What Do Cardinals Eat? A Complete Guide to Their Diet All Year
Cardinals are one of the most recognized and loved backyard birds in North America. Their bright red plumage, beautiful songs, and year-round presence make them a favorite for bird watchers and casual nature lovers alike. But one of the biggest questions people ask is: what do cardinals eat?
The diet of a cardinal is more diverse than you might expect. These stunning red birds thrive on a mix of seeds, fruits, and insects, and their feeding habits change with the seasons. Whether you want to attract them to your backyard or just better understand their role in the ecosystem, knowing their favorite foods is key. If you’re fascinated by these feathered beauties, be sure to explore more in our Birds and Cardinals categories.
General Overview of a Cardinal’s Diet
Cardinals are considered granivorous birds, which means their diet is largely made up of seeds. However, they aren’t picky — fruits, berries, and insects also play an important role in their diet, especially during breeding season when protein is crucial.
Studies show their diet is roughly:
- 70% seeds
- 20% fruits
- 10% insects and other protein sources
This balance shifts throughout the year, and their adaptability is a big reason cardinals are found across such a wide range in North America.
Do Cardinals Eat Seeds? Their Top Favorites
If you want to know the fastest way to bring cardinals to your yard, seeds are the answer. They’re their number one food source, and some seeds are irresistible.
Their top seed choices include:
- Black oil sunflower seeds – the #1 choice that cardinals love.
- Safflower seeds – slightly bitter, but cardinals can’t resist them even when squirrels might.
- Cracked corn and peanuts – high-energy snacks.
- Millet – small seeds that younger cardinals often enjoy.
Yes, if you’re wondering do cardinals eat sunflower seeds? — the answer is absolutely. In fact, it’s the easiest way to attract them to your feeders.
Fruits Cardinals Love to Eat
While seeds are their staple, cardinals love to feast on fruits when available. Their strong beaks allow them to crack open tougher skins and enjoy the juicy insides.
Some of their favorite fruits include:
- Dogwood berries
- Mulberries
- Raspberries and blackberries
- Cherries and apples
If you’re in North America or South America, you may spot cardinals enjoying the fruits of local trees and bushes right in your backyard.
Insects and Protein in the Cardinal Diet
Seeds and fruit aren’t everything. Cardinals also rely on insects, especially during breeding season when they need extra protein for raising their young.
Common insects cardinals eat include:
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Grasshoppers
- Cicadas
Protein is especially important when feeding chicks. Cardinal parents often bring back caterpillars or soft-bodied insects for their hatchlings. This makes them part of the larger food web that links birds with insects and invertebrates in your yard.
What Do Cardinals Eat in the Winter?
Winter can be tough for many birds, but cardinals are non-migratory — they don’t leave when the weather gets cold. Instead, they rely on their ability to find food year-round.
In winter, their diet is mainly:
- Sunflower seeds
- Safflower seeds
- Leftover berries on bushes and trees
This is why bird feeders play a vital role in helping cardinals survive. Offering food during the winter months ensures they stick around your neighborhood.
What Do Cardinals Eat in the Summer?
In summer, cardinals shift gears. While seeds are still on the menu, they take advantage of the abundance of soft fruits and insects.
Summer diet highlights:
- Fresh berries and orchard fruit
- Grasshoppers and beetles
- Caterpillars for young birds
If you’re curious about what do cardinals eat in spring or summer, the answer is more insects and fruit than usual — they need the extra nutrition for raising chicks.
What Do Cardinals Eat in Florida and the Southeast?
Cardinals thrive in warm climates like Florida. Their diets there include:
- Palm fruits
- Native berries
- A wide range of insects thanks to the warm climate
If you’re in the Southeast, you’ll see cardinals eating foods not as common in northern areas. That’s why people often ask what do cardinals eat in Florida — the answer is local fruits and insects, with seeds still as a constant.
Regional Variations in Cardinal Diet
Cardinals are most abundant in North America, but they also extend into parts of South America. While the core diet is the same (seeds, fruits, insects), local foods may differ.
For example:
- Northern cardinals eat more sunflower and safflower seeds from feeders.
- Southern populations enjoy more tropical fruits and insects.
This adaptability explains their wide success as a species.
What Type of Bird Seed Do Cardinals Like Best?
If you’re setting up a feeder, you’ll want to focus on seeds cardinals truly love:
- Black oil sunflower seeds
- Safflower seeds
- Striped sunflower seeds
Cardinals prefer platform feeders, hopper feeders, or trays because they can sit comfortably while cracking seeds. Hanging tube feeders are often too small for them.
How to Attract Cardinals to Your Backyard
If you’ve ever wanted to make your backyard a cardinal hotspot, here’s how:
- Provide sunflower and safflower seeds in a sturdy feeder.
- Plant native berry bushes like dogwood and mulberry.
- Offer a fresh water source like a bird bath.
Combining food, shelter, and water is the best formula for attracting these stunning red birds.
Foods You Should Never Feed Cardinals
Not all food is good food. Avoid offering:
- Bread or crackers (low nutrition, harmful in excess)
- Salty foods like chips or peanuts
- Spoiled fruit or moldy seeds
These can harm cardinals rather than help them.
Cardinal Diet and Migration Myths
A common misconception is that cardinals migrate during winter. In fact, they’re year-round residents. Their ability to adapt their diet to whatever’s available is what helps them survive harsh conditions.
This makes them a wonderful bird to feature in your local Birds watching list.
Quick Tips for Feeding Cardinals Year-Round
- Offer black oil sunflower seeds.
- Add safflower seeds to keep away squirrels.
- Plant berry bushes for natural food.
- Provide water year-round.
- Use wide platform feeders for comfort.
Why Understanding Cardinal Diet Matters for Bird Lovers
By learning what cardinals eat, you’re not just discovering fun facts — you’re playing a role in supporting local wildlife. Providing the right foods in your backyard can keep these incredible birds healthy, vibrant, and singing through every season.
Want to dive deeper? Explore more in our Birds category or see specific posts in our Cardinals section.
