Red Cardinals are beautiful birds that many people enjoy attracting to their yards with the appropriate bird feed. If you’ve ever wondered what exactly attracts these vibrant birds, then you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore the various bird seeds and food that can entice Red Cardinals to visit your yard.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
One of the most popular bird seeds for attracting Red Cardinals is black oil sunflower seeds. These seeds are easy for Cardinals to crack open and are rich in oil, providing them with a good source of energy.
Cracked Corn
Another favorite of Red Cardinals is cracked corn. Cardinals are ground feeders, so offering cracked corn on a platform feeder can attract them to your yard.
Suet
Suet is a high-energy food that is perfect for attracting Red Cardinals. Cardinals enjoy suet cakes that are made with a mix of seeds, grains, and fruits.
Nyjer Seed
Nyjer seed is another great option for attracting Red Cardinals. These tiny seeds are high in oil content and are loved by many backyard birds, including Cardinals.
Mealworms
Mealworms are a high-protein snack that Red Cardinals enjoy. Offering live or dried mealworms can bring Cardinals flocking to your yard.
Peanuts
Peanuts are a favorite of many bird species, including Red Cardinals. Whether whole, shelled, or crushed, peanuts can be a great addition to your backyard bird feeding station.
Safflower
Safflower seeds are another option for attracting Red Cardinals. These seeds have a thick shell that makes them unappealing to some birds but are loved by Cardinals.
Striped Sunflower Seeds
Striped sunflower seeds are larger and have a thicker shell than black oil sunflower seeds, but Red Cardinals can easily crack them open to access the nutritious kernel inside.
Sunflower Hearts and Chips
Sunflower hearts and chips are another excellent choice for attracting Red Cardinals. These are the inside of the sunflower seed without the shell, making them easy for birds to eat.
Kaytee Cardinal Blend
If you’re looking for a mix of Cardinal favorites in one convenient blend, consider trying the Kaytee Cardinal blend. This specially formulated mix can attract Red Cardinals and other birds to your yard.
Conclusion
Attracting Red Cardinals to your yard can be a rewarding experience, especially when you provide them with the right food. By offering a variety of bird seeds and treats like black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, suet, Nyjer seed, mealworms, peanuts, safflower, striped sunflower, sunflower hearts and chips, and the Kaytee Cardinal blend, you can create a bird-friendly environment that will attract these beautiful birds to your yard.
