Introduction
The flash of crimson against a snowy backdrop, the cheerful melody echoing through the trees – cardinals are a welcome sight and sound in gardens across North America. These vibrant birds, with their distinctive crests and powerful songs, are year-round residents in many areas, bringing joy and a splash of color even in the dreariest of winter months. Attracting cardinals to your yard is a rewarding experience, and providing them with the right nourishment is paramount to their health, survival, and the continuation of their captivating presence. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to providing the best food for cardinals, ensuring a thriving population of these beautiful birds in your backyard.
Cardinals, officially known as Northern Cardinals, are more than just beautiful birds; they are an integral part of the local ecosystem. Understanding their dietary needs is not just about attracting them to your feeders; it’s about contributing to their overall well-being. A well-nourished cardinal is a healthy cardinal. This translates to brighter plumage, a stronger song, increased resilience to disease, and greater success in raising their young.
Cardinal Dietary Preferences: Understanding What They Naturally Eat
To effectively cater to the dining preferences of cardinals, it’s crucial to understand their natural diet in the wild. Cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, their strong beaks perfectly adapted for cracking open tough seed hulls. However, their diet isn’t exclusively seeds. They supplement their meals with insects, particularly during the breeding season when protein is essential for developing chicks. Berries and fruits also play a role, adding vital nutrients and hydration to their diet, especially during drier periods.
The dietary habits of cardinals also exhibit seasonal variations. During the spring and summer months, when insects are abundant, cardinals actively forage for caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and other invertebrates. These insects provide a readily available source of protein crucial for nesting females and growing fledglings. As autumn arrives and temperatures cool, seeds become the primary food source. Cardinals will actively seek out sunflower seeds from drying wildflowers, glean berries from shrubs and trees, and consume various nuts and grains. During the harsh winter months, when natural food sources are scarce, cardinals rely heavily on stored seeds and any supplemental food provided by humans.
In their natural habitat, cardinals forage for a variety of wild foods. Sunflower seeds from native wildflowers are a particular favorite, providing a rich source of oil and energy. Berries from shrubs like serviceberry, dogwood, and elderberry offer essential vitamins and antioxidants. Acorns, beechnuts, and other tree nuts provide a valuable source of protein and fat. Understanding these natural preferences provides a roadmap for what to offer in your backyard feeders.
Top Foods to Offer Cardinals in Your Backyard
Providing a diverse and nutritious buffet is the key to attracting and sustaining a healthy population of cardinals. Here are some of the best food options to consider for your backyard feeding stations:
Sunflower Seeds
These seeds are the undisputed champion of cardinal cuisine. Specifically, black oil sunflower seeds (BOSS) are the ideal choice. They are high in oil content, providing essential energy, and their relatively thin shells are easy for cardinals to crack open with their strong beaks. You can offer BOSS in hopper feeders, platform feeders, or even scattered directly on the ground. Be sure to provide fresh seeds and replenish feeders regularly.
Safflower Seeds
Safflower seeds are another excellent option. Cardinals readily consume them, and they have the added benefit of being less appealing to squirrels and some other bird species, potentially reducing competition at your feeders. Offer safflower seeds in the same types of feeders as sunflower seeds.
Hulled Sunflower Seeds
Also known as sunflower hearts or chips, hulled sunflower seeds offer several advantages. Because the shells have already been removed, there is less mess around your feeders, and young birds can easily consume them. However, they are generally more expensive than BOSS. Offer hulled sunflower seeds in tube feeders or platform feeders.
White Striped Sunflower Seeds
These seeds are a good source of fat and cardinals seem to enjoy them as much as Black Oil Sunflower Seeds. Offer white striped sunflower seeds in hopper feeders, platform feeders, or even scattered directly on the ground. Be sure to provide fresh seeds and replenish feeders regularly.
Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is an easy and affordable way to add variety to your feeders. Cardinals will eat cracked corn, and it provides a good source of energy. Be aware that cracked corn can also attract unwanted birds like starlings and pigeons. Offer cracked corn on platform feeders or scattered on the ground in moderation.
Peanut Pieces
Peanuts are a high-protein and high-fat treat that cardinals enjoy. Be very careful when offering peanuts. Only provide them in small pieces to prevent choking, and always purchase bird-specific peanut products to minimize the risk of aflatoxin contamination. Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by a mold that can be harmful to birds. Offer peanut pieces in suet feeders or mixed in with other seeds. You can also thinly spread peanut butter (avoid those with added sugar and salt) on tree bark.
Berries and Fruit
While seeds are the staple of a cardinal’s diet, supplementing with berries and fruit can provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Consider planting berry-producing shrubs like serviceberry, dogwood, and elderberry in your backyard to provide a natural food source. You can also offer small pieces of fresh berries, such as cut-up grapes, blueberries, and raspberries, in a shallow dish.
Suet
Especially during the winter months, suet is a valuable addition to your feeding stations. Suet is a high-energy fat source that helps cardinals stay warm and maintain their energy reserves. You can find suet in various forms, including plain suet, suet with seeds, suet with berries, and suet with insects. Offer suet in specialized suet feeders.
Live or Dried Mealworms
Mealworms are a fantastic source of protein, especially during the breeding season when cardinals require extra protein to feed their growing chicks. Offer live or dried mealworms in a shallow dish or platform feeder.
Water
Providing a source of fresh, clean water is just as important as providing food. Cardinals need water for drinking and bathing, especially during hot summer months and dry spells. In winter, a heated bird bath can provide a crucial source of unfrozen water. Clean and refill your bird bath regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
How to Attract Cardinals to Your Yard
Offering the right food is only one piece of the puzzle. Creating a welcoming and safe environment is equally important for attracting cardinals to your yard. Consider these factors:
Feeder Placement
The location of your feeders plays a crucial role in attracting cardinals. Cardinals prefer sheltered spots near trees or shrubs, which provide cover from predators and protection from harsh weather. Place feeders away from areas where cats or other predators can easily access them. Cardinals also prefer feeders with perches large enough for them to comfortably perch.
Creating a Cardinal-Friendly Habitat
Planting native trees and shrubs not only provides food but also offers shelter and nesting sites. Cardinals prefer dense shrubs and trees for nesting, so consider planting species like hawthorn, cedar, or crabapple. Providing nesting materials, such as small twigs, leaves, and grasses, can also encourage cardinals to nest in your yard.
Avoiding Pesticides
Pesticides can harm birds directly and indirectly by reducing the number of insects available for them to eat. Opt for organic gardening practices to protect the health of the cardinals and other wildlife in your yard.
Maintaining Clean Feeders and Bird Baths
Regularly cleaning your feeders and bird baths is essential for preventing the spread of disease. Clean feeders at least once every two weeks with soap and water or a diluted bleach solution. Remove any spoiled food. Clean bird baths regularly to prevent the buildup of algae and bacteria.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Cardinals
While offering a variety of food is beneficial, it’s also important to be aware of foods that can be harmful to cardinals. Avoid feeding cardinals the following:
Bread
Bread offers little nutritional value and can cause digestive problems in birds.
Processed Foods
Chips, crackers, and other processed foods are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy additives, which can be detrimental to a cardinal’s health.
Large Seeds
Large seeds can be a choking hazard, especially for young birds.
Anything Moldy or Spoiled
Moldy or spoiled food can contain harmful toxins that can make birds sick.
Cardinal Health and Nutrition: Signs of a Healthy Cardinal
Knowing the signs of a healthy cardinal can help you assess whether your feeding efforts are paying off. A healthy cardinal will exhibit bright, vibrant plumage, alert and active behavior, and regular visits to your feeders to consume a variety of foods. They should also maintain a healthy body condition, neither too thin nor too plump.
Troubleshooting: What if Cardinals Aren’t Visiting?
If you’ve put in the effort to provide the right food and habitat but cardinals aren’t visiting your yard, don’t despair. Here are some common reasons why cardinals may not be present:
Common Reasons
New Feeders: It may take time for cardinals to discover new feeders. Be patient and continue to offer the right food.
Competition from Other Birds: More aggressive bird species may be monopolizing the feeders. Consider providing multiple feeders or feeders that are specifically designed to deter larger birds.
Presence of Predators: If cardinals sense the presence of predators, they may avoid your yard. Provide ample cover and ensure that feeders are placed in safe locations.
Lack of Cover: Cardinals need dense shrubs and trees for shelter and nesting. If your yard lacks adequate cover, they may be less likely to visit.
Poor-Quality Food: Cardinals are discerning eaters and will avoid feeders containing poor-quality or spoiled food.
Solutions
If you’re experiencing difficulty attracting cardinals, try moving your feeders, providing better-quality food, adding more cover, and being patient. With persistence, you can create a welcoming environment that will attract these beautiful birds to your yard.
Conclusion
Attracting and maintaining a healthy population of cardinals is a rewarding experience that brings joy and beauty to your backyard. By understanding their dietary needs and providing the best food for cardinals, including sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, berries, and suet, you can create a thriving habitat that will sustain these vibrant birds throughout the year. Remember to provide a safe and welcoming environment with ample cover, clean feeders, and fresh water. Start by offering a selection of cardinal-friendly foods and observe which options they prefer. With a little effort, you can transform your yard into a haven for cardinals, ensuring their continued presence and captivating beauty for years to come. Enjoy the flashes of crimson and the melodious songs – you’ve earned them!
