
Cardinals, with their striking red plumage and melodious songs, are a favorite among bird enthusiasts. Understanding what food cardinals like can help attract these beautiful birds to your backyard and ensure they thrive in their natural habitat. This article delves into the dietary preferences of cardinals, offering insights into their favorite foods, feeding habits, and how you can create a bird-friendly environment that caters to their needs.
The Cardinal’s Natural Diet
Cardinals are primarily granivorous, meaning their diet consists mainly of seeds. However, they are also known to consume a variety of other foods, including fruits, insects, and even small vertebrates. Here’s a closer look at the different types of food that cardinals enjoy:
1. Seeds
Seeds are the cornerstone of a cardinal’s diet. They have strong, conical beaks that are perfectly adapted for cracking open seeds. Some of their favorite seeds include:
- Sunflower Seeds: Both black oil and striped sunflower seeds are highly favored by cardinals. The high oil content in black oil sunflower seeds provides essential nutrients and energy.
- Safflower Seeds: These seeds are less attractive to squirrels and other birds, making them an excellent choice if you want to specifically attract cardinals.
- Millet: While not as preferred as sunflower or safflower seeds, millet is still a good option, especially in mixed birdseed blends.
2. Fruits
Cardinals are also fond of fruits, which provide them with essential vitamins and minerals. Some fruits that cardinals enjoy include:
- Berries: Cardinals are particularly attracted to berries such as blackberries, raspberries, and elderberries. These fruits are not only nutritious but also easy for the birds to consume.
- Apples: Sliced apples can be a great treat for cardinals, especially during the colder months when other food sources may be scarce.
- Grapes: Cardinals will also eat grapes, which can be offered whole or halved.
3. Insects
While seeds and fruits make up the bulk of their diet, cardinals also consume insects, especially during the breeding season when they need extra protein to feed their young. Some insects that cardinals eat include:
- Beetles: Both adult beetles and their larvae are a good source of protein.
- Caterpillars: These are particularly important for feeding nestlings.
- Grasshoppers: Cardinals will catch and eat grasshoppers, especially in open fields.
4. Other Foods
In addition to seeds, fruits, and insects, cardinals may also consume other foods such as:
- Corn: Cracked corn is a popular choice, especially in birdseed mixes.
- Peanuts: Cardinals enjoy peanuts, whether they are whole, shelled, or in the form of peanut butter.
- Bread: While not the healthiest option, cardinals will occasionally eat bread crumbs if offered.
Feeding Habits of Cardinals
Understanding the feeding habits of cardinals can help you create a bird-friendly environment that caters to their needs. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Feeding Times
Cardinals are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. These are the best times to put out food if you want to attract them to your backyard.
2. Feeding Stations
Cardinals prefer to feed on flat surfaces or in low feeders. Platform feeders or tray feeders are ideal for these birds. They also appreciate feeders that are placed near shrubs or trees, where they can quickly retreat if they feel threatened.
3. Water Sources
In addition to food, cardinals need access to fresh water for drinking and bathing. A birdbath or shallow water dish can be a great addition to your backyard to attract cardinals.
4. Seasonal Variations
The diet of cardinals can vary depending on the season. During the winter, they rely more on seeds and fruits, while in the spring and summer, they consume more insects to meet the increased protein demands of breeding and raising young.
Creating a Cardinal-Friendly Backyard
If you want to attract cardinals to your backyard, there are several steps you can take to create a welcoming environment:
1. Provide the Right Food
As mentioned earlier, cardinals prefer seeds like sunflower and safflower seeds. Offering these in your feeders will increase the chances of attracting cardinals.
2. Use the Right Feeders
Cardinals prefer platform feeders or tray feeders where they can easily access the food. Ensure that the feeders are placed in a safe location, away from predators.
3. Offer Fresh Water
A birdbath or shallow water dish can be a great way to attract cardinals. Make sure to keep the water clean and fresh, especially during the hot summer months.
4. Plant Cardinal-Friendly Vegetation
Cardinals are attracted to areas with dense shrubs and trees where they can find shelter and nesting sites. Planting native shrubs and trees can help create a habitat that cardinals will find appealing.
5. Avoid Pesticides
Using pesticides in your garden can harm the insects that cardinals rely on for food. Opt for natural pest control methods to ensure that cardinals have access to a healthy food source.
Common Questions About Cardinals’ Diet
1. Do cardinals eat suet?
While cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, they may occasionally eat suet, especially during the winter months when they need extra energy. However, suet is not a staple in their diet.
2. Can cardinals eat peanuts?
Yes, cardinals can eat peanuts. They enjoy both shelled and unshelled peanuts, as well as peanut butter. However, it’s important to offer unsalted peanuts to avoid any health issues.
3. What fruits do cardinals like the most?
Cardinals are particularly fond of berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, and elderberries. They also enjoy apples and grapes.
4. How can I attract cardinals to my backyard?
To attract cardinals, provide a variety of their favorite seeds, such as sunflower and safflower seeds, in platform or tray feeders. Additionally, offer fresh water and plant dense shrubs and trees for shelter.
5. Do cardinals eat insects?
Yes, cardinals do eat insects, especially during the breeding season when they need extra protein to feed their young. They consume a variety of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers.
6. What should I avoid feeding cardinals?
Avoid feeding cardinals bread, as it lacks the necessary nutrients and can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Also, avoid offering salted or flavored nuts, as the additives can be detrimental to their health.
7. How often should I refill my bird feeders for cardinals?
It’s best to refill your bird feeders regularly, especially during the winter months when natural food sources are scarce. Check the feeders daily and refill them as needed to ensure that cardinals have a consistent food supply.
8. Can cardinals eat mealworms?
Yes, cardinals can eat mealworms, especially during the breeding season when they need extra protein. Dried or live mealworms can be offered in a feeder or scattered on the ground.
9. What is the best time of day to feed cardinals?
Cardinals are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, so these are the best times to put out food if you want to attract them to your backyard.
10. Do cardinals eat from hanging feeders?
Cardinals prefer to feed on flat surfaces or in low feeders, but they may occasionally eat from hanging feeders if they are large enough and placed at a comfortable height.
By understanding the dietary preferences and feeding habits of cardinals, you can create a bird-friendly environment that attracts these vibrant birds to your backyard. Offering a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects, along with fresh water and suitable shelter, will help ensure that cardinals thrive in your area.