Introduction
Few sights are as captivating as a male Northern Cardinal perched against a snowy backdrop, his crimson plumage a vibrant splash of color. These stunning birds, known for their melodic songs and striking appearance, are welcome visitors to gardens and backyards across North America. While Cardinals are often observed foraging, many wonder, “What exactly *is* the cardinal bird’s favorite food?” The answer is nuanced. Cardinals are opportunistic eaters, adapting to available resources. However, they exhibit clear preferences, especially when it comes to seeds, fruits, and insects. Understanding these preferences is key to attracting and supporting these beautiful birds.
Seed Preferences: The Cornerstone of a Cardinal’s Diet
Seeds form the bedrock of a cardinal’s diet, particularly during the colder months when other food sources are scarce. Among the various seeds available, sunflower seeds reign supreme. The high oil content of sunflower seeds provides a crucial energy boost, essential for surviving cold temperatures and sustaining daily activities. When it comes to sunflower seed selection, black oil sunflower seeds are generally preferred. Their thinner shells are easier to crack open, even for smaller birds, making them a more accessible and efficient food source compared to their larger, striped counterparts.
Offering sunflower seeds is a surefire way to attract cardinals to your yard. Consider using a hopper feeder or a platform feeder, as these allow larger birds like cardinals to perch comfortably while feeding. Positioning the feeder in a sheltered location, near shrubs or trees, provides cardinals with a sense of security and a quick escape route from potential predators.
Safflower seeds are another excellent choice for attracting cardinals. These white, teardrop-shaped seeds are not only palatable to cardinals but also tend to deter squirrels and some less-desirable bird species, such as starlings and grackles. The nutritional benefits of safflower seeds are comparable to those of sunflower seeds, offering a good source of protein and fat. Incorporating safflower seeds into your feeding strategy can help create a more selective feeding station, catering specifically to cardinals and other desirable songbirds.
Beyond sunflower and safflower, cardinals will also consume other seed varieties, though perhaps with slightly less enthusiasm. White-striped sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds (also known as thistle seeds), cracked corn, and millet can all supplement a cardinal’s diet, providing a wider range of nutrients. However, it’s important to remember that cardinals generally prefer seeds with higher oil content and softer shells.
The availability of seeds is particularly crucial during winter. Natural food sources become scarce, and cardinals rely heavily on backyard feeders to supplement their diet. Providing a consistent supply of seeds throughout the winter months can significantly improve a cardinal’s chances of survival.
Fruits and Berries: A Sweet Treat and Nutritional Boost
While seeds form the core of their diet, cardinals also have a fondness for fruits and berries. These sweet treats provide a welcome change of pace and offer a valuable source of vitamins and antioxidants. Cardinals are particularly drawn to wild berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, and elderberries. They also enjoy serviceberries, dogwood berries, grapes, and crabapples.
The nutritional value of fruits lies in their abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These compounds play a vital role in maintaining overall health, boosting the immune system, and protecting against disease. During the breeding season, fruits provide essential nutrients for both parent birds and their developing young.
One of the best ways to attract cardinals to your yard is to create a bird-friendly garden filled with plants and shrubs that produce berries that cardinals love. Consider planting berry-producing shrubs such as elderberry, dogwood, and serviceberry. These plants not only provide a natural food source but also offer valuable shelter and nesting sites. While offering cut fruits directly in feeders isn’t as common, ensuring a supply of berry-producing plants is a great way to entice cardinals.
Insects: Protein Power for Growth and Reproduction
Insects play a crucial role in the cardinal’s diet, particularly during the breeding season. Insects are a rich source of protein, essential for the growth and development of young birds. Parent cardinals diligently forage for insects to feed their nestlings, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need to thrive.
Cardinals consume a variety of insects, including caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, ants, and other small insects and larvae. These insects provide a concentrated source of protein, vital for muscle development and overall growth.
Attracting insects to your yard naturally can benefit cardinals and other insectivorous birds. Planting native plants is a great way to attract beneficial insects, providing a natural food source for cardinals. Avoiding pesticides is crucial, as these chemicals can harm or kill insects, disrupting the food chain and impacting bird populations. Creating a natural habitat, with leaf litter, decaying logs, and undisturbed areas, provides shelter and breeding grounds for insects.
Water: An Essential Element
Beyond food, fresh, clean water is an essential element for cardinals. Water is vital for drinking, bathing, and maintaining overall health. Providing a reliable water source can attract cardinals and other birds to your yard, especially during hot summer months and dry periods.
Bird baths are a popular and effective way to provide water for cardinals. Consider using a shallow bird bath with a textured surface, allowing birds to perch comfortably while drinking and bathing. During winter, a heated bird bath can prevent the water from freezing, providing a crucial water source for cardinals in cold climates. Alternatively, shallow dishes of water or a dripping hose can also provide accessible water for birds.
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure that water sources remain clean and safe. Clean bird baths and dishes regularly to prevent the build-up of algae, bacteria, and other contaminants. Change the water frequently, especially during hot weather, to keep it fresh and inviting.
Foods to Avoid: Protecting Cardinal Health
While it’s tempting to offer birds any available food scraps, some foods are detrimental to their health. Avoid offering bread, as it provides little nutritional value and can fill birds up without providing essential nutrients. Processed foods, salty snacks, and sugary treats should also be avoided, as they can be harmful to birds. Also avoid feeding the birds milk which is not the best for them. Finally, avoid avocado as it contains persin that can be deadly to birds.
Tips for Feeding Cardinals Successfully
Successfully attracting and feeding cardinals requires careful consideration of feeder placement, feeder types, and food quality. Position feeders in a sheltered location, away from strong winds and potential predators. Shrubs and trees nearby provide valuable cover and escape routes.
Hopper feeders, tube feeders with large perches, and platform feeders are all suitable options for cardinals. Experiment with different feeder types to determine which ones are most popular with your local cardinal population.
Keeping feeders clean is essential to prevent the spread of diseases. Regularly clean feeders with soap and water, or a diluted bleach solution, to remove bacteria and mold. Offering food consistently is particularly important during winter, when natural food sources are scarce. Cardinals rely on backyard feeders to supplement their diet and provide them with the energy they need to survive.
Conclusion
Understanding the cardinal bird’s favorite food is key to attracting and supporting these beautiful birds in your backyard. By providing a varied and nutritious diet, including sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, berries, and insects, you can create a welcoming environment for cardinals and contribute to their overall well-being. Take action today to create a bird-friendly habitat in your yard or garden, offering cardinals the foods they love and contributing to the health and vitality of these remarkable creatures. The vibrant presence and melodious songs of cardinals enrich our ecosystems, reminding us of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. By catering to their dietary needs, we can ensure that these iconic birds continue to thrive for generations to come.
