Cardinal Feeders

Attract the striking Northern Cardinal to your backyard. Learn which feeders and seeds work best for these beloved red birds.

Why Cardinals Are Special

Northern Cardinals are year-round residents across eastern North America, bringing a flash of brilliant red to winter landscapes when most other colorful birds have migrated south. Both males and females sing, which makes them one of the few backyard species you can enjoy by sight and sound in every season. Cardinals prefer platform and hopper-style feeders with sturdy perches that support their larger body size, and they are strongly attracted to black oil sunflower seeds and safflower. Our guides cover the best feeder designs for cardinals, optimal seed choices, placement strategies near cover and shrubs, and identification tips that help you distinguish males, females, and juveniles at your feeding station.