When it comes to attracting Cardinals to your backyard, offering the right types of bird feed can make all the difference. These striking red birds are a favorite among birdwatchers, and providing them with a diverse and nutritious diet can help ensure they keep coming back for more.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
One of the top choices for feeding Cardinals is black oil sunflower seeds. These seeds have thin shells, making them easy for Cardinals to crack open and enjoy the nutrient-rich kernels inside. The high oil content in black oil sunflower seeds provides the birds with essential energy, especially during the colder months.
Cracked Corn
Another popular option for Cardinals is cracked corn. This feed is not only affordable but also a great source of carbohydrates and fiber for the birds. Cardinals are known to enjoy munching on cracked corn, especially when scattered on the ground or offered in a platform feeder.
Suet
For a high-energy treat, consider offering suet to Cardinals. Suet cakes or blocks made from animal fat mixed with seeds, nuts, or fruits are excellent choices. Cardinals will readily feast on suet, especially during the breeding season when they need extra calories.
Nyjer Seed
Nyjer seeds, also known as thistle seeds, are favored by many finches, including the beautiful Cardinals. These tiny black seeds are rich in oils and proteins, making them a nutritious option for attracting a variety of birds to your yard.
Mealworms
While not a seed, mealworms are a favorite food of many insect-eating birds, including Cardinals. These protein-packed treats can be offered live, dried, or in suet form to provide Cardinals with a tasty and nutritious meal.
Peanuts
Cardinals also enjoy peanuts, whether whole, shelled, or crushed. Peanuts are a fantastic source of protein and fat, which are crucial for helping birds maintain their energy levels, especially during colder weather.
Safflower Seeds
If you are looking to attract Cardinals while deterring squirrels, safflower seeds are an excellent choice. Cardinals love safflower seeds, which have a bitter taste that many squirrels find unappealing, making them less likely to raid your bird feeders.
Striped Sunflower Seeds
Another option to consider is striped sunflower seeds. These larger seeds have thicker shells compared to black oil sunflower seeds, but many Cardinals still enjoy cracking them open to access the delicious kernels inside.
Sunflower Hearts and Chips
If you want to skip the mess of shells, offering sunflower hearts and chips can be a convenient choice for feeding Cardinals. These kernel-only options are packed with nutrients and are easily consumed by the birds without any waste.
The Kaytee Cardinal Blend
For a hassle-free option that combines a mix of Cardinal favorites, the Kaytee Cardinal blend is a great choice. This specially formulated blend can attract Cardinals while also catering to the dietary needs of other backyard birds, creating a diverse feeding station that appeals to a variety of avian visitors.
