How to Attract Cardinals to Your Yard

Known for their bright red feathers and beautiful melodies, cardinals are a favorite among bird watchers. Even the fawn-colored females are easily recognizable by their song and red highlights. And fortunately, cardinals are actually fairly easy to attract to your yard.

Northern cardinals don’t migrate, which means once they find a suitable environment, they might stay year-round. This makes creating a cardinal-friendly yard especially rewarding, even if you live in colder states.

If you’d like to make your yard a regular stop for these feathered friends, it comes down to providing the right mix of food, water, and shelter. This guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet will walk you through everything you need to know to encourage cardinals to visit and stay.

Choosing the Right Food and Feeders

One of the most effective ways to draw cardinals to your yard is by offering the right food in a feeder that suits their needs.

Food

Cardinals particularly enjoy:

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: These are easy for them to crack open with their thick beaks. They’re packed with nutrients and are a cardinal favorite.
• Safflower Seeds: Another great option. Cardinals love them, but squirrels and some other birds don’t.
• Suet, Cracked Corn, Fresh Berries, and Peanut Pieces: Good additional options, though not quite as irresistible as sunflower and safflower seeds. They can add variety to their meals.

For an easy option, you can purchase bird seed mixes that are specially formulated for cardinals. These blends include a variety of their favorite foods.

Feeders

Cardinals are ground-feeding birds, so they feel most comfortable with bird feeders that mimic natural feeding conditions. These options can help accommodate their needs:

• Tray, Platform, or Hopper Feeders: Cardinals prefer feeders with lots of space for them to perch. They don’t like swinging or hanging feeders that move too much.
• Covered Feeders: Since cardinals don’t migrate, they’ll visit your yard even in bad weather. A covered feeder can help protect the food and the birds from snow or rain.
• Placement: Hang or place feeders four to six feet above the ground and near shrubs or small trees. This gives cardinals a safe escape from predators while still being accessible.

To increase your chances of seeing cardinals, keep the feeders clean and fully stocked. Like most birds, cardinals will find a new spot if food runs out repeatedly.

Providing Water

A consistent source of fresh water is essential for cardinals, for both drinking and bathing. That’s why a bird bath can be just as effective as a feeder in attracting cardinals to your yard.

Due to their slightly larger size, cardinals prefer deeper bird baths. Ensure the bath is sturdy and easy for them to access. If possible, place the bird bath on the ground. Since the birds feed on the ground, the water will be right there waiting for them.

If you live in a colder climate, use a heated bird bath or a bird bath de-icer to keep the water from freezing. This small effort during the winter months can make your yard a regular stop for thirsty cardinals.

Creating Shelter

To attract cardinals, your yard need more than just well-stocked feeders. It should feel like a haven where they can feed, rest, and raise their young comfortably. Building an inviting habitat involves a few key elements:

Shelter

You won’t need birdhouses, as cardinals prefer dense shrubs, evergreen trees, and low-lying bushes for shelter. These provide them with a safe place to perch, escape predators, and build their nests. If you don’t already have these plants, consider adding native species like dogwoods, honeysuckles, or boxwoods to your yard.

Nesting

To encourage cardinals to nest nearby, you can leave out materials like grass clippings, small twigs, and pine needs. Place these items in an open, visible spot, and they’ll do the rest.

It’s also important to note that cardinals are known to attack their own reflections. To prevent this, cover up any shiny or reflective objects like mirrors, garden decorations, or windows. This simple measure will help create a safer and more peaceful space for them.

Attracting cardinals to your yard is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy these beautiful birds up close. With the right combination of food, water, shelter, and a little patience, you’ll enjoy the company of these beloved birds year-round.

For more tips on attracting wild birds, check out our other Wild Birds & Bird Watching articles.