Attracting cardinals to your backyard is simple when you focus on their needs: food, water, shelter, and nesting materials. Here’s how to create the perfect environment for these vibrant birds:
- Use the Right Feeders: Platform and hopper feeders are ideal for their size.
- Offer Their Favorite Foods: Black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and berries work best.
- Provide Water Year-Round: Use bird baths or heated options in winter.
- Plant Native Shrubs and Evergreens: These provide shelter and nesting spots.
- Grow Berry Plants: Options like beautyberry and winterberry offer natural food sources.
- Ensure Food Availability All Year: Refill feeders regularly, especially in winter.
- Supply Safe Nesting Materials: Twigs, dry grass, and bark strips are great choices.
Want More Tips to Attract Cardinals to Your Yard?
1. Select Bird Feeders Cardinals Use
Cardinals are sturdy birds that need feeders suited to their size and feeding habits. Opt for feeders that provide enough space and stability to accommodate their unique needs.
Platform and Hopper Feeders
Platform and hopper feeders are excellent choices, offering plenty of perching space for cardinals. Here are two standout options:
- Woodlink Heritage Farms Squirrel-Resistant Feeder: Holds up to 9 pounds of seed, making it a great long-term option [2].
- DutchCrafters Amish Poly Covered Ground Bird Feeder: Provides natural shelter while supporting ground feeding [2].
| Feeder Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Easy access, large perching area | Open spaces with clear visibility |
| Hopper | Shields seeds from weather, spacious trays | All-season feeding |
| Ground | Mimics natural feeding, stable design | Areas near shrubs or cover |
If you want more variety, tube feeders with reinforced perches can also work well for cardinals.
Tube Feeders with Large Perches
While tube feeders aren’t always ideal for cardinals, models with larger perches can be a good alternative. For example, the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder includes a cardinal ring attachment, offering the extra space these birds need. According to Nature’s Way Bird Products:
“The best type of bird feeder for cardinals is one that provides enough space for them to perch and eat” [1].
Where to Place Your Feeders
The placement of your feeder is just as important as the type. Positioning it near natural shelter while maintaining open feeding areas can make a big difference.
Here are some tips for placement:
- Place feeders close to evergreens or shrubs to provide cover but keep visibility clear for feeding [4].
- Use sturdy poles or hooks to secure feeders in place [3].
For example, the Style Selections Hanging Hopper Bird Feeder performs well when placed near protective greenery [2].
Strategically placed feeders not only attract cardinals but also enhance their overall habitat, creating the perfect setup for future steps.
2. Feed Cardinals Their Favorite Foods
To attract cardinals to your yard, offering the right food is key. Cardinals have specific dietary preferences that change with the seasons, so providing a mix of their favorite foods can keep them coming back. Pairing the right food with the right feeder will boost your chances of success.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Cardinals love black oil sunflower seeds because they’re packed with fat, have thin shells that are easy to crack, and are highly nutritious. Research from the US Fish and Wildlife Service confirms that these seeds are a top choice for cardinals [6]. Place them in platform or hopper feeders, especially during the early morning or late evening when these birds are most active.
Here’s a quick guide to matching seeds with feeders:
| Seed Type | Benefits | Recommended Feeder Type |
|---|---|---|
| Black Oil Sunflower | High fat, easy to crack shells | Platform or hopper feeders |
| Striped Sunflower | Larger size, great nutrition | Ground or tray feeders |
| Shelled Sunflower | Reduces mess | Feeders designed for small seeds |
Safflower Seeds and Other Foods
Safflower seeds are another favorite for cardinals. Plus, they’re often avoided by other birds and squirrels, making them a smart choice. As David Mizejewski points out:
“Diverse food types, including seeds, berries, and suet, improve habitat appeal” [5].
Enhance your feeding station with options like suet, shelled peanuts, wild grapes, raspberries, dogwood berries, dried fruits, and mealworms. These high-calorie foods provide the energy cardinals need.
Since about 75% of a cardinal’s diet is plant-based [6], carotenoid-rich berries are especially beneficial. They not only support the birds’ health but also help maintain their vibrant red plumage.
3. Set Up Water Sources
Providing water is just as important as food when it comes to attracting cardinals to your yard. They rely on clean water for drinking and keeping their feathers in good condition.
Types of Bird Baths
The best bird baths mimic shallow, gently sloping natural water sources. Opt for a shallow basin with a gradual slope for easy access. Stone or concrete basins work well since they retain heat and can include perching spots for added convenience.
“All birds need water to drink and to regularly clean and preen their feathers. Feather maintenance is a very important part of a bird’s life and critical during migration seasons.” [7]
Place the bird bath about 10–15 feet from feeders to avoid seed contamination. Position it near trees or shrubs to provide cover and quick escape routes from predators. During winter, take extra steps to keep the water from freezing.
Keep Water From Freezing
In colder months, ensuring water stays liquid is essential for attracting cardinals. Here are some practical ways to manage this:
- Heated Bird Baths
Heated bird baths, like the Songbird Essentials Heated Birdbath, ensure water remains accessible through winter. For a budget-conscious choice, the K&H Birdbath Heater & De-Icer offers reliable performance with lower energy use. - Water Movement
A small pump or solar-powered agitator can keep water moving to prevent freezing. Adding a dripper creates a gentle trickling sound that catches cardinals’ attention. - Daily Upkeep
Replace water daily during freezing weather and clean the bird bath weekly to avoid algae and disease. Stone or concrete baths are better suited for cold climates since they retain heat longer than plastic or metal.
For the best results, place your bird bath in a partly shaded spot. This reduces evaporation, keeps the water cooler, and makes it more appealing to cardinals year-round.
4. Build Protected Areas
Cardinals need safe spaces to hide from predators and harsh weather. By adding native plants and combining them with feeders and food sources, you can create the perfect environment for these birds.
Native Plants for Shelter
Dense vegetation is key for cardinals to escape predators and build their nests.
“You will have a better chance of attracting cardinals if you provide the cover and habit they prefer for nesting.” – David Mizejewski, Naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation [8]
Here are some native plants that work well:
- Flowering dogwoods: Dense cover
- Wild black cherry: Great for nesting
- Elderberry: Doubles as shelter and a food source
- Viburnum: Low-lying cover
- Beautyberry: Provides shelter
- Serviceberry: Supports nesting
Position these plants about 10 feet away from feeders to create a safe corridor while keeping food within reach [11]. To maintain protection year-round, pair these plants with evergreens.
Evergreens for Year-Round Shelter
Evergreens are especially helpful during winter, offering consistent protection from cold weather.
“Conifers and needle evergreens provide some of the best shelter from cold winds, rain and snow for birds, rabbits and deer in the wintertime.” [10]
Consider these options for winter cover:
- Pyramidal evergreens: Eastern red cedar, juniper, arborvitae, false cypress
- Broadleaf evergreens: Rhododendrons, winterberry holly, blue hollies, pieris
Plant evergreens in groups to create dense, layered shelter. Cardinals prefer nesting spots 5–10 feet off the ground [11].
“They love to have a high perch to sing from, while they like to nest in dense shrubs”, – Jillian Bell, Audubon Connecticut’s bird-friendly community program (BFC) associate [9]
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5. Grow Berry Plants
Cardinals depend on a variety of food sources throughout the year, and berries are a key option, especially when other foods are scarce. Planting berry-producing shrubs not only provides them with natural food but also offers extra cover. Adding these plants to your yard creates year-round foraging opportunities.
“They’re pretty adaptive. They have to be, as a resident bird.” – Gary Ritchison, professor and ornithologist at Eastern Kentucky University [12]
Here are some berry plants cardinals are known to enjoy:
- American Beautyberry
This shrub thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers slightly moist soil. Its vibrant purple berries are highly attractive to cardinals [13]. - Black Chokeberry
A hardy shrub that grows in both dry and wet conditions, producing shiny black berries [16]. - Northern Bayberry
A low-growing shrub that offers ground-level foraging opportunities for cardinals [12]. - Winterberry
Produces berries during colder months, providing an essential food source when other options are scarce [12].
Certain trees also contribute to the mix, offering an additional supply of berries:
Larger Berry Trees
- Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Reaching up to 50 feet tall, this tree adapts well to various soils and provides a steady food source [15]. - Blue Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea)
A fast-growing tree that produces clusters of berries from early summer through August [14].
Planting Tips for Success
- Timing Matters
Plant berry bushes in spring or autumn for the best results. Autumn is ideal for bare-root species, giving them a head start for the next season [17]. - Strategic Placement
Place berry plants where they’re visible from your windows. Mixing different species ensures a steady supply of berries throughout the year [13]. - Choose Native Plants
Check that the plants are native to your area. Native species are better suited to local conditions and are easier to maintain [13].
6. Keep Food Available All Year
To create a welcoming environment for cardinals, ensure a steady food supply throughout the year. Since cardinals don’t migrate, they depend on reliable food sources, especially during tough winter months.
Seasonal Feeding Strategy
Providing food tailored to each season helps cardinals stay healthy and active. Make it a habit to:
- Fill feeders early in the morning.
- Clear out spoiled seeds and debris during the day.
- Refill feeders in the late afternoon.
In winter, increase the amount of food to meet their higher energy needs.
Winter Feeding Tips
Winter can be challenging for birds, so extra care is needed:
- Offer high-fat suet chunks for extra energy.
- Clear snow from feeding areas quickly to keep food accessible.
- Place feeders near sheltered spots to protect birds from harsh weather.
Food Storage Best Practices
Proper storage keeps birdseed fresh and safe for cardinals while reducing the risk of spreading disease.
“Keeping your birdseed fresh through proper storage is important for both you and your backyard birds. Like any food, birdseed can spoil or grow moldy if it’s not stored correctly. Spoiled birdseed not only contributes to the spread of bird disease, but it exposes you and your family to harmful organisms that make people sick.” [18]
Follow these tips for safe storage:
- Use airtight containers and store seeds in a cool, dry place.
- Regularly check for spoilage and throw out any bad seed.
- Clean storage containers before refilling to prevent contamination.
Natural Food Sources
Boost your feeding efforts by incorporating natural food sources into your yard:
- Leave flower heads intact after blooming.
- Keep berry-producing plants through the winter.
- Delay pruning food-bearing plants in the fall.
- Set up diverse feeding areas throughout your yard.
7. Supply Nesting Materials
To attract Northern Cardinals during their breeding season, offering the right nesting materials is key. Cardinals typically nest from February through late August, with most nest-building activity happening between 7:30–11:30 a.m. [20].
Natural Materials Cardinals Prefer
Cardinals build their nests using materials like:
- Twigs and pine needles
- Pesticide-free dry grass
- Bark strips
- Plant fluff and moss
- Tree leaves
Where to Place Nesting Materials
Make it easy for cardinals to access these materials by placing them in:
- Wire-mesh suet cages
- Open-topped berry baskets
- Tree crevices as small piles
- Mesh bags
- Draped over shrubs or low branches
The Right Timing
Since cardinals may start nesting as early as February, it’s a good idea to put out materials early. Nest building usually takes three to nine days [20]. Stick to natural materials to keep the birds safe.
What to Avoid
Some materials can harm birds. Here’s what to keep out of their reach:
| Unsafe Materials | Why They’re Harmful |
|---|---|
| Dryer lint | Dissolves when wet and may contain chemicals |
| Human hair | Can entangle and injure birds |
| Yarn or string | Risk of tangling and injury |
| Plastic strips | Non-biodegradable and a choking hazard |
| Aluminum foil | Harmful and unnatural for birds |
| Cellophane | Can cause suffocation or entanglement |
Tips for Finding Natural Materials
You can also:
- Let leaves and twigs stay on the ground in certain areas.
- Keep a natural compost pile where birds can gather materials.
- Plant native species that naturally provide nesting supplies.
- Stack brush piles with small branches and twigs for easy access.
Quick Tips to Attract Northern Cardinals
Want to bring Northern Cardinals to your yard? Focus on these essentials:
Food and Feeding
Set up platform or hopper feeders filled with black oil sunflower and safflower seeds. Place the feeders close to natural cover to keep the birds safe from predators [22].
Shelter and Safety
Plant evergreens and dense shrubs to provide year-round hiding spots [21]. Native plants nearby can offer quick protection when needed.
Water Sources
Keep a steady water source available all year. During winter, consider a heated birdbath or make sure to refresh the water often [21].
Creating the Right Habitat
Cardinals stick around where their basic needs are met [23]. A well-kept yard with food, shelter, and water ensures these vibrant birds feel at home year-round.