Best Overall
Woodlink Heritage Farms Squirrel-Resistant Feeder
Best Bang For the Buck
Style Selections Hanging Hopper Bird Feeder
Best for Pole Mounting
Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Feeder With Suet Cages
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Cardinals are n’t very unsure , but to successfully pull in these beautiful birds to your railway yard , it ’s important to prefer the ripe type of food and bird bird feeder for redbird . design to supply these bird with plentitude of space to perch and feast , all while look nice in the garden , cardinal self-feeder come in a orbit of materials and designs to fit personal preference . We tested 10 different bird feeder to examine their versatility and see which feeders would stomach out from the hatful .
If you ’re eager to transform your backyard into ahaven for Cardinalis cardinalis to batheand eat , this scout can help . Below , we ’ll review some of the dear birdie feeders for carmine and recommend their good uses based on our first - hand observations from testing .
How We Tested the Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals
cardinal number are midsize songbirds that feast on black vegetable oil sunflower source . We used that information to choose a variety of dissimilar feeders for testing . Our cardinal bird feed eater included hoppers , tray , thermionic vacuum tube , and windowpane feeders of unlike sizes . Some hung from a subdivision or shepherd ’s hook , others mounted on a pole , and a twosome of them sat on the earth . For best answer , we essay each feeder independently . Afterward , we trace a rubric , scoring each feeder for ease of assembly and installation , lastingness , ease of filling and cleansing , and bird visibility . We observe birds feeding thrice daily for a workweek to sustain that cardinals were indeed attracted to these eater . We also notedsusceptibility to squirrels , come spillage , and rain .
Testing Stats
Our Top Picks
The following cardinal snort feeder are some of the salutary on the market . In our test , each one show easygoing to arrange up and wield . While each has its specialty and weaknesses , all of the picks on our listing are effective for watching and eating cardinal . These affluent sport comfortable perches , plenty of infinite for magnanimous hoot , squirrel - cogent evidence features , and a wide-eyed mountain chain of styles and materials , so there are plenty of excellent option to choose from .
Our paygrade : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.6/5
For yards and garden teeming with chick , a large dame feeder is the right choice to keep up with need . This grounder Bronx cheer affluent from Woodlink hold an telling 9 pounds of seed , which is enough to feed a circle of Cardinalis cardinalis . It is designed to quash eating squirrels , with a weight - triggered closing mechanics and locking top . The adjustable free weight - triggered rod ringlet access to the seeds when it smell a squirrel .
The front - face rod and broad feeding expanse are idealistic for cardinals , but plenty of other birds will have it away this self-feeder as well . The powder - coat steel body is long lasting , and the deep unripe finish looks nice . To suit different menage , this bird feeder can be hung or rod mounted , and it includes the necessary computer hardware for either choice .
We mount the eater on the included celestial pole . gather the bracket beneath the feeder was not hard — it involved just 8 screws and nut , and it came together in about 5 minutes . anchor the pole in territory took another 20 minutes of digging and tamping soil . Everything match well and felt secure , but it was hard to get a perfect vertical pole position .
To fulfill the feeder , we had to nip the acquittance tab at the back and slant the ceiling forward . This opens the entire top , making it super easy to load . There is no holdfast holding the feeder base to the celestial pole , so we could have get off the confluent easily enough if we needed to .
While the weight - sensitive perch makes this feeder extremely squirrel - tolerant , one of these furry scoundrels learned to straggle across the roof and reach down to the subject eating larboard . Nonetheless , it still did a better job than most of keeping squirrels out . In plus to the sturdy build and large volume , our favorite matter about the Heritage Farms bird feeder was that the feeding area is only on one side . This allow for us to set the perch for easy showing , which , for many hoi polloi , is the top reason to prey birds , after all . feed outer space was more limited than some of the other feeders , but the affluent itself did n’t obstruct the survey . The cardinals seemed to especially bed feeding while being somewhat shelter by this affluent during rainy weather condition .
study our full review : Woodlink Heritage Farms Squirrel - Resistant Feeder
Get the Woodlink Heritage Farms bird affluent for cardinal grosbeak atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orWayfair .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Best Bang for the Buck
Our rating : Ease of Use4.7/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4.2/5
For price savings and general bird - feeding succeeder , consider this dewy-eyed and effective hanging hoot feeder from Style Selections . This fictile hopper - style bird tributary holds up to 6 pounds of shuttlecock intellectual nourishment , and our backyard bird loved it during testing .
The midsize lantern - style bird feeder features a exculpated plastic hopper and a hexagonal bod that help users see the feeding birds more easily . The hopper ceaselessly fill up a eating tray at the base , where small and midsize fowl feed from the comfort of a perch . It measure out 9.6 inch tall and 11.5 inch in diam .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
The Style Selections confluent arrived ready to use , with no fabrication required . We filled the grounder and hung it on a shepherd ’s hook , which flexed only slightly under the weight of the full feeder . It was an immediate hit with all case of shuttlecock , admit our neighborhood cardinals .
Unfortunately , it did n’t take long for the squirrels to receive it . They go up the sheepman ’s hook ( which we could have coated with petroleum jelly or protectedwith a squirrel baffleas a prophylactic measure ) and entered the perching and feeding orbit . After a couple of days , they learn to remove the top of the feeder and go in good order to the seed .
This is an excellent feeder for the price . It ’s lightweight , easy to utilise , and clean , and the birds love it . Just be sure to take all precautions to keep squirrel off .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Style Selections bird tributary for Cardinalis cardinalis atLowe ’s .
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.7/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
attract to cardinals with both seed and suet using this attractive hop-picker - style bird feeder . Made from cedar tree , this feeder can hold up to 5 pounds of bird food as well as two suet cakes . Although it includes a cable’s length for hanging , this model can also be celestial pole climb on , making it a great option for those who want to keep squirrels away . The perch and jump on hardware are not include .
Photo: lowes.com
The hinged roof afford for well-off cleaning , and the plexiglass makes it easy to see when the affluent needs refilling . It has front - face perches to accommodate cardinal , and since it give different type of food , it ’s like give two feeder in one .
Since the Woodlink Deluxe Cedar Feeder come with a preinstalled hang cable , all we had to do was fill the grasshopper , supply suet , and hang it on our shepherd ’s lure . Even when it was packed with 5 pounds of food , the weight was not a problem with this one . We also really liked the natural wood appearance , which will melt to a grayish - brown color with age .
The squirrel situation was similar to the other unprotected model we test . It only took a day for our squirrels to hone in and make a pickle . They started with the perch area and quickly establish that the hopper lid did not latch firmly . This is a really prissy - looking and leisurely - to - use feeder — just be sure to protect it from squirrels .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Woodlink Deluxe bird feeder for cardinal atAmazon , Wayfair , orWalmart .
Best for Tabletops
Gray Bunny Bird Feeder Tray
Our Ratings : rest of Use5/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value3.8/5
Tray or platform bird eater avail birds find new feeding place and are suitable for a blanket variety of food types than most tributary . The Gray Bunny bird feeder tray is made of durable metallic element mesh to let rainwater and snowmelt run out freely . The tray measures 11 inches square , and thanks to its metal feet , it elevates off the ground by about 1 inch . It holds about a quid of bird feed for cardinals .
This eater arrive to the full assembled and ready to use . During the test week , we moved it to several dissimilar locations around the yard , including an outdoor terrace table , a tree soapbox , and directly on the ground . After feeding the cardinals a tray full of sunflower semen , we fill up it with dry out mealworm for our bluebirds and then with peanuts for the squirrels . Given the receptiveness of the feeder , we were surprised at the lack of spread skirt nutrient wad .
Photo: amazon.com
We also noted that the self-feeder , although loosely easy to clean , required more frequent cleaning than the other feeders we tested . This was mostly due to rain pic . The meshing prevented puddling during pelting , but dust quickly clogged the mesh . To make cleaning easy , we allowed the solid food to ladder out and hose down off the meshing before every fill - up .
Get the Gray Bunny bird tributary for cardinals atAmazon .
Best for Ground
DutchCrafters Amish Poly Covered Ground Bird Feeder
If it was design to mount on a spot or pay heed , we might refer to this as a “ fly - through ” feeder . But due to its large size of it and the fact that it sits directly on the priming coat , we take it a covered platform affluent . Either way , it ’s a capital billet to set up out a prominent quantity of bird food , with plentitude of way for several birds to bung at once .
This was the largest cardinal feeder we try , measuring 23 column inch long by 14.75 column inch wide by 18.5 inches tall . No gathering was required , either . The come tray is not fastened to the superstructure , which makes it loose to remove for cleaning . We tried this tributary in two different locations : first on the solid ground and then on a low-spirited table .
The legs are about 4 inch tall , which is a really prissy elevation for ground feeding . The only thing we did n’t like about the blueprint was that the roof obscured the opinion into the eating domain when viewed from above , such as while we were sitting on the deck with the feeder on the ground nearby . The ghost provided by the roof also made catch a bit more difficult on clear , lustrous days .
Photo: amazon.com
The large covered tray space was an reward during reach of poor weather or busy times when we could n’t get out to fill it every day . Plus , though it was covered , even larger bird were capable to get to the feed at heart . The cardinal grosbeak seemed to appreciate sheltered eating , too .
Get the DutchCrafters bird birdfeeder for cardinal atAmazonorDutchCrafters .
Best for Windows
Nature’s Hangout Window Bird Feeder With Suction Cups
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.3/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value3.8/5
Consider using this window eater for a simple and entertaining way to see cardinals . This platform - style feeder easy attaches to glass via unattackable suck cup , and it can be fulfill with up to 4 cup of near any character of bird feed . The cap help protect bird from the elements while feed , and debilitate gob help keep bird food dry and mold - detached . The removable tray is perfect for agile and easy refilling and cleaning , and the acrylic construction allows for cleaning and a clear horizon of bird visitant .
To deter squirrel from chowing down , hang this bird feeder on a high window or glass room access and away from Tree . We did not have such a window usable for examination , so both birds and squirrels enjoyed the liberal repast . We glint between our drapery , and the view from just inside the windowpane was owing .
Photo: amazon.com
The three suck cups that came with this outfit held incredibly strong through strong winds and some aggressive play sessions between squirrel . razzing had no fuss discover the nutrient , but they pretermit the tributary and collided with our window twice , so we set up anti - collision decals to aid them see and forfend the glass .
Because of the small tray size , we had to make full it day by day . Thanks to the removable tray , fill it was soft . As with the other platform / tray eater , we made sure to do a quick cleanup position each time before fulfill the tray .
Get the Nature ’s Hangout Bronx cheer feeder for redbird atAmazon , The Home Depot , Walmart , orNature ’s Hangout .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Squirrel-Proof
Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Feeder With Cardinal Ring
pull and keep Richmondena Cardinalis happy and well fed with this durable tube - style snort feeder . With six feeding ports and a cardinal gang , there are mint of station for cardinal number to hang out and eat motley birdseed , helianthus seeds , and safflower seminal fluid . The seed ventilation organisation go along the feed fresh while preclude mildew growth , and the exercising weight - adjustable saltation automatically end the eating ports when anything turgid than a bird witness its direction to the rod . epoxy resin rosin construction makes this affluent extra - durable and resistant to chewing from squirrels or chipmunks .
Of all the cardinal hoot feeders we tested , the Brome Squirrel Buster Plus did the good caper repelling squirrel . Unfortunately , Cardinalis cardinalis seemed less enthusiastic about this feeder than the others in the radical . They used it , but we often celebrate chickadees , titmouse , and firm finches on the perch instead . peradventure the smaller diameter of the feeding embrasure made it more hard for cardinals to feed . Cardinals often opted for nearby germ that the other razz tossed on the ground .
The materials and lineament of this affluent felt more durable than the rest of the group . It could be a really nifty option for general boo enthusiasts who detest squirrels — specially those who do n’t mind relegating cardinal to flux into the tout ensemble rather than being the star of the show .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Brome hiss feeder for cardinals atAmazon , Walmart , orBrome .
Best Hopper
Woodlink Going Green Large Premier Feeder
Our military rank : Ease of Use4.7/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.2/5
It ’s strong to better on the simplicity and effectiveness of the grasshopper - style hiss confluent . Made from recycled charge plate , this model from Woodlink can hold about 5.5 pounds of bird provender . It features a powder - surface alloy screen bottom for drainage , a hinge roof for easy filling , and a coated blade cable for secure wall hanging .
The first thing that impressed us about this feeder was its uncompromising build . It weighs about the same as a wooden feeder of a similar sizing , but the HDPE charge card textile is more resilient to unceasing outside exposure . And it is securely screwed together rather than being glue and stapled . The green and tan color combining look nice , too .
Photo: amazon.com
Our birds and squirrels have a go at it this affluent . It volunteer muckle of feeding areas in the front and back so that several birds could crunch at the same sentence . Squirrels merrily hung from the roof or rod country as they filch the cum , too . Because it ’s a two - sided confluent , birds on the backside were obscured from our prospect , but during feeding clip , we see plenty of cardinals from either side .
If we could change anything about this feeder , it would be the design of the feeding tray . As it is , the all - in - one feed tray and rod provide a broad domain outside the hopper where cum can be spread under the protection of the cap . It ’s not risky for the most part and may be a welfare during big alimentation sessions , but the panoptic domain unnecessarily exposes more source to wind and rain during bad weather condition . It also cursorily becomes a rest place for squirrels . We would opt to have a narrower alimentation “ trough ” and a disjoined perch to accommodate larger birds .
Get the Woodlink Going Green Bronx cheer feeder for cardinals atAmazon , Wayfair , Walmart , orTarget .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Tray
Nature’s Way Bird Products Cedar Platform Tray
Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Value4/5
Constructed from insect- and rot - resistant cedar , this platform - style birdie feeder is great for attracting cardinals and other gravid bird . The wide seed tray is appeal to cardinals and larger snort , such as jays and mourning dove , as they can perch on the edge of the feeder or sit inside . A mesh metal cutout in the bottom of the political platform allows for draining and provides right ventilation , preventing mould or mildew from growing among the germ . This screen also makes it possible for the eater to accommodate different types of feed , including interracial seeds , helianthus seeds , peanut musical composition , or mealworms .
The affluent comes with a vinyl radical - cake hanging cable and rusting - resistant ironware . Keep in judgement that because this bird feeder does n’t have a protective covering , squirrels , chipmunks , and other critter may be drawn to the beguiling bird food buffet .
We really liked the gravid dimension and cryptic tray of the Nature ’s Way cedar platform Bronx cheer birdfeeder . It had sight of blank space for different types of birds , and the tray sides resisted the wind ’s tendency to blow bird food onto the ground . Its construction was sturdy , and we prize the obliterable meshing bottom for easy cleansing . Since it was unenviable to maneuver the two separate cable eyelet one - hand , we clip them together with a small karabiner , which made it much easy .
Get the Nature ’s Way Bronx cheer affluent for cardinals atAmazon , Walmart , orNature ’s Way .
Best Collapsible
Perky-Pet Red Cardinal Wild Bird Feeder
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.7/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.4/5
Cardinal aficionadoswill savor this alloy razzing feeder , which features a bold ruby goal similar to the color of male cardinals . feature a atomic number 30 - plated finishing that serve prevent rust , this tributary can harbour up to 2.5 pounds of birdseed , including black - crude sunflower germ and Carthamus tinctorius seeds , which cardinals love . Do n’t be fooled by its small-scale size : The appealing circular seed tray and net Earth’s surface can adapt up to 15 birds at a time .
In addition to a large overhang that molt rainfall , harbour shuttlecock from the element , and helps keep squirrel at bay , built - in drainage holes secure the birdseed stay teetotal . When not in use , this feeder can be collapsed , which makes for easy warehousing .
We were surprised to see how pop this feeder was with our local birds . They happily feed through the interlocking and off the tray , rarely dropping seeded player on the ground . The squirrels did n’t leave it alone entirely , but they clearly saw less success than they did with the grasshopper feeder , as they were relegated to eat come by seed rather of grabbing fistful at a time .
The metallic element roof and floor felt a bit unconvincing than we would have like , but they held up nicely throughout our tests . Time will tell how long they , and the metal covering , will hold up . Through a workweek of examination , the eater showed no sign of wear and tear .
Get the Perky - Pet birdie feeder for cardinal number atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Bird Feeder for Cardinals
There are a few key features to keep in mind when looking for the best razzing self-feeder for cardinal . Since cardinal have sure feeding penchant , find the right feeder to accommodate them is important .
Type
There are several dissimilar types of bird feeder that ferment well for cardinals . These admit :
Size/Capacity
Since cardinal are bigger than finches , jenny wren , chickadee , and sparrows , having a sizable birdie feeder can guarantee that cardinal have quite a little of elbow room to sit down and eat . Most bigger bird feeder can guard a few pounds of seed and allow several birds to eat at once . Determining which size is right for your needs look on how often you ’ll be filling your feeder as well as where you plan on give ear it .
Bird feeders can be pole mounted , suction to a windowpane , or hang from a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree or stake . Those that are hung can typically hold more birdseed than windowpane - climb up or platform feeders .
Material
Bird feeders can also be made of unlike material , although cardinals likely wo n’t mind which one you choose . These cloth admit :
Perches and Feeding Ports
Since cardinals like to face forward when feed , avoid tube feeder that employ stick perches and miss a cardinal ring ( a full term for a circular rod large enough to accommodate cardinals ) . Stick perches are typically too small for cardinals to fit well anyway , as they ’re made for smaller bird .
halo perches on pipe birdfeeder work well for cardinals and let them to sit comfortably , as do traditional orbitual perches on hopper feeders and window feeders .
The feeding ports should be large enough to accommodate cardinals . If you have a squirrel - proof feeder , ensure the context are such that the cardinal grosbeak ’s weight wo n’t trigger the feeding port wine to close . Cardinals are medium - size razzing , with adults typically weigh about 1.5 ounces .
Squirrel-Proofing
If you have squirrels , asquirrel - proof bird feedercan help keep them out of the boo intellectual nourishment for cardinals .
Squirrel - proof boo tributary typically boast a chemical mechanism that exit the feeding port when a squirrel ’s free weight is placed on the perch , keep them from get at any nutrient . While tube feeders , suet feeders , and hopper feeders can be squirrel - proof , weapons platform feeders and windowpane feeders typically are not ( unless windowpane feeders are placed far enough away from trees from which squirrels can jump ) .
The material matter when it come to squirrel - proofing . To thwart invading squirrels , you ’ll likely want a chew - proof material , such as epoxy resin or alloy .
Additional Features
The best bird bird feeder for cardinals can also have other features that make them more appealing to thesecolorful birds .
Some feeder have build - in public discussion systems that prevent birdseed from getting cockeyed and gather mould or mildew , which can be advantageous for big wench feeders that do n’t require frequent weft . Others are made with ultraviolet light - immune material to help prevent attenuation and sun damage .
Many bird feedersalso combine eating methods , such as having a place for birdseed as well as a suet holder in the same affluent .
FAQs
With its bright eyeshade , classifiable red-faced feathers , and beautiful bird song , the northerly cardinal is a favourite hiss to many , even nab the deed of conveyance of land birdie in a whopping seven states , including Illinois , Kentucky , and West Virginia . They ’re a pet wintertime garden visitor , and their bright color stands out beautifully against Baron Snow of Leicester and evergreen tree diagram . Still have questions about choosing the best boo affluent for attracting cardinals ? We ’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions below .
No , but because they do n’t like to twist their bodies while eating , the idealistic primal confluent should have deal of blank and set aside them to face onwards while exhaust .
Cardinals are attracted to feeder that contain their pet foods , such as sunflower and safflower seminal fluid , peanuts , and even snap corn whisky . cardinal also love suet , especially during the winter .
Yes , they will alsoattract other birds ! Most types of barbaric birds can feed at bird affluent made for cardinals .
carmine prefer bootleg oil sunflower seeds and helianthus kernels most of all , but they also deplete safflower seed , peanut vine , and cracked corn .
skirt feeders that are placed near protection industrial plant , such as evergreen plant tree diagram and shrub , tend to pull in lots of cardinal . Cardinal birdfeeder should hang at about eye level , 5 to 6 foot off the solid ground .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the glasshouse and landscape gardening industriousness . For more than 20 years he mowed , edged , planted , prune , naturalise , irrigate , and renovated beautiful landscape . Now he tests and writes reviews about the late outdoor index equipment , hand tools , lawn care products , and other outside - living trade good .
Additional research ply by Jenn Ryan and Jasmine Harding .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll serve you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your terrace , a provoke seam , or an in - ground game out back — and choose the right plants for your filth and region .
