There isn’t quite anything like seeing a cardinal show up in your yard. If you want to attract the bright red beauties year-round, choosing the right cardinal bird feeder is the best place to start. Cardinals do have a couple of quirky needs when it comes to feeders, so let’s dive in with some of the best options, weighing the pros and cons of each, and how to set up your feeder for success.
What Makes a Feeder “Cardinal-Friendly”?
Cardinals do have a few strong preferences in feeders. They don’t like tube feeders because the narrow perches don’t suit their larger size, and they also don’t like swinging setups that throw off their balance. So, the ideal cardinal feeder will be a bit different from your average bird feeder:
Wide perches: Cardinals enjoy perching, and a feeder that gives them a comfortable perching area is preferred. These are normally platform feeders or hopper feeders with wide ledges to give them stability.
Stability: Avoid those feeders that would greatly swing or sway. By nature, cardinals are ground feeders; thus, they always feel they are more secure when they feed on a steady surface.
Capacity for Larger Seeds: Cardinals love to eat black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and even peanuts. See a feeder that can bear these sorts of seeds without jamming.
1. Platform Feeders
Platform feeders are flat, open feeders that allow birds to sit comfortably while feeding. Cardinals can easily perch, and they provide a clear view, helping them feel secure.
Reasons to choose
Reasons to avoid
Best Value for Platform Feeder
Nature’s Way Cedar Platform Feeder
This platform feeder is solid and constructed of sturdy cedar. The cardinals can enjoy the open space, and the wood construction lends an added natural value to your yard. Cleaning is easy and simple, and a variety of food can be offered. Just be prepared to refill it often, because cardinals are not shy about their return visits for seconds!
2. Hopper Feeders
Hopper feeders are feeders with an enclosed storage reservoir for food that has a regular dispensation of seeds onto a small platform at the bottom when birds are feeding.
Reasons to choose
Reasons to avoid
Best Option for Hopper Feeder
Perky-Pet Panorama Feeder
It has a 360-degree feeding perch for multiple cardinals at once. It is also weather-resistant and thus an extremely good feeder, which works throughout the year. Fill it with black oil sunflower seeds or safflower seeds, and cardinals will flock to it. Just be prepared to add a squirrel guard if needed!
3. Squirrel-Proof Feeders
Squirrel-proof feeders have mechanisms that prevent squirrels from accessing the food, typically by closing off feeding ports when they detect weight.
Reasons to choose
Reasons to avoid
Best Option for Squirrel-Proof Feeders
Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder
This weight-sensitive feeder closes feeding ports as heavier animals try to snack. It’s built tough for withstanding the elements. The Squirrel Buster Plus is on the pricier side; however, it is well worth the investment if squirrels are an issue in your yard. Cardinals do adapt well to it, especially if you set it to their ideal weight preference.
4. Caged Feeders
Caged feeders have a metal cage around them that keeps out larger birds and most animals, while smaller birds, like cardinals, can reach the treats inside.
Reasons to choose
Reasons to avoid
Best Option for Squirrel-Proof Feeders
Woodlink WLC6S Caged Mixed Seed Bird Feeder
It is a good option if you want a squirrel-resistant choice that also suits the cardinals. This feeder has a caged design around a six-port seed tube to block larger birds and squirrels from reaching the seeds while allowing the small birds, including cardinals, to feed comfortably.
Tips to Install a Cardinal Bird Feeder
Once you have decided on a feeder, proper placement and care will ensure cardinals keep coming back to it.
Place Near Cover
Cardinals like to have an easy exit, so install your feeder near shrubs or trees for natural cover. This will make them feel safe and visit regularly.
Timing Is Everything
Cardinals visit feeders in the morning and evening hours. Try to keep your feeder stocked around these times. It adds a peaceful beginning or end to your day when you catch them during these quiet hours.
Create a Squirrel-Proof Setup
If you haven’t purchased a squirrel-proof feeder, consider putting a baffle above or below the feeder to block access from climbing squirrels. Consider offering safflower seeds, squirrels aren’t fond of them, but cardinals adore them.
Common Cardinal Feeder Questions
Final Words: Establish a Cardinal’s Home
Setting up the perfect cardinal bird feeder isn’t just some fun backyard project; it’s about inviting these vibrant birds into your space to see them, but more importantly, to watch them thrive. With the right feeder, placed in the right spot and filled with their favorite foods, you’ll create a year-round haven for cardinals. It will take some experimenting to find the best setup, but once you get it right, seeing these beautiful birds as regular visitors will be well worth it. Here’s to a winter-and spring-and summer!-of cardinals in your backyard!
