What Bird Seed Attracts Cardinals?

When it comes to attracting to your backyard, offering the right bird seed can make all the difference. Cardinals are known for their vibrant red plumage and melodious songs, making them a popular bird to attract to bird feeders. To entice these beautiful to visit your yard, consider providing a variety of bird seeds that Cardinals find most appealing.

Black Oil Sunflower Seeds

One of the top choices for attracting Cardinals is black oil sunflower seeds. Cardinals are particularly fond of these seeds due to their high fat content, which provides essential energy for the birds, especially during colder months.

Cracked Corn

Another bird seed that attracts Cardinals is cracked corn. Cardinals enjoy pecking at corn kernels and can often be seen foraging for this treat at feeders.

Suet

Suet is another favorite food for Cardinals. Its high fat content is beneficial for Cardinals, providing them with the necessary energy to survive and thrive.

Nyjer® Seed

Cardinals are known to also enjoy Nyjer® seed, which is small and easy for them to feed on. These seeds are packed with essential nutrients that can help Cardinals maintain their health.

Mealworms

Mealworms are a protein-rich food source that Cardinals find irresistible. Offering mealworms can attract these birds to your feeder and provide them with a nutritious meal.

Peanuts

Cardinals are known to be fans of peanuts, both in the shell and out. Peanuts offer a good source of protein and healthy fats for Cardinals, making them a popular food choice.

Safflower

Safflower seeds are another option for attracting Cardinals. These seeds have a tough shell that deters some other birds, but Cardinals have no trouble cracking them open to access the nutritious seed inside.

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Striped Sunflower Seeds

Cardinals are also attracted to striped sunflower seeds. These seeds are larger than black oil sunflower seeds and have a thicker shell, providing a challenge that Cardinals enjoy.

What Bird Seed Attracts Cardinals?

Sunflower Hearts and Chips

Sunflower hearts and chips are another favorite of Cardinals. These seeds are shelled, allowing Cardinals to easily consume the nutritious heart of the sunflower without the extra work of cracking the shell.

By offering a variety of these bird seeds in your backyard feeder, you can attract Cardinals and enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of these stunning birds right outside your window.

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Don Atkins

Don Atkins is a proud Canadian and experienced biology teacher living in Toronto. With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan under his belt, Don has 10 years of teaching experience and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others. He also volunteers at the Northeastern Avian Rescue, using his expertise to help birds in need. Don's enthusiasm for ornithology is undeniable, and he loves nothing more than to share it with those around him.