Cardinal birds, with their striking red plumage (males) and beautiful reddish-brown coloring (females), are a welcome sight in any backyard. Attracting these vibrant visitors requires providing them with the right food. But what's the best cardinal bird food? The answer isn't as simple as just throwing out any old seeds, but rather understanding their dietary needs and preferences. This guide will help you choose the best food to attract and keep cardinals visiting your feeders year-round.
What Do Cardinals Eat in the Wild?
Before diving into the best commercially available options, let's understand what cardinals naturally consume. Their diet is diverse, but heavily relies on:
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds (black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite), thistle seeds, and cracked corn are staples. They also enjoy foraging for seeds from various plants and weeds.
- Fruits: Berries, especially during the winter months, are an important part of their diet, providing essential nutrients.
- Insects: Especially during breeding season, cardinals feed their young insects, supplementing their seed-based diet with protein. They'll also eat insects themselves.
- Nuts: While not a primary food source, cardinals will occasionally consume nuts found on the ground or in trees.
Understanding this natural diet helps us select the most appealing and nutritious birdseed blends.
What is the Best Cardinal Bird Food to Buy?
Now, let's address the main question: What's the best cardinal bird food you can buy? The answer frequently revolves around black oil sunflower seeds. These are high in oil, making them incredibly energy-rich and particularly appealing to cardinals. They're also relatively small, easy for cardinals to handle, and readily available.
However, offering a varied diet is always better. Consider these options:
- High-quality birdseed mixes: Look for mixes that prominently feature black oil sunflower seeds, along with white-striped sunflower seeds and cracked corn. Avoid mixes with fillers like milo or wheat, which cardinals often ignore.
- Nyjer seeds (thistle seeds): These tiny seeds are popular with smaller birds, but cardinals will also partake, especially if other options are scarce. Use a specialized feeder designed for nyjer seeds to prevent spillage.
- Suet: While not a primary food source, suet (beef fat) provides extra energy, especially during cold winters. Consider offering suet cakes or suet feeders alongside seeds.
What Kind of Feeder Should I Use for Cardinals?
Choosing the right feeder is just as crucial as choosing the right food. Cardinals prefer feeders that:
- Protect the food from the elements: Covered feeders keep seeds dry and prevent spoilage.
- Allow easy access: Tube feeders with multiple perches or platform feeders work well. Avoid feeders that require too much maneuvering.
- Prevent other birds from dominating: While some competition is natural, consider feeders designed to deter larger, more aggressive birds from monopolizing the food.
How Often Should I Refill My Cardinal Feeder?
The frequency of refilling depends on the number of cardinals visiting your feeder and the size of your feeder. As a general rule, refill when the feeder is about half full. Regularly cleaning your feeder will also prevent the spread of disease and attract healthy birds.
What Other Foods Can I Offer Cardinals?
Besides commercially available food, you can occasionally supplement their diet with:
- Fruit slices: Apples, oranges, and berries can be a tasty treat.
- Mealworms: A great source of protein, especially during breeding season.
Do Cardinals Eat Bread?
While cardinals might peck at bread crumbs if starving, bread is not a good food source for them. It lacks essential nutrients and can even be harmful in larger quantities. Stick to providing nutritious seeds and fruits.
What is the Best Time of Year to Feed Cardinals?
While cardinals can find food year-round, supplemental feeding is most beneficial during harsh winters and during breeding season (spring and summer) when they need extra energy to raise their young.
By understanding their natural diet and preferences, selecting the right food and feeder, and providing a consistent supply, you can significantly increase your chances of attracting and enjoying these beautiful birds in your backyard. Remember, offering a variety of high-quality food is key to providing a complete and nutritious diet for these charming visitors.
