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Cardinals aren’t very timid, but to successfully attract these beautiful birds to your yard, it’s important to choose the right type of food and bird feeder for cardinals. Designed to provide these birds with plenty of space to perch and feast, all while looking nice in the garden, cardinal feeders come in a range of materials and designs to suit personal preferences. We tested 10 different bird feeders in order to examine their versatility and discover which feeders would stand out from the flock.
If you’re eager to transform your backyard into a haven for cardinals to bathe and eat, this guide can help. Below, we’ll review some of the best bird feeders for cardinals and recommend their best uses based on our first-hand observations from testing.
- BEST OVERALL: Woodlink Heritage Farms Squirrel-Resistant Feeder
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Style Selections Hanging Hopper Bird Feeder
- BEST FOR POLE MOUNTING: Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Feeder With Suet Cages
- BEST FOR TABLETOPS: Gray Bunny Bird Feeder Tray
- BEST FOR GROUND: DutchCrafters Amish Poly Covered Ground Bird Feeder
- BEST FOR WINDOWS: Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder With Suction Cups
- BEST SQUIRREL-PROOF: Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder With Cardinal Ring
- BEST HOPPER: Woodlink Going Green Large Premier Feeder
- BEST TRAY: Nature’s Way Bird Products Cedar Platform Tray
- BEST COLLAPSIBLE: Perky-Pet Red Cardinal Wild Bird Feeder
How We Tested the Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals
Cardinals are midsize songbirds that feast on black oil sunflower seeds. We used that information to choose a variety of different feeders for testing. Our cardinal birdseed feeders included hoppers, trays, tubes, and window feeders of different sizes. Some hung from a branch or shepherd’s hook, others mounted on a pole, and a couple of them sat on the ground. For best results, we tested each feeder independently. Afterward, we followed a rubric, scoring each feeder for ease of assembly and installation, durability, ease of filling and cleaning, and bird visibility. We observed birds feeding thrice daily for a week to confirm that cardinals were indeed attracted to these feeders. We also noted susceptibility to squirrels, seed spillage, and rain.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 10
- Hours spent testing: 15
- Tests performed: 4
- Price range: $17 to $180
Our Top Picks
The following cardinal bird feeders are some of the best on the market. In our tests, each one proved easy to set up and maintain. While each has its strengths and weaknesses, all of the picks on our list are effective for watching and feeding cardinals. These feeders feature comfortable perches, plenty of space for larger birds, squirrel-proof features, and a wide range of styles and materials, so there are plenty of excellent options to choose from.
Best Overall
Woodlink Heritage Farms Squirrel-Resistant Feeder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.6/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Hopper
- Materials: Metal
- Capacity: 9 pounds
Pros
- Very large capacity; can hold 9 pounds of seed
- Durable powder-coated steel material is rust- and damage-resistant
- Includes necessary hardware for hanging and pole mounting
- All feeding ports are on one side, which ensures that birds will be visible
Cons
- Crafty squirrels may figure out how to bypass the critter-resistant features
- Can be too heavy to hang when filled with seed; must hang from a sturdy frame
For yards and gardens teeming with birds, a large bird feeder is the right choice to keep up with demand. This hopper bird feeder from Woodlink holds an impressive 9 pounds of seed, which is enough to feed a lot of cardinals. It is designed to avoid feeding squirrels, with a weight-triggered closing mechanism and locking top. The adjustable weight-triggered perch locks access to the seeds when it senses a squirrel.
The front-facing perch and spacious feeding area are ideal for cardinals, but plenty of other birds will love this feeder as well. The powder-coated steel body is long lasting, and the deep green finish looks nice. To suit different homes, this bird feeder can be hung or pole mounted, and it includes the necessary hardware for either option.
We mounted the feeder on the included pole. Assembling the bracket beneath the feeder was not difficult—it involved just 8 screws and nuts, and it came together in about 5 minutes. Anchoring the pole in soil took another 20 minutes of digging and tamping soil. Everything fit well and felt secure, but it was difficult to get a perfect vertical pole position.
To fill the feeder, we had to squeeze the release tabs at the back and tilt the roof forward. This opens the entire top, making it super easy to load. There is no fastener holding the feeder base to the pole, so we could have dismounted the feeder easily enough if we needed to.
While the weight-sensitive perch makes this feeder highly squirrel-resistant, one of these furry scoundrels learned to sprawl across the roof and reach down to the open feeding port. Nonetheless, it still did a better job than most of keeping squirrels out. In addition to the sturdy build and large volume, our favorite thing about the Heritage Farms bird feeder was that the feeding area is only on one side. This allowed us to position the perch for easy viewing, which, for many people, is the top reason to feed birds, after all. Feeding space was more limited than some of the other feeders, but the feeder itself didn’t block the view. The cardinals seemed to especially love feeding while being somewhat sheltered by this feeder during rainy weather.
Read our full review: Woodlink Heritage Farms Squirrel-Resistant Feeder
Get the Woodlink Heritage Farms bird feeder for cardinals at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Wayfair.
Best Bang for the Buck
Style Selections Hanging Hopper Bird Feeder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.2/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Hopper
- Materials: Plastic
- Capacity: 6 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight bird feeder is easy to hang from a branch or shepherd’s hook
- Roof lifts off to provide a large opening that is easy to fill
- Hopper-style feeder with sheltered feeding area attracts lots of different birds
- Inexpensive and well designed; suitable for a variety of birds and habitats
Cons
- Squirrels can easily access the feeding area and make a mess of the bird food
- Although it is ultraviolet (UV)-resistant, the plastic may become brittle and crack over time
For cost savings and general bird-feeding success, consider this simple and effective hanging bird feeder from Style Selections. This plastic hopper-style bird feeder holds up to 6 pounds of bird food, and our backyard birds loved it during testing.
The midsize lantern-style feeder features a clear plastic hopper and a hexagonal shape that helps users see the feeding birds more easily. The hopper continuously fills a feeding tray at the base, where small and midsize birds feed from the comfort of a perch. It measures 9.6 inches tall and 11.5 inches in diameter.
The Style Selections feeder arrived ready to use, with no assembly required. We filled the hopper and hung it on a shepherd’s hook, which flexed only slightly under the weight of the full feeder. It was an immediate hit with all types of birds, including our neighborhood cardinals.
Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for the squirrels to find it. They climbed the shepherd’s hook (which we could have coated with petroleum jelly or protected with a squirrel baffle as a preventative measure) and entered the perching and feeding area. After a couple of days, they learned to remove the top of the feeder and go right to the source.
This is an excellent feeder for the price. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and clean, and the birds love it. Just be sure to take all precautions to keep squirrels away.
Get the Style Selections bird feeder for cardinals at Lowe’s.
Best for Pole Mounting
Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Feeder With Suet Cages
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Hopper
- Materials: Wood
- Capacity: 5 pounds
Pros
- Can be hung with included cable or pole mounted
- Features a birdseed feeder and 2 suet cages; great for year-round use
- Hinged roof makes refilling and cleaning straightforward
Cons
- Suet holders are on the smaller side and may not fit some suet cakes
Appeal to cardinals with both seed and suet using this attractive hopper-style bird feeder. Made from cedar, this feeder can hold up to 5 pounds of birdseed as well as two suet cakes. Although it includes a cable for hanging, this model can also be pole mounted, making it a great option for those who want to keep squirrels away. The pole and mounting hardware are not included.
The hinged roof opens for easy cleaning, and the plexiglass makes it easy to see when the feeder needs refilling. It has front-facing perches to accommodate cardinals, and since it holds different types of food, it’s like having two feeders in one.
Since the Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Feeder came with a preinstalled hanging cable, all we had to do was fill the hopper, add suet, and hang it on our shepherd’s hook. Even when it was packed with 5 pounds of food, the weight was not a problem with this one. We also really liked the natural wood appearance, which will mellow to a grayish-brown color with age.
The squirrel situation was similar to the other unprotected models we tested. It only took a day for our squirrels to hone in and make a mess. They started with the perch area and quickly found that the hopper lid did not latch securely. This is a really nice-looking and easy-to-use feeder—just be sure to protect it from squirrels.
Get the Woodlink Deluxe bird feeder for cardinals at Amazon, Wayfair, or Walmart.
Best for Tabletops
Gray Bunny Bird Feeder Tray
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 3.8/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Tray
- Materials: Metal
- Capacity: 1 pound
Pros
- Ideal for new bird-feeding stations; birds are able to find the exposed seed easily
- Small platform feeder can be placed on a tabletop or on the ground
- Works with various feed types, such as sunflower seeds, peanuts, mealworms, and fruit
- Metal mesh tray is easy to clean, corrosion-resistant, and allows water to drain
Cons
- Exposed cardinal food is open to potentially unwanted bird types, squirrels, and other wildlife
- Must be cleaned and dried frequently to prevent clogging and food spoilage
Tray or platform bird feeders help birds find new feeding stations and are suitable for a wider variety of food types than most feeders. The Gray Bunny bird feeder tray is made of durable metal mesh to let rainwater and snowmelt drain freely. The tray measures 11 inches square, and thanks to its metal feet, it elevates off the ground by about 1 inch. It holds about a pound of birdseed for cardinals.
This feeder arrived fully assembled and ready to use. During the test week, we moved it to several different locations around the yard, including an outdoor patio table, a tree stump, and directly on the ground. After feeding the cardinals a tray full of sunflower seeds, we filled it with dried mealworms for our bluebirds and then with peanuts for the squirrels. Given the openness of the feeder, we were surprised at the lack of scattered bird food mess.
We also noted that the feeder, although generally easy to clean, required more frequent cleaning than the other feeders we tested. This was largely due to rain exposure. The mesh prevented puddling during rain, but debris quickly clogged the mesh. To make cleanup easy, we allowed the food to run out and hosed off the mesh before every fill-up.
Get the Gray Bunny bird feeder for cardinals at Amazon.
Best for Ground
DutchCrafters Amish Poly Covered Ground Bird Feeder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 3.8/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Platform
- Materials: Recycled plastic
- Capacity: 5 pounds
Pros
- Covered platform feeder keeps feed dry during inclement weather
- Removable seed tray with metal mesh bottom allows for easy cleaning
- Large-capacity seed tray saves time filling and maintaining
- Weatherproof plastic material for years of dependable use
Cons
- Roof can make it more difficult to view birds from some angles and in certain light conditions
- Versatile and very durable, but it comes at a premium price
If it was designed to mount on a post or hang, we might refer to this as a “fly-through” feeder. But due to its large size and the fact that it sits directly on the ground, we consider it a covered platform feeder. Either way, it’s a great place to set out a large quantity of bird food, with plenty of room for several birds to feed at once.
This was the largest cardinal feeder we tested, measuring 23 inches long by 14.75 inches wide by 18.5 inches tall. No assembly was required, either. The seed tray is not fastened to the superstructure, which makes it easy to remove for cleaning. We tried this feeder in two different locations: first on the ground and then on a low table.
The legs are about 4 inches tall, which is a really nice height for ground feeding. The only thing we didn’t like about the design was that the roof obscured the view into the feeding area when viewed from above, such as while we were sitting on the deck with the feeder on the ground nearby. The shade provided by the roof also made viewing a bit more difficult on clear, bright days.
The large covered tray space was an advantage during stretches of poor weather or busy times when we couldn’t get out to fill it every day. Plus, though it was covered, even larger birds were able to access the feed inside. The cardinals seemed to appreciate sheltered feeding, too.
Get the DutchCrafters bird feeder for cardinals at Amazon or DutchCrafters.
Best for Windows
Nature's Hangout Window Bird Feeder With Suction Cups
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 3.8/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Window
- Materials: Acrylic
- Capacity: 4 cups
Pros
- Window-mounted design provides the best view for bird-watching
- Does not require any assembly; attaches to window with included suction cups
- Very easy to refill and clean due to open design and removable tray
Cons
- No critter-proofing features; needs to be placed out of reach from squirrels, rats, deer, and other backyard animals
- Increases risk of birds colliding with the window—applying anti-collision UV decals can help
Consider using this window feeder for a simple and entertaining way to watch cardinals. This platform-style feeder easily attaches to glass via strong suction cups, and it can be filled with up to 4 cups of virtually any type of birdseed. The roof helps protect birds from the elements while feeding, and drain holes help keep birdseed dry and mold-free. The removable tray is perfect for quick and easy refilling and cleaning, and the acrylic construction allows for cleaning and a clear view of bird visitors.
To dissuade squirrels from chowing down, hang this bird feeder on a high window or glass door and away from trees. We did not have such a window available for testing, so both birds and squirrels enjoyed the free meal. We peeked between our curtains, and the view from just inside the window was outstanding.
The three suction cups that came with this kit held incredibly strong through strong winds and some aggressive play sessions between squirrels. Birds had no trouble finding the food, but they missed the feeder and collided with our window twice, so we installed anti-collision decals to help them see and avoid the glass.
Because of the small tray size, we had to fill it daily. Thanks to the removable tray, filling it was easy. As with the other platform/tray feeders, we made sure to do a quick cleanup each time before filling the tray.
Get the Nature’s Hangout bird feeder for cardinals at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Nature’s Hangout.
Best Squirrel-Proof
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder With Cardinal Ring
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.3/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.6/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Tube
- Materials: Polycarbonate
- Capacity: 5.1 pounds
Pros
- Squirrel-proof design utilizes an adjustable weight mechanism to foil crafty squirrels
- Does not require tools; easy to assemble and take apart for cleaning
- Includes 6 feeding ports plus a cardinal ring
Cons
- Large, heavy birds may also trigger the weight mechanism, which prevents them from feeding
- The cardinal ring can be tricky to attach to the feeder
Attract and keep cardinals happy and well fed with this durable tube-style bird feeder. With six feeding ports and a cardinal ring, there are plenty of places for cardinals to hang out and eat mixed birdseed, sunflower seeds, and safflower seeds. The seed ventilation system keeps the feed fresh while preventing mildew growth, and the weight-adjustable spring automatically closes the feeding ports when anything larger than a bird finds its way to the perch. Epoxy resin construction makes this feeder extra-durable and resistant to chewing from squirrels or chipmunks.
Of all the cardinal bird feeders we tested, the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus did the best job repelling squirrels. Unfortunately, cardinals seemed less enthusiastic about this feeder than the others in the group. They used it, but we frequently observed chickadees, titmice, and house finches on the perch instead. Maybe the smaller diameter of the feeding ports made it more difficult for cardinals to feed. Cardinals often opted for nearby seeds that the other birds tossed on the ground.
The materials and quality of this feeder felt more durable than the rest of the group. It could be a really great option for general bird enthusiasts who detest squirrels—especially those who don’t mind relegating cardinals to blend into the ensemble rather than being the star of the show.
Get the Brome bird feeder for cardinals at Amazon, Walmart, or Brome.
Best Hopper
Woodlink Going Green Large Premier Feeder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.2/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Hopper
- Materials: Recycled plastic
- Capacity: 5.5 pounds
Pros
- Durable construction to withstand years of harsh outdoor conditions
- Eco-friendly; made with 90 percent post-consumer recycled materials
- Traditional hopper bird feeder design is proven effective for feeding cardinal birds
- Large-capacity hopper lets users spend less time filling and more time watching birds
Cons
- This feeder does not include squirrel-resistant features
It’s hard to improve on the simplicity and effectiveness of the hopper-style bird feeder. Made from recycled plastic, this model from Woodlink can hold about 5.5 pounds of bird feed. It features a powder-coated metal screen bottom for drainage, a hinged roof for easy filling, and a coated steel cable for secure hanging.
The first thing that impressed us about this feeder was its sturdy build. It weighs about the same as a wooden feeder of a similar size, but the HDPE plastic material is more resilient to constant outdoor exposure. And it is securely screwed together rather than being glued and stapled. The green and tan color combination looks nice, too.
Our birds and squirrels loved this feeder. It offered plenty of feeding areas in the front and back so that several birds could munch at the same time. Squirrels happily hung from the roof or perch area as they pilfered the seeds, too. Because it’s a two-sided feeder, birds on the backside were obscured from our view, but during feeding time, we saw plenty of cardinals from either side.
If we could change anything about this feeder, it would be the design of the feeding tray. As it is, the all-in-one feed tray and perch offer a wide area outside the hopper where seed can be spread under the protection of the roof. It’s not bad for the most part and may be a benefit during heavy feeding sessions, but the wide area unnecessarily exposes more seed to wind and rain during bad weather. It also quickly becomes a resting place for squirrels. We would prefer to have a narrower feeding “trough” and a separate perch to accommodate larger birds.
Get the Woodlink Going Green bird feeder for cardinals at Amazon, Wayfair, Walmart, or Target.
Best Tray
Nature's Way Bird Products Cedar Platform Tray
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Platform
- Materials: Wood
- Capacity: 12 cups
Pros
- Large, spacious tray allows several birds to feed at the same time
- Mesh bottom improves airflow and drainage so that the seed stays fresh longer
- Platform feeder design makes cleaning and refilling a breeze
Cons
- Mesh holes can be too large for some types of birdseed
- Does not have any features to dissuade squirrels and other critters
Constructed from insect- and rot-resistant cedar, this platform-style bird feeder is great for attracting cardinals and other larger birds. The spacious seed tray is appealing to cardinals and larger birds, such as jays and mourning doves, as they can perch on the edge of the feeder or sit inside. A mesh metal cutout in the bottom of the platform allows for draining and provides proper ventilation, preventing mold or mildew from growing among the seeds. This screen also makes it possible for the feeder to accommodate different types of feed, including mixed seeds, sunflower seeds, peanut pieces, or mealworms.
The feeder comes with a vinyl-coated hanging cable and rust-resistant hardware. Keep in mind that because this bird feeder doesn’t have a protective covering, squirrels, chipmunks, and other critters may be drawn to the tempting birdseed buffet.
We really liked the large dimensions and deep tray of the Nature’s Way cedar platform bird feeder. It had plenty of space for different types of birds, and the tray sides resisted the wind’s tendency to blow bird food onto the ground. Its construction was sturdy, and we appreciated the removable mesh bottom for easy cleaning. Since it was awkward to maneuver the two separate cable loops one-handed, we clipped them together with a small carabiner, which made it much easier.
Get the Nature’s Way bird feeder for cardinals at Amazon, Walmart, or Nature’s Way.
Best Collapsible
Perky-Pet Red Cardinal Wild Bird Feeder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.4/5
Product Specs
- Feeder type: Hopper
- Materials: Metal
- Capacity: 2.5 pounds
Pros
- Wire mesh material provides excellent airflow and creates a larger feeding area
- Overhanging roof helps dissuade squirrels and protects birds and seed from rain and snow
- Space-saving collapsible design makes the feeder easy to store
- Feeding area, including the bottom tray and mesh sides, accommodates up to 15 birds at once
Cons
- Smaller seeds may fall through the mesh holder
Cardinal aficionados will enjoy this metal bird feeder, which features a bold red finish similar to the color of male cardinals. Featuring a zinc-plated finish that helps prevent rust, this feeder can hold up to 2.5 pounds of birdseed, including black-oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, which cardinals love. Don’t be fooled by its small size: The appealing circular seed tray and mesh surface can accommodate up to 15 birds at a time.
In addition to a large overhang that sheds rain, shields birds from the elements, and helps keep squirrels at bay, built-in drain holes ensure the birdseed stays dry. When not in use, this feeder can be collapsed, which makes for easy storage.
We were surprised to see how popular this feeder was with our local birds. They happily fed through the mesh and off the tray, rarely dropping seeds on the ground. The squirrels didn’t leave it alone entirely, but they clearly saw less success than they did with the hopper feeders, as they were relegated to eating seed by seed instead of grabbing handfuls at a time.
The metal roof and floor felt a bit flimsier than we would have liked, but they held up nicely throughout our tests. Time will tell how long they, and the metal coating, will hold up. Through a week of testing, the feeder showed no signs of wear and tear.
Get the Perky-Pet bird feeder for cardinals at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Bird Feeder for Cardinals
There are a few key features to keep in mind when looking for the best bird feeder for cardinals. Since cardinals have certain feeding preferences, finding the right feeder to accommodate them is important.
Type
There are several different types of bird feeders that work well for cardinals. These include:
- Platform: Cardinals don’t particularly like to turn their bodies when feeding, so platform feeders work great. These open feeders feature a tray upon which cardinals can perch, or they can sit inside comfortably.
- Hopper: Similar to a birdhouse for a cardinal, these are typically shaped like human homes. Their design allows the user to deposit birdseed into a hopper from which the birds eat—no body turning required.
- Window: Similar to platform feeders, window feeders also work well for cardinals. These feeders attach to a glass door or window and allow birds to perch on the edge or sit in the feeder to eat.
- Tube: Although tube feeders typically have traditional stick perches, which require birds to turn their bodies (something cardinals aren’t keen on), many tube feeders come with a cardinal ring, which allows you to provide more comfortable seating for cardinals.
- Suet: Cardinals love suet feeders because they provide the high-calorie nourishment they need, especially in the winter. Suet feeders typically consist of a wire cage in which a suet “cake” is placed; birds can hang on to the wire while eating.
Size/Capacity
Since cardinals are bigger than finches, wrens, chickadees, and sparrows, having a sizable bird feeder can ensure that cardinals have plenty of room to sit and eat. Most bigger bird feeders can hold a few pounds of seed and allow several birds to eat at once. Determining which size is right for your needs depends on how often you’ll be filling your feeder as well as where you plan on hanging it.
Bird feeders can be pole mounted, suctioned to a window, or hung from a tree or stake. Those that are hung can typically hold more birdseed than window-mounted or platform feeders.
Material
Bird feeders can also be made of different materials, although cardinals likely won’t mind which one you choose. These materials include:
- Metal: As long as it’s coated to prevent rusting, metal can be a convenient material for bird feeders, as it’s easy to clean. The only con for metal is that it can get hot, so if you live in an area where higher temperatures are present year-round—or if your yard gets a lot of sun—this may not be the best material for you.
- Plastic: Durable and easy to clean, plastic feeders are popular because they won’t break when dropped and they resist cracking from extreme temperatures.
- Acrylic: Also easy to clean and resistant to damage, acrylic feeders offer a clear view, which is perfect for window feeders.
- Wood: Wood feeders aren’t as easy to clean as plastic, acrylic, or metal, but many people appreciate the aesthetic. Keep in mind that these feeders aren’t chew-proof, so squirrels and chipmunks may gnaw them down over time.
- Epoxy resin: Epoxy resin is extremely durable and chew-proof, making it a great material for squirrel-proof bird feeders.
Perches and Feeding Ports
Since cardinals like to face forward when eating, avoid tube feeders that use stick perches and lack a cardinal ring (a term for a circular perch large enough to accommodate cardinals). Stick perches are typically too small for cardinals to fit comfortably anyway, as they’re made for smaller birds.
Ring perches on tube feeders work well for cardinals and allow them to sit comfortably, as do traditional circular perches on hopper feeders and window feeders.
The feeding ports should be large enough to accommodate cardinals. If you have a squirrel-proof feeder, make sure the settings are such that the cardinal’s weight won’t trigger the feeding ports to close. Cardinals are medium-size birds, with adults typically weighing about 1.5 ounces.
Squirrel-Proofing
If you have squirrels, a squirrel-proof bird feeder can help keep them out of the bird food for cardinals.
Squirrel-proof bird feeders typically feature a mechanism that closes the feeding ports when a squirrel’s weight is placed on the perch, preventing them from accessing any food. While tube feeders, suet feeders, and hopper feeders can be squirrel-proof, platform feeders and window feeders typically are not (unless window feeders are placed far enough away from trees from which squirrels can jump).
The material matters when it comes to squirrel-proofing. To thwart invading squirrels, you’ll likely want a chew-proof material, such as epoxy resin or metal.
Additional Features
The best bird feeders for cardinals can also have other features that make them more appealing to these colorful birds.
Some feeders have built-in ventilation systems that prevent birdseed from getting wet and accumulating mold or mildew, which can be advantageous for larger bird feeders that don’t require frequent filling. Others are made with UV-resistant materials to help prevent fading and sun damage.
Many bird feeders also combine feeding methods, such as having a place for birdseed as well as a suet holder in the same feeder.
FAQs
With its bright bill, distinctive red feathers, and beautiful bird song, the Northern cardinal is a favorite bird to many, even nabbing the title of state bird in a whopping seven states, including Illinois, Kentucky, and West Virginia. They’re a favorite winter garden visitor, and their bright color stands out beautifully against snow and evergreen trees. Still have questions about choosing the best bird feeder for attracting cardinals? We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions below.
No, but because they don’t like to twist their bodies while eating, the ideal cardinal feeder should have plenty of space and allow them to face forward while eating.
Cardinals are attracted to feeders that contain their favorite foods, such as sunflower and safflower seeds, peanuts, and even cracked corn. Cardinals also love suet, especially during the winter.
Yes, they will also attract other birds! Most types of wild birds can feed at bird feeders made for cardinals.
Cardinals prefer black oil sunflower seeds and sunflower kernels most of all, but they also eat safflower seeds, peanuts, and cracked corn.
Bird feeders that are placed near shelter plants, such as evergreen trees and shrubs, tend to attract lots of cardinals. Cardinal feeders should hang at about eye level, 5 to 6 feet off the ground.
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.
Additional research provided by Jenn Ryan and Jasmine Harding.
