5 Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals

Cardinals, one of the most recognized birds, have been put on numerous basketball jerseys. Cardinals are simple to please, owing to their bright plumage and lovely melodies. They may almost be considered your pet if you continue to feed them in your yard. Cardinals, unlike other birds, are very loyal. They have also been regarded as spiritual messengers. Because cardinals are such unique birds, finding the finest bird feeder for cardinals is a priority.

To choose which cardinal feeder is best for your yard, you must first understand that cardinals feed first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. With all that in consideration, having a feeder that serves such a function is fantastic. If you own an open space feeder, replenishing the feeders twice a day be enough.

Cardinals understand which seeds are beneficial to them, therefore a suitable feeder with the appropriate seed combination is required. In any case, the cardinal bird feeder, like any other feeder, should be resistant to squirrels and rats – the bird watcher’s worst foe.

Advantages of bird feeders for cardinals: 

• Healthy feeding;
• Nice appearance;
• Attracting harmless birds to your garden;

The following guide and comparison table focus on the best bird feeders for cardinals. Check the positive and negative features of all bird feeders. 

Brome Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder w/Cardinal Ring – the best for easy assembly!

One of the very few cardinal-friendly tube feeders available is the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus. Without using equipment, this feeder may be disassembled into separate components by hand.

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It has several feeding holes as well as a ring for birds to sit on. It also includes a cardinal ring on which the birds may perch. You may also buy additional accessories to enhance their feeding experience.

Safflower, sunflower, and mixed seeds are all suitable with this feeder, so you may attract whichever birds you choose. It has squirrel-proof features such as chew-proof material and seed openings that shut when heavy birds or squirrels try to eat from it.

The feeder also has a ventilation system that keeps the seed fresher for longer, so the big 5-lb capacity can be replenished less often and you can be certain that the seed will maintain its quality over time, despite the weather.

Pros

Pros

• Decent capacity;
• Easy to assembly and install;
• Includes a cardinal ring;
• Lifetime care;
• Chew-proof and squirrel-proof;
• The perch is adjustable;
• Seeds stay dry;
• Easy to clean;

Cons

Cons

• Not suitable for small birds;
• Pricey;
• Not for clinging birds;
• Can feed no more than 3 birds at a time;

This squirrel-proof feeder is durable and comfortable for several cardinals to feed at once. It’s made of chew-resistant RoxResin material and can withstand even the most determined squirrels. It’s simple to put together and take apart, and it doesn’t need any equipment.

Perky-Pet GSB00344 Bird Feeder – the best for portability!

This Perky-Pet Bird Feeder has a unique mesh wire construction that allows a variety of clingy birds to feed comfortably. This unique design also prevents water from collecting in the container, extending the life of the seed. It is also easy to transport because the weight is only 0.8 pounds.

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This feeder is also finished in a nice green color. The quality structure of the device, which is free of plastic and wood components, stands up to squirrels and other tiny creatures attempting to get access to the birdseed.

This feeder can hold around 6 cups of sunflower seeds, the most preferred seed for wild birds. Clinging birds are attracted to the mesh wire design, which also prevents water from collecting in the seed canister.

Pros

Pros

• Lightweight and portable;
• Keeps seeds fresh;
• No plastic or wood – durable metal;
• Good for clinging birds;
• Easy to fill;
• Nice green finish;
• Good for large seeds;
• Easy to hang outside;

Cons

Cons

• Small capacity;
• Not suitable for large birds;
• No feeding ports;
• The flimsy ring;
• Not many drain holes;
• The lid is hard to remove;

The feeder requires low maintenance and it is simple to clean, so it will keep tiny cardinal birds happy throughout the season.

Perky-Pet 8504-2 Bird Feeder – the best for small birds!

This beautiful feeder is guaranteed to compliment any outdoor environment, combining the organic color palette of the outside with a charming silhouette of a buck and doe. This feeder is specifically intended to accommodate tiny birds, in addition to its attractive appearance. Four adjustable U-shaped perches attract birds of various sizes.

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The feeder has a sure-lock lid that latches in place and retains seed safety, keeping squirrels away. This feeder also has a sturdy metal structure that squirrels won’t gnaw through. The transparent 2-pound seed section makes it easy to keep track of seed levels, ensuring that your starving birds never go hungry.

Pros

Pros

• Good for small birds;
• Squirrel-proof;
• Decent capacity;
• Easy to refill;
• Sure-lock cap;
• Many drain holes;
• Good for different seed types;

Cons

Cons

• Only 2 sides have ports;
• Large birds won’t sit on small perches;
• Not recommended for small seeds;

This Perky-Pet feeder will become a favorite of everyone with its durable metal structure and 4 feeding holes. Seeds will stay dry and fresh if they are stored in drain holes.

Droll Yankees 344318 Platform Feeder – the best for open feeding!

This Droll Yankees feeder will hold a wide range of fruits, seeds, and even mealworms. It’s robust and long-lasting, much like the rest of the open feeders. It’s constructed of polycarbonate plastic, which is resilient to squirrel damage, despite the fact it can shatter from a fall.

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The dome on this feeder may be adjusted. This keeps the grackles out while maintaining the height low enough to set the cardinals. The platform and dome are also transparent, allowing you to see the birds as you dine.

Pros

Pros

• The open design attracts more birds;
• Lifetime warranty;
• The top is easy to raise and low;
• Small enough to scare the rats and squirrels off;
• Portable;
• UV-stabilized poly;
• Durable;

Cons

Cons

• Not fully weatherproof;
• Makes seeds soggy after heavy rain;
• The tray moves;
• The plastic stopper is flimsy;

Cardinals have plenty of room on the 13-inch feed platform. The platform, as well as the above dome, includes tiny drainage holes to maintain the feed clean. Though, it won’t do a good job of keeping the rain out.

Birds Choice NP435 Bird Feeder – the best for seed capacity!

This Bird’s Choice feeder has a 6-inch UV-resistant polycarbonate seed reservoir, 4 aluminum ports and perches, and a baked enamel finish. This traditional feeder can carry up to 1.2 gallons (5 lbs.) of seeds, reducing the need for frequent refills. It may distribute sunflower seeds, peanuts, or a combination of both.

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This bird feeder has a transparent weather guard that protects birds from rain and snow while they eat while allowing you to see your feathered companions.

Pros

Pros

• Large capacity;
• 4 aluminum ports and perches;
• Good for dispensing peanuts and sunflower seeds;
• Weather guard design;
• Durable;
• UV-resistant;

Cons

Cons

• No drainage in the tube;
• The water can get through large ports;
• Hard to assemble;
• Not rustproof;

This traditional bird feeder holds up to 1.2 gallons of seeds, requiring fewer refills. This unit comes with a transparent squirrel baffle that keeps bothersome squirrels out of your bird feed while also protecting birds from show and rain as they dine.

The Buyer’s Guide

Types of bird feeders for cardinals:

• Platform feeders. Cardinals are primarily ground feeders. Because they are adept at hunting for food, a platform feeder is more appealing to cardinals both on and off the feeder;
• Seed dispensers. Cardinals have extremely powerful beaks that birds use to open seeds such as sunflower and safflower, which is one of their distinguishing characteristics. It does, however, imply that they need a larger container to feed. In such a scenario, the container’s capacity, as well as the size of the seed dispenser, must be considered. The larger, the better;

How to choose the best bird feeder for cardinals?

Cardinals like to feast in comfort. This implies that one of the factors to consider will be purchasing a bird feeder with perching and sitting areas. To attract cardinals, mesh wires are definitely out of the question.

Cardinals are shy birds, therefore they usually remain at the same feeder for the whole of the feeding season. It’s a great idea to provide a feeder that enables them to consume the seeds comfortably. Cardinals typically grow to be between 7.5 and 9.25 inches tall, so finding a feeder that can handle this height range is excellent.

When feeding cardinals, you take into account space as much as possible. Seed dispensers are often inserted via extremely tiny holes in tube feeders. Cardinals will be discouraged from eating sufficiently or even appreciating the feeding period as a result of this.

Have a feeder that is broad enough and open enough to allow for easy access. Cardinals eat slowly and thoroughly, so making sure they have adequate room to sit and eat comfortably is essential.

Getting the right feeder is undoubtedly the first step in ensuring a colorful and enjoyable bird-watching experience.

While a platform feeder may seem to be the most attractive, it is not recommended for windy situations. Even with a little wind, this kind of feeder will not stay steady. This makes it difficult for cardinals to land on. This will also result in the wasting of some seeds for birds.

Storage

The storage capacity is another essential aspect to consider when buying bird feeders.

If you work at home or seldom leave the house, storage may not be an issue.

If you often travel and don’t have time to refill the feeder many times, a bigger capacity feeder makes a lot of sense. Even with a high capacity, a feeder does not seem bulky or enormous.

When evaluating the capacity of a bird feeder, evaluate if there is enough air to keep the seed fresh. Seeds may mold if they are not properly drained, which can be fatal to cardinals.

Maintenance

Birds are untidy. A feeder with a lot of nooks and crevices is also tough to clean. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning the feeder, choose one with smooth/rounded edges rather than pointed ones. This makes cleaning with soap and water a breeze. Also, look for one with a large enough perch so you don’t have to sweep around the feeder.

Refilling

Aside from capacity, the ease of refilling the bird feeder is critical to its functioning. It will get tedious if you have to get a screwdriver each time you have to refill the feeder. Look for something using twist-lock technology instead. This simplifies refilling. Look for a larger mouth as well to avoid spills. Keep cylindrical jugs on hand as well. This enables you to transport a large number of seeds to the feeder without spilling any.

Ease of assembly

Some bird feeders are pre-assembled, while others need some assembly. Some don’t need any equipment to assemble, while others do. The option you choose is determined by your degree of comfort and convenience. Some feeders, such as hoppers, need a significant setup.

While this may seem to be something you should avoid, these are the feeders that last the longest. The majority of feeders have instructions on how to assemble them. You may also get assistance from online tutorials.

Durability

Birds need time to become accustomed to a feeder, and changing it often may push them away. Look for a weather-resistant feeder that will last a long time and keep your cardinal pals pleased.

FAQ

How to clean bird feeders? 

Despite the cardinal bird feeder’s design, the cleaning process should be simple: 

• You should empty the feeder (disassemble if necessary);
• Rinse it (use a mild soap or detergent);
• Let it dry. If it is made of acrylic, dry it carefully with a soft cloth towel;
• Refill with seeds;
• Hang back on the porch or tree;

At the very least, clean the feeder once a week. When cleaning the feeder, you do not need to remove any of the feed that is there. Once cleaned, empty it into a bowl and refill the feeder.

What is the best food for cardinals? 

Since cardinals are relatively small birds, you may feed them with such food: 

• Insects;
• Sunflower seeds;
• Dry and fresh fruits as mulberries and blueberries;
• Mealworms;
• Cracked corn seeds;
• Peanuts;

You may also buy ready-made cardinal food, which is typically a mix of some of the above-mentioned things. It is preferable to keep the food dry so that it remains fresh and does not smell.

Where should you hang bird feeders for cardinals? 

Cardinals are unquestionably beautiful additions to any garden. This is especially evident in the winter when their crimson color contrasts sharply with the falling snow.

There are a few additional tips to help you choose the best location for a cardinal bird feeder:

• Natural locations. Cardinals do not breed in nesting boxes, such as those found in dense trees or bushes. The presence of lush greens will give them the impression that they are in their natural environment in the forest. Hang your feeder from a tree or mount it on a pole near a forest;
• Doesn’t have chemicals. Place your cardinal away from places where pesticides or herbicides are often used. Plant toxins are lethal to cardinals as well. This is particularly true given that some of the most effective cardinal feeders are uncovered feeders;
• Bushes. When your yard isn’t near a forest, you may arrange plants together and place the pole directly in the middle of it. It gives the appearance of dense shrub and will entice cardinals to approach easily;

Useful Video: Best Bird Feeder for Cardinals

Final thoughts 

Among the numerous bird species, cardinals are the easiest to attract and look at throughout the summer and winter months. Keeping them in your garden will guarantee a constant supply of gorgeous birds and bird melodies throughout the year. Among the numerous tasks that must be completed, selecting the finest bird feeder for cardinals is the priority.