Best Cardinal Bird Feeder for a Cozy Backyard
Sure, cardinals will sometimes visit a general backyard feeder. If you’re hoping to invite more cardinals into your backyard, choosing the best cardinal bird feeder can make all the difference.
But if you want to really make them feel welcome — and keep them coming back — it helps to understand a little about what they need.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- Why cardinals need a little extra help when it comes to feeder design
- What to look for when picking the perfect feeder for these beautiful birds
- The best types of feeders that make cardinals feel right at home
- What foods cardinals can’t resist (hint: it’s not just sunflower seeds)
- Where to place your feeder to get the most visitors
- How to turn your backyard into a true cardinal haven
Why Cardinals Need Special Bird Feeders
Cardinals are a bit bigger and heavier than a lot of the other backyard birds, like chickadees or finches. They like having plenty of room to perch and strong, steady spots to land.
They’re also a little shy, so they tend to prefer feeders that feel sturdy and easy to get in and out of quickly. The best cardinal bird feeder will always prioritize a wide, steady perch and plenty of space for their larger size.
And when it comes to food?
Well, cardinals are pretty classic: they love rich, hearty seeds (more on that in a minute!).
What to Look for in a Cardinal Bird Feeder
Before you head out shopping (or clicking around online), here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Size Matters: Look for feeders with wide perches or flat trays that comfortably fit a cardinal’s size.
- Strong Perches: Flimsy little swing arms? Nope. Cardinals like stable landings where they feel safe.
- Roomy Food Trays: The bigger the space, the better — especially in winter when several cardinals may show up at once.
- Seed Compatibility: Choose a feeder that works well with larger seeds like sunflower and safflower.
Pro Tip:
Some feeders designed just for finches have super small ports that cardinals struggle with. Look for open-access designs instead!
Best Types of Bird Feeders for Cardinals
Not all feeders are cardinal-approved — but a few types stand out:
- Platform Feeders:
Flat, open trays where cardinals can easily hop in, grab a snack, and fly off. Perfect if you want to keep things simple and cozy. - Hopper Feeders:
These are those charming little house-shaped feeders. They offer protection from rain and give cardinals plenty of space to perch while they eat. - Large Tray Feeders:
Another great option, especially if you love seeing multiple cardinals sharing at once. (And trust me — it’s a beautiful sight!)
Helpful Tip:
Platform feeders also attract other larger birds, like blue jays. If you’re hoping to keep it cardinal-focused, place the feeder in a quieter, shrub-filled spot where cardinals feel most comfortable.
Top Foods to Attract Cardinals to Your Yard
If you want to roll out the red carpet for cardinals, stock up on these favorites:
- Black Oil Sunflower Seeds:
Their #1 favorite! The thin shells are easy for them to crack open, and the high oil content keeps them energized. - Safflower Seeds:
Another great choice — and bonus, squirrels and some aggressive birds like starlings don’t love them! - Berries:
Plant native berry bushes (like dogwood or serviceberry) or offer dried fruits like raisins or cranberries in small amounts.
Real-Life Tip:
In my own yard, I noticed that mixing sunflower and safflower seeds in an open tray feeder brought way more cardinals than when I used seed mixes alone. A little extra effort = a lot more color at the feeder!
Where to Place Your Cardinal Bird Feeder
Placement matters just as much as the feeder itself.
Cardinals are shy — they don’t love being out in the wide open with no cover.
Here’s how to make your feeder irresistible:
- Near Shrubs or Trees: Cardinals like to dart quickly from cover to feeder and back again.
- Low to Medium Height: About 5–6 feet high is perfect — easy for cardinals to reach, but safe from prowling cats.
- Sheltered from Wind: Position your feeder near a house wall, a thick hedge, or a low tree branch for some extra protection.
Privacy Tip:
If you can, set up a small “landing zone” — a branch or low bush nearby that gives them a safe place to pause before hopping to the feeder. They’ll love you for it.
Our Favorite Cardinal Bird Feeders
Here are a few cozy, bird-approved picks that cardinals (and birdwatchers) adore. Here are a few cozy picks if you’re shopping for the best cardinal bird feeder to invite these red beauties to your yard.
1. Woodlink 3-in-1 Platform Bird Feeder
Simple, sturdy, and beautifully rustic — this open platform gives cardinals tons of room to spread out.
Pros:
- Extra-large tray space
- Works for seed, fruit, or mealworms
- Looks lovely in natural gardens
Cons:
- No rain cover, so you’ll need to watch seed spoilage after storms
2. Brome Squirrel Buster Plus
If squirrels are part of your backyard crew (and they usually are!), this feeder is a great investment. It’s weight-sensitive, so it keeps out the heavier pests while letting cardinals dine in peace.
Pros:
- Built-in squirrel proofing
- Holds lots of seed
- Very durable construction
Cons:
- Pricier than basic feeders
- Slightly trickier to clean (but worth it!)
3. Perky-Pet Panorama Bird Feeder
A cozy little hopper-style feeder that’s great for patios and small gardens. Cardinals love the wraparound perch.
Pros:
- Easy fill and clean design
- Continuous perch for multiple birds
- Charming “gazebo” look
Cons:
- Limited weather protection — best for milder climates
Tips for Making Your Backyard a Cardinal Haven
Want even more cardinals visiting (and staying)?
Here’s how to make your backyard feel like home:
- Add a Bird Bath: Water is a huge draw, especially in hot months.
- Plant Native Berry Bushes: Serviceberry, elderberry, dogwood, and viburnum are all cardinal favorites.
- Create Cozy Shelter Spaces: Let a corner of your yard grow a little wild. Cardinals love dense thickets and shrubs where they can hide and nest.
Helpful Tip:
Skip the tidy garden look! Cardinals prefer “messy” natural edges with layers of low and medium plants.
🔗 Helpful Resources
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — Great seed and feeder guides
- Feather & Forage: Best Backyard Feeders for Beginners
- Feather & Forage: How to Create a Cozy Bird Bath Station
Birding Cozy Thought:
Bringing cardinals to your backyard isn’t just about having pretty birds to look at — though that’s a wonderful bonus.
It’s about slowing down, creating little pockets of peace, and watching those flashes of red become part of your everyday life.
Once you set the stage, cardinals have a way of finding their way to you — and trust me, there’s nothing quite like it.
