The Cardinal’s Main Menu
The vibrant flash of scarlet against a snowy backdrop—the Northern Cardinal is a sight that brightens any winter landscape. This iconic bird, with its distinctive crest and cheerful song, is a beloved visitor to gardens and backyards across North America. But beyond their beauty, many people are curious about what keeps these stunning creatures thriving. What exactly do cardinals eat? This comprehensive guide will explore the diverse dietary habits of cardinals and provide practical tips on attracting them to your yard by offering their favorite foods. Understanding their needs will not only enhance your birdwatching experience but also contribute to the well-being of these remarkable birds.
Cardinals are primarily seed eaters, but their diet is surprisingly varied, adapting to seasonal availability and nutritional needs. While often seen at bird feeders, cardinals also forage naturally, gleaning sustenance from a variety of sources. A significant portion of their diet consists of seeds, supplemented by fruits and, particularly during breeding season, insects.
Seeds: The Cornerstone of a Cardinal’s Diet
Seeds form the foundation of the cardinal’s diet, composing a large percentage of their overall intake. This is especially true during the colder months when other food sources become scarce. Cardinals possess strong, conical beaks perfectly adapted for cracking open seeds, allowing them to access the nutritious kernel within.
Among the many types of seeds cardinals consume, one reigns supreme: sunflower seeds. In particular, black oil sunflower seeds are a highly favored choice. These seeds are relatively small, have thin shells that are easy to crack, and boast a high oil content, providing cardinals with a significant energy boost, especially crucial during the winter.
Safflower seeds are another excellent option for attracting cardinals. In fact, safflower seeds are often preferred by cardinals over other birds, which can be a good strategy if you want to cater specifically to them. Safflower seeds offer similar nutritional benefits to sunflower seeds and can be readily found in bird feeding supply stores.
Hemp seeds, though sometimes more expensive, are also readily consumed by cardinals. These small, protein-rich seeds are highly palatable and provide essential nutrients.
While not a primary food source, millet, especially white proso millet, is often included in wild bird seed mixes and can be eaten by cardinals. Cracked corn, another common ingredient, can also be offered in moderation, although it’s less nutritious than the other seeds mentioned. Too much corn can also attract less desirable birds or even rodents.
Fruits: A Sweet Treat and Vital Nutrients
Fruits play a crucial role in the cardinal’s diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration, especially during warmer months when water sources may be limited. Wild berries form a significant portion of their fruit intake. Cardinals consume a variety of berries, including blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, and serviceberries, all of which offer valuable antioxidants.
Cultivated fruits, such as grapes and apples, can also be offered to cardinals, although it’s essential to provide these in small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Crabapples, with their tart flavor and readily available supply in some regions, are another fruit enjoyed by these birds.
The availability of fruits varies depending on the season and geographic location. During the spring and summer months, when fruits are abundant, cardinals will supplement their seed-based diet with a wide array of these sweet and nutritious treats.
Insects: A Protein-Packed Powerhouse
Insects are a particularly important food source for cardinals during the breeding season, providing a crucial source of protein and other essential nutrients needed for raising healthy chicks. Adult cardinals actively hunt for insects to feed their young, ensuring they receive the necessary nourishment for rapid growth and development.
Cardinals consume a variety of insects, including beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, spiders, and snails. These protein-rich insects provide essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle and tissue.
During the breeding season, both male and female cardinals participate in the task of foraging for insects. They meticulously search through foliage, branches, and even on the ground, diligently seeking out these vital protein sources.
Dietary Shifts Through the Seasons
The dietary habits of cardinals shift according to the seasons, reflecting the changing availability of food sources and the birds’ evolving nutritional needs. Understanding these seasonal variations is crucial for providing the right food at the right time to attract and support cardinals in your yard.
Spring and Summer: Insect Bonanza
During the spring and summer months, insects become the primary food source for breeding cardinals. The increased protein demand of growing chicks drives the shift towards a largely insectivorous diet. Berries and other soft fruits are also readily available during this time, providing a supplementary source of vitamins and hydration.
Fall and Winter: Seeds Take Center Stage
As the weather cools and insects become scarce, cardinals rely increasingly on seeds as their primary food source. During the fall, they actively forage for seeds in fields and forests, storing energy for the long winter ahead. As winter approaches, cardinals will more frequently visit bird feeders, seeking out the readily available seeds provided by humans. During the winter months, black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds become especially crucial for providing cardinals with the energy they need to survive the cold.
Attracting Cardinals to Your Backyard: A Guide
Attracting cardinals to your backyard is easier than you might think. By providing the right combination of food, water, shelter, and a pesticide-free environment, you can create a welcoming oasis for these beautiful birds.
Selecting the Right Feeders
The type of bird feeder you choose can greatly impact your success in attracting cardinals. Cardinals prefer feeders that are sturdy and offer ample space for them to perch and feed comfortably.
Hopper feeders, with their wide platforms and protective roofs, are an excellent choice for cardinals. Platform feeders, which are essentially flat surfaces on which you can scatter seeds, are also popular, as they allow multiple birds to feed simultaneously. Tube feeders with large perches are another option, though you’ll want to make sure the perches are wide enough for cardinals to grip comfortably.
Offer Their Favorite Foods
The key to attracting cardinals is to offer the foods they love. Black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds are the most reliable options. These seeds provide the necessary energy and nutrients to keep cardinals healthy and happy.
Consider planting berry-producing shrubs and trees in your landscaping. Plants such as serviceberries, elderberries, and raspberries will provide a natural food source for cardinals and other birds.
Provide a Clean Water Source
Access to a clean water source is essential for cardinals, especially during hot summer months and freezing winter months. Bird baths, whether simple or elaborate, can provide a refreshing source of drinking and bathing water. In winter, consider using a heated bird bath to prevent the water from freezing.
Offer Shelter from the Elements
Cardinals need dense shrubs and trees for nesting and protection from predators. Planting native trees and shrubs, such as evergreens and dogwoods, will provide cardinals with a safe and secure habitat.
Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides and herbicides can harm cardinals and their food sources. These chemicals can contaminate the insects that cardinals eat, leading to health problems and even death. Avoid using pesticides in your yard, and opt for natural pest control methods instead.
Intriguing Facts About Cardinal Eating Habits
Cardinals are not just beautiful; they also have fascinating eating habits. Cardinals use their strong beaks to crack open seeds, efficiently accessing the nutritious kernel within. They often hull seeds before eating them, removing the outer shell to get to the meat. During courtship, male cardinals sometimes feed the female, demonstrating their commitment and providing her with nourishment. Cardinals forage for food both on the ground and in branches, adapting their hunting techniques to the available resources. It is worth noting that there are some regional differences in diet, some cardinals are more likely to consume more or less of a particular food type, however most cardinals are generally happy to eat seeds.
A Final Thought on Attracting Cardinals
The captivating crimson plumage of the Northern Cardinal makes it a welcome addition to any backyard. By understanding the food preferences of these beautiful birds and creating a welcoming habitat, you can greatly increase your chances of attracting them to your property. Offering a consistent supply of sunflower seeds, providing a clean water source, and creating a safe and pesticide-free environment will ensure that cardinals thrive in your yard for years to come. With a little planning and the right food, you can enjoy the beauty of cardinals in your backyard all year long. So, why not start today and create a haven for these feathered friends? Your backyard will thank you, and you’ll be rewarded with the delightful presence of these vibrant and melodious birds.
