Cardinal Bird Feeders: A Comprehensive Guide to Attracting and Feeding Cardinals

Introduction

Cardinal birds are a beloved sight in many backyards, and providing them with the right food and shelter can help you enjoy their vibrant presence year-round. One of the most effective ways to attract cardinals is by offering them a variety of bird feeders specifically designed for their needs. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about cardinal bird feeders, from choosing the right type to filling them with the best foods.

Types of Cardinal Bird Feeders

Hopper Feeders

Hopper feeders are the most common type of cardinal bird feeder. They feature a large hopper that holds a generous amount of seed, and cardinals can easily access the food through several perches. Hopper feeders come in a variety of sizes and materials, including plastic, metal, and wood.

Tube Feeders

Tube feeders are another popular option for cardinal bird feeders. They consist of a long tube with perches around the outside. Cardinals can cling to the perches and feed from the holes in the tube. Tube feeders are often used for smaller seeds, such as safflower and nyjer.

Platform Feeders

Platform feeders are a good choice for cardinals that prefer to feed on the ground. They feature a flat surface that can be filled with a variety of foods, such as seed, fruit, and mealworms. Platform feeders should be placed in a sheltered area to protect the food from the elements.

Best Foods for Cardinal Bird Feeders

Cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, but they will also enjoy a variety of other foods. Some of the best foods to offer in cardinal bird feeders include:

• Sunflower seeds (black oil or striped)
• Safflower seeds
• Nyjer seeds
• Cracked corn
• Mealworms
• Suet
• Fruit (such as apples, oranges, and grapes)

How to Attract Cardinals to Your Feeders

In addition to providing the right type of feeder and food, there are several other things you can do to attract cardinals to your yard:

• Place feeders in a sheltered area. Cardinals prefer to feed in areas that are protected from the wind and rain.
• Keep feeders clean. Dirty feeders can harbor bacteria and mold, which can make cardinals sick.
• Offer a variety of foods. Cardinals have different preferences, so offering a variety of foods will increase the chances of attracting them to your feeders.
• Be patient. It may take some time for cardinals to find your feeders, so be patient and keep them filled with fresh food.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few common mistakes that people make when feeding cardinals:

• Using the wrong type of feeder. Some feeders are not designed for cardinals and can be difficult for them to use.
• Filling feeders with the wrong food. Cardinals have specific dietary needs, and feeding them the wrong foods can make them sick.
• Not keeping feeders clean. Dirty feeders can harbor bacteria and mold, which can make cardinals sick.
• Placing feeders in the wrong location. Cardinals prefer to feed in areas that are sheltered from the wind and rain.

FAQs

1. What is the best type of feeder for cardinals?

Hopper feeders and tube feeders are both good options for cardinal bird feeders.

2. What is the best food to put in cardinal bird feeders?

Sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, nyjer seeds, cracked corn, mealworms, suet, and fruit are all good choices for cardinal bird feeders.

3. How often should I fill my cardinal bird feeder?

Fill your cardinal bird feeder as often as necessary to keep it full of fresh food.

4. How can I attract cardinals to my yard?

Place feeders in a sheltered area, keep feeders clean, offer a variety of foods, and be patient.

5. What are some common mistakes to avoid when feeding cardinals?

Using the wrong type of feeder, filling feeders with the wrong food, not keeping feeders clean, and placing feeders in the wrong location are all common mistakes to avoid when feeding cardinals.

6. How can I tell if a cardinal is sick?

Signs of a sick cardinal include lethargy, ruffled feathers, discharge from the eyes or nose, and difficulty breathing.

Call to Action

Now that you know everything you need to know about cardinal bird feeders, it's time to get started! Choose the right type of feeder and fill it with the best foods to attract cardinals to your yard. With a little patience, you'll soon be enjoying the beautiful sight of these vibrant birds in your backyard.

Resources

• National Audubon Society: Cardinals
• The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Cardinals
• The Nature Conservancy: Cardinals

Table 1: Cardinal Bird Feeder Types

Table 2: Best Foods for Cardinal Bird Feeders

Table 3: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Cardinals