Are you looking to add a pop of color to your backyard and enjoy the sight of beautiful cardinals gracefully visiting your outdoor space? You’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll explore the 5 best bird feeders for cardinals, designed to attract these vibrant red guests to your yard.
Cardinals, with their stunning red plumage and cheerful songs, are a delightful sight for both casual birdwatchers and avid enthusiasts alike. These charming birds can bring life and energy to any outdoor space. However, it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to draw them in and keep them coming back for more. That’s where choosing the right bird feeder comes in!
We’ve researched and tested numerous bird feeders to come up with a top 5 list tailored specifically to the beloved cardinal. Our recommendations will not only enhance your backyard’s appeal but also create a comfortable and inviting environment for these colorful birds to even come right up to your window.
Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals
1. NETVUE Birdfy Lite- Smart Bird Feeder
This innovative feeder combines functionality with cutting-edge technology, allowing you to enjoy your feathered friends up close. Equipped with a built-in HD camera, motion detection, and app connectivity, you’ll never miss a moment with your favorite backyard visitors. Capture stunning photos, get real-time alerts, and share your birdwatching adventures with fellow enthusiasts.
2. Kingsyard Bird Feeder
The Kingsyard Bird Feeder is the perfect combination of style and function. Its design is simple, fitting in with many backyard décor styles. Made from steel it is durable, and weather-resistant to ensure longevity.
With easy filling and cleaning features, this feeder is solid choice for bird enthusiasts looking for a new feeder.
3. Perky-Pet Cardinal Feeder
Attract vibrant cardinals to your yard with the Perky-Pet Cardinal Feeder. Specially designed with a circular perch, it accommodates their unique feeding habits. The metal construction ensures durability, and the adjustable roof provides weather protection. Experience birdwatching bliss with this cardinal-friendly feeder!
4. Outside Hanging Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder
Upgrade your backyard with this Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder. Its retractable roof and weight-activated perch system keep pesky squirrels at bay, while the six feeding ports welcome cardinals, chickadees, and bluebirds. Durable and easy to clean, it’s a fantastic addition for bird lovers!
5. Mrcrafts Window Bird Feeder
Now you can experience birdwatching like never before with the Mrcrafts Window Bird Feeder. This transparent feeder attaches directly to your window, allowing you to observe your feathered friends up close. With a removable tray for easy cleaning and a sturdy design, it’s perfect for both kids and adults to enjoy.
What to Consider When Selecting a Bird Feeder to Attract Cardinals
Type of Feeders
Tube Feeders
Sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and mixed seeds are among the seed types that can be stored in tube-style bird feeders. Depending on the type of seed used, they are effective at luring a variety of bird species, such as finches, chickadees, and titmice.
Tray Feeders
A tray-style bird feeder, also known as a platform or ground feeder, is a simple, open-style feeder that features a flat surface or shallow container for holding birdseed. This design allows birds to easily access the seed while perching or standing on the tray. Tray-style bird feeders are generally mounted on a post, hung from a tree or hook, or placed on the ground.
Window Feeders
A window-style bird feeder is a type of bird feeder designed to be mounted directly onto a glass window using suction cups or hooks. These feeders typically feature a transparent or semi-transparent construction, allowing you to observe birds up close as they feed, making for a more intimate birdwatching experience.
Feeder Features
Wide Perching Area: Cardinals prefer to perch facing their food source, so find a feeder with a wide, sturdy perch or a circular perch that enables them to feed comfortably.
Large Hopper or Tray: Cardinals are fairly big birds, so a feeder with a roomy hopper or tray to hold plenty of birdseed will work for their size and feeding preferences.
Roof or Cover: A feeder with a roof or cover will provide protection from rain and snow, keeping the birdseed dry and making it more appealing to cardinals.
Easy to Clean and Refill: A feeder that is easy to clean and refill will help maintain a hygienic environment for cardinals and ensure a continuous supply of fresh birdseed.
Feeder Materials
When you are deciding which materials you’ll choose for your bird feeders, durability and weather resistance are key factors to consider. Here are some of the materials we recommend:
- Metals
- Wood
- Plastics
- Recycled Materials
Each of these materials will have advantages and disadvantages, the best choice for your feeder will depend on your desired budget and design preference.
Is it Squirrel Proof?
Choosing a squirrel-proof feeder is essential in maintaining an enjoyable birdwatching experience. These cleverly designed feeders prevent squirrels from stealing birdseeds and nuts but they also discourage squirrels from frequenting your backyard. Keeping squirrels at bay, you can create a more inviting environment for cardinals by ensuring seed availability for them.
Best Cardinal Bird Feeders FAQs
What type of bird feeder is best for Blue Jays and cardinals?
For attracting both Blue Jays and Cardinals to your backyard, a platform-style or tray-style feeder is often the best choice. The flat surfaces on these feeders provide a shallow container that allows these birds to easily access birdseed.
Will cardinals use a caged feeder?
Cardinals might use a caged feeder but typically caged feeders are harder for larger sized birds to feed from.
What kind of bird feeder is best for cardinals?
A tray feeder or platform style is going to be the best for attracting Cardinals.
What color is best for cardinal bird feeder?
Cardinals are not particularly color-sensitive when it comes to bird feeders. They are more attracted to what’s in the feeder. However, opting for a bird feeder that looks more natural is going to best at keeping the birds at ease.
Best Birdseed to Attract Cardinals
COLE’S CAJUN CARDINAL
- Our Favorite Birdseed Blend
Coles Cajun Birdseed is a spicy, flavorful blend that’s perfect for attracting cardinals and other colorful birds to your backyard. Infused with chili pepper, this unique mix deters squirrels and pests, while delighting avian visitors with its irresistible taste and nutritional benefits.
Cardinals are not only visually stunning, but they’re also known for their preference for specific types of birdseed. Offering the right seed blend can make all the difference in attracting these bright red beauties to your backyard. The best birdseed for cardinals typically includes a mix of black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and shelled peanuts.
Black oil sunflower seeds are the top choice for cardinals due to their high oil content and thinner shells, making them easier to crack open. Safflower seeds, with their bitter taste, deter squirrels and other unwanted guests, while still appealing to cardinals. Shelled peanuts provide essential protein and fats, ensuring your feathered friends stay healthy and energetic.
By providing a birdseed blend with these three key ingredients, you’ll create an irresistible feast that will keep cardinals returning to your backyard, providing you with endless opportunities to enjoy their striking presence.
Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals Summary
In conclusion, attracting cardinals to your backyard is easy when you provide the right birdseed blend and choose a suitable feeder. We’ve explored the top 5 bird feeders for cardinals, each designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. For those seeking a high-tech birdwatching experience and with a larger budget, the NETVUE Birdfy Lite – Smart Bird Feeder is a fantastic choice, combining modern technology with functionality. On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and still want to enjoy the beauty of cardinals up close, the Mrcrafts Window Bird Feeder offers an affordable and personal birdwatching experience. No matter which option you choose, you’ll be rewarded with the delightful sight of these vibrant red birds visiting your