cardinal-friendly haven.
Fill Feeders Every Morning
Before sunrise
Northern Cardinals are early risers, and they are most active during the early morning hours. To ensure that you are attracting these beautiful birds to your yard, it’s crucial to fill your your bird feeder every morning before sunrise. By replenishing the seeds and nuts at this time, you are providing the northern cardinal with fresh and plentiful options to start their day.
The consistent availability of food will establish your yard as a reliable food source for cardinals, and they will make it a habit to visit your feeders daily. So set your alarm clock and make it a morning routine to keep those feeders full for the early bird cardinals.
Attracting early risers
It’s no secret that cardinals are early risers, and filling feeders before sunrise is key to attracting them. The beauty of this is that by attracting cardinals, you are also attracting other early-rising bird species.
The peaceful morning hours are often filled with various bird songs and sightings, making it an enjoyable time to observe and appreciate the diverse avian visitors to your yard. By consistently filling your feeders every morning, you are creating a welcoming environment for the early risers of the bird world.
The Value of Attracting Cardinals
Attracting cardinals to your yard is not only an enjoyable experience, but it also brings a host of benefits. Once you have successfully attracted cardinals to your feeders and provided them with a safe and inviting space, they will continue to visit your yard regularly.
Cardinals are known to be loyal and faithful visitors, and having them frequent your yard will not only bring you joy but will also create a sense of connection with nature. The vibrant red plumage of the male cardinals and the melodious songs they serenade us with are just some of the rewards of attracting these stunning birds.
So put in the effort to create a welcoming environment for cardinals, and you will be rewarded with their continued presence and the beauty they bring to your yard.
FAQS on How to Get Cardinals Into Your Yard
What attracts cardinals the most?
The most enticing attraction for cardinals is a consistent food source, primarily black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. Their vivid red plumage is a reflection of their diet, so a reliable and plentiful food source can significantly increase your chances of regular visits.
What is the best way to feed cardinals?
Cardinals prefer platform feeders or large perched tube feeders placed in quieter, less exposed areas of a yard. These feeders should be filled with their preferred seeds: black oil sunflower seeds or safflower seeds. Ensuring a steady supply, especially during early morning and late evening when cardinals are most active, is key to keeping them returning.
How do I get more cardinals in my yard?
To increase the number of cardinals in your yard:
- Offer multiple feeders with their favorite seeds to accommodate more birds.
- Provide fresh, shallow water sources for drinking and bathing.
- Create a safe environment by positioning feeders away from predator hiding spots and using window decals to reduce bird-window collisions.
- Plant dense shrubbery and native plants that offer shelter and additional natural food sources like berries.
- Avoid using pesticides, which can harm birds and reduce insect populations, a food source for young cardinals.
What kind of trees do cardinals nest in?
Cardinals typically nest in dense shrubs, thickets, and small trees. They prefer locations that offer a combination of cover and visibility. Common trees and shrubs used by cardinals for nesting include evergreens, dogwoods, rose bushes, and sumacs. They tend to select a spot anywhere from 3 to 10 feet off the ground, shielded by dense foliage, to ensure safety for their chicks.
Choosing the Right Seeds and Nuts
Sunflower seeds
When it comes to attracting cardinals to your yard, one of the most important factors is selecting the right seeds and nuts to offer them. Cardinals have a preference for seeds and nuts, and one of their favorites is sunflower seeds. These seeds are high in fat and provide cardinals with the energy they need to thrive. You can choose from a variety of sunflower seeds, including black oil sunflower seeds, which have a thin shell that is easy for cardinals to crack open. Providing a mix of these seeds will ensure that you are catering to the varied tastes of the cardinals in your area.
Safflower seeds
Another seed option that cardinals love is safflower seeds. These seeds have a hard shell, which makes it a bit more challenging for cardinals to open, but they are still an attractive option. Safflower seeds have a high oil content and are excellent for attracting cardinals, while deterring less desirable species like squirrels and grackles. Offering safflower seeds in your feeders will help ensure that cardinals are regular visitors to your yard.
Shelled peanuts
In addition to seeds, cardinals also enjoy shelled peanuts. Peanuts are a great source of protein and fat, which cardinals require for their overall health. By offering shelled peanuts, you are providing cardinals with another nutritious option that will entice them to visit your feeders regularly. Make sure to choose unsalted peanuts, as too much salt can be harmful to cardinals.
Selecting Cardinal-Friendly Feeders
Hoppers
Cardinals are ground-feeding birds, meaning that they prefer to eat on the ground or on low platforms rather than hanging feeders. Hopper feeders are a great option for attracting cardinals, as they provide a large feeding area and a convenient perch for them to rest on. Hopper feeders are designed with a large reservoir to hold seeds, and they have multiple feeding ports which allow multiple cardinals to feed at the same time. Hanging a hopper feeder from a sturdy branch in your yard will encourage cardinals to come and dine at their leisure.
Trays
Tray feeders are another excellent choice when it comes to attracting cardinals. These feeders are flat platforms that sit on a post or hang from a tree branch. They provide a generous feeding area that allows cardinals to eat comfortably, and the open design makes it easy for them to access the seeds. Tray feeders can accommodate a variety of seeds and nuts, which makes them versatile for attracting different bird species. By placing a tray feeder in your yard, you are sure to catch the attention of cardinals and other beautiful birds.
Platforms
Similar to tray feeders, platforms are an ideal feeder option for cardinals. These feeders consist of a solid base with a raised ledge that cardinals can perch on while they eat. Platforms can be placed on the ground or mounted on a post, and they are suitable for both seeds and nuts. By placing a platform feeder in your yard, you are providing cardinals with a comfortable and convenient feeding option that will keep them coming back for more.
Ideal Placement for Feeders
Quiet spot near shelter
When it comes to placing your feeders, it’s important to create a peaceful and secure environment for cardinals. Cardinals are relatively shy birds, and they prefer to feed in quiet areas where they feel safe. Choosing a spot near a sheltered area, such as shrubs or trees, will provide cardinals with a sense of security while they dine. Ensure the feeders are placed away from busy areas, such as windows or doors, as this can startle or scare cardinals away. Creating a peaceful feeding spot will encourage cardinals to visit your yard regularly.
Next to shrubs or trees
Cardinals are known to be more visible and comfortable when they have nearby cover, such as shrubs or trees. Placing your feeders near these natural features will not only make cardinals feel safer but will also provide them with convenient perches to rest on between feeding sessions. The proximity to shrubs or trees will allow cardinals to quickly retreat to cover if they feel threatened, ensuring that they continue to frequent your feeders. By strategically placing your feeders in areas where cardinals feel secure, you are creating an inviting space that will attract these beautiful birds.
Providing Fresh Water
Heated, ground bird bath
In addition to providing food, it’s important to offer cardinals a fresh water source to meet their hydration needs. Cardinals are especially attracted to moving water, so a bird bath with a gentle fountain or dripper is an excellent choice. However, during the colder months, it’s essential to ensure that the water doesn’t freeze, as cardinals still require water for drinking and bathing. Investing in a heated, ground bird bath will provide cardinals with access to clean water throughout the year. The gentle warmth of a heated bird bath will not only prevent the water from freezing but will also entice cardinals to visit and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Utilizing Tray Feeder
Feeding on the ground
While hopper feeders, tray feeders, and platforms are great options for attracting cardinals, it’s worth noting that cardinals are ground-feeding birds. This means that they naturally prefer to feed on the ground rather than from elevated feeders. To accommodate their feeding preferences, you can utilize a tray feeder on the ground. Simply place the tray feeder filled with seeds and nuts directly on a flat surface, such as your lawn or a platform feeder. This will create a natural feeding area for cardinals and make them feel right at home in your yard.
Placing favorite foods underneath the main feeder
To further entice cardinals to visit your yard and feeders, you can strategically place their favorite foods underneath the main feeder. By doing so, you are creating an additional incentive for cardinals to explore and discover the delicious treats you have to offer. Consider scattering some sunflower seeds or shelled peanuts on the ground below the feeder. This will not only attract cardinals but also provide them with an easy and accessible food source. The combination of a tray feeder on the ground and scattered favorite foods will make your yard a cardinal-friendly haven.
Fill Feeders Every Morning
Before sunrise
Cardinals are early risers, and they are most active during the early morning hours. To ensure that you are attracting these beautiful birds to your yard, it’s crucial to fill your feeders every morning before sunrise. By replenishing the seeds and nuts at this time, you are providing cardinals with fresh and plentiful options to start their day. The consistent availability of food will establish your yard as a reliable food source for cardinals, and they will make it a habit to visit your feeders daily. So set your alarm clock and make it a morning routine to keep those feeders full for the early bird cardinals.
Attracting early risers
It’s no secret that cardinals are early risers, and filling feeders before sunrise is key to attracting them. The beauty of this is that by attracting cardinals, you are also attracting other early-rising bird species. The peaceful morning hours are often filled with various bird songs and sightings, making it an enjoyable time to observe and appreciate the diverse avian visitors to your yard. By consistently filling your feeders every morning, you are creating a welcoming environment for the early risers of the bird world.
The Value of Attracting Cardinals
Continued visits to your yard
Attracting cardinals to your yard is not only an enjoyable experience, but it also brings a host of benefits. Once you have successfully attracted cardinals to your feeders and provided them with a safe and inviting space, they will continue to visit your yard regularly. Cardinals are known to be loyal and faithful visitors, and having them frequent your yard will not only bring you joy but will also create a sense of connection with nature. The vibrant red plumage of the male cardinals and the melodious songs they serenade us with are just some of the rewards of attracting these stunning birds. So put in the effort to create a welcoming environment for cardinals, and you will be rewarded with their continued presence and the beauty they bring to your yard.
