How to Get a Red Cardinal to Come to Your Feeder

One of the most easy to recognize backyard bird species is the red cardinal. Regularly known as the Northern Cardinal, male birds are covered in bright red plumage, with females having more subdued brown and red feathers. Both male and female cardinals have a striking red beak. Northern Cardinals do not migrate in the winter, making them a popular attraction at backyard bird feeders. A few changes to your bird feeder and yard can improve the chances of seeing one of these beautiful red birds.

Things You'll Need

  • Bird feeder
  • Black sunflower seeds
  • Bird bath
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plant bushes and landscape your yard with vegetation known to be cardinal friendly. Cardinals enjoy eating fruits and insects in the wild, therefore planting fruit shrubs such as cherry, blueberry and mulberry are good choices. Other trees enjoyed by cardinals include sumac, dogwood and all kinds of evergreens.

    • 2

      Purchase or obtain a bird feeder. Any kind of feeder will do, but cardinals prefer them to be about 5 to 6 feet off the ground. Secure the feeder to a stationary object such as a tree or pole, as cardinals seem to choose secure feeders over swinging ones.

    • 3

      Place black sunflower seeds in the bird feeder or a mixture of seeds that contain sunflower seeds. Black sunflower seeds appear to be the cardinal's favorite food, although they also like safflower seeds and suet.

    • 4

      Provide a small sprinkler or bird bath to provide fresh water for drinking and bathing.

    • 5

      Keep cats, dogs and other pests away from the bird feeder as these will scare birds away. Humans should observe cardinals from a distance, using binoculars.