Cardinals, known for their vibrant red plumage and melodic songs, are a common sight across North America. If you’re curious about what these charming birds eat, here’s a detailed look at their dietary habits and preferences.
Cardinal Diet Overview
Cardinals are primarily granivorous birds, which means seeds make up the majority of their diet. However, they are not strictly seed-eaters; they also consume various types of insects and fruits. This diverse diet ensures they have access to the necessary nutrients throughout the year, adapting their preferences based on seasonal availability.
Seeds
Seeds are a cardinal’s main food source, particularly during the winter months when insects and fruits are less abundant. They have a preference for larger seeds, including:
- Sunflower Seeds: Cardinals readily consume both sunflower hearts and striped sunflower seeds. These are high-energy foods that provide essential fats and proteins.
- Safflower Seeds: Another favorite, safflower seeds have a thick shell that many smaller birds find challenging to crack, giving cardinals an advantage.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Occasionally, cardinals will consume pumpkin seeds, especially during the fall when pumpkins are harvested.
Insects
During the breeding season, insects become a crucial part of a cardinal’s diet as they provide the necessary protein for growth and development of their young. Common insects consumed by cardinals include:
- Beetles
- Caterpillars
- Grasshoppers
- Ants
- Earwigs
Cardinals are known to glean insects from foliage or catch them mid-air, showcasing their agility and adaptability in foraging.
Fruits
While not as significant as seeds or insects, fruits are still an important part of a cardinal’s diet, particularly during the warmer months when fruits are ripe and abundant. They consume a variety of fruits, such as:
- Berries: Including elderberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
- Cherries: When available, cherries are a favored treat for cardinals.
- Grapes: Especially during late summer when grapes are in season.
Fruits provide additional vitamins and sugars that supplement their diet and offer a refreshing change from their usual fare.
Supplementary Foods
Cardinals are also known to visit bird feeders, where they consume seeds and sometimes suet, especially in winter when food sources are scarce. Bird enthusiasts often provide a mix of sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and suet cakes to attract cardinals to their feeders, offering a reliable food source for these beautiful birds year-round.
Natural Foraging Behavior
In their natural habitat, cardinals forage primarily on the ground or in low bushes and shrubs. They are skilled at finding hidden seeds and insects among leaf litter and dense vegetation. This behavior helps them maintain a diverse diet and ensures they can find food even during adverse weather conditions.
Seasonal Variations
The diet of cardinals varies throughout the year based on seasonal availability. During spring and summer, their diet shifts towards more insects and fruits to support breeding and nesting activities. In contrast, winter sees an increase in seed consumption as they rely on high-energy foods to survive colder temperatures.
Conclusion
Understanding what cardinals eat provides valuable insight into their ecological role and dietary needs. By ensuring a variety of food sources are available, both in natural habitats and through backyard feeding stations, bird enthusiasts can support these iconic birds year-round. Whether you enjoy observing cardinals in the wild or attract them to your yard, knowing their dietary preferences enhances appreciation for their beauty and resilience in diverse environments.
FAQs about Cardinal Diets
Here are some frequently asked questions about what cardinals eat:
What are the main foods cardinals eat?
Cardinals primarily eat seeds, insects, and fruits. Their diet consists mainly of larger seeds like sunflower and safflower seeds, supplemented with insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and ants. During the warmer months, they also consume various fruits like berries and cherries.
Do cardinals eat birdseed?
Yes, cardinals are frequent visitors to bird feeders stocked with seeds. They particularly favor sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. Providing a mix of these seeds can attract cardinals to your backyard feeder year-round.
What insects do cardinals eat?
During the breeding season, cardinals consume a variety of insects including beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, ants, and earwigs. Insects provide essential proteins for both adult cardinals and their growing chicks.
Do cardinals eat fruit?
Yes, cardinals enjoy eating fruits such as berries (elderberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries), cherries, and grapes. Fruits provide vitamins and sugars that supplement their diet, especially during the warmer months when fruits are ripe.
What should I feed cardinals in my backyard?
To attract cardinals to your backyard, provide a mix of sunflower seeds (both hearts and striped), safflower seeds, and occasionally offer suet cakes during colder months. Offering a variety of food ensures they have a balanced diet and keeps them coming back to your feeder.
How can I encourage cardinals to visit my yard?
You can encourage cardinals to visit your yard by offering a consistent and varied food source. Planting shrubs and trees that produce berries and providing a reliable supply of seeds and water in feeders can attract these beautiful birds. Additionally, maintaining a quiet and safe environment will make your yard more inviting to cardinals.
What time of year do cardinals need feeding the most?
Cardinals benefit from consistent feeding throughout the year, but their feeding habits may vary with the seasons. They rely more heavily on seeds in winter when natural food sources are scarce, while in spring and summer, they supplement their diet with insects and fruits to support breeding and raising their young.
How do cardinals find their food?
Cardinals forage primarily on the ground or in low bushes and shrubs, using their keen eyesight to locate seeds and insects among leaf litter and vegetation. They are skilled at finding hidden food sources and are adaptable to various foraging conditions.
Is it okay to feed cardinals bread?
No, feeding cardinals bread is not recommended as it lacks the necessary nutrients and can potentially harm their digestive systems. It’s best to offer natural foods like seeds, insects, and fruits that are part of their natural diet.
How can I learn more about attracting cardinals to my backyard?
To learn more about attracting cardinals and other birds to your backyard, consider joining local birdwatching groups, consulting birding guides specific to your region, or visiting reputable birding websites for tips and advice on creating bird-friendly habitats.
