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Best Birdseed Mix for Cardinals: Top Picks (2025)

By: Author Mutasim Sweileh

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best birdseed mix for cardinalsYou’re looking for the best birdseed mix for cardinals.

Choose a mix with black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and/or striped sunflower seeds.

These ingredients are rich in oil and nutrients, perfect for cardinals.

A high-quality mix will attract these beautiful birds to your yard.

Consider a premium blend with a variety of seeds, like sunflower and safflower, to keep them coming back.

With the right mix, you’ll be enjoying cardinal visits in no time, and there’s more to learn about creating a cardinal-friendly habitat.

Key Takeaways

  • You’ll want to choose a birdseed mix that includes black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and nuts, as these are rich in oil and nutrients that cardinals love.
  • Cardinals prefer seed mixes with high-quality ingredients, like sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, which provide essential nutrients and energy.
  • To attract cardinals and keep them coming back, you should refill your bird feeders regularly, typically every 2-3 days, and consider using a mix that’s specifically designed for cardinals.
  • You can also try using safflower seeds, which cardinals prefer but squirrels tend to avoid, to feed cardinals without attracting unwanted squirrels to your yard.

Choosing Best Birdseed

Choosing Best Birdseed
You’re looking for the best birdseed mix to attract cardinals to your yard.

When choosing a birdseed, you’ll want to keep in mind high-quality ingredients that meet the dietary needs of cardinals, such as sunflower seeds and safflower seeds.

High-Quality Ingredients

You want high-quality ingredients in your birdseed.

Look for oil-rich seeds like black oil sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts, and nyjer seed, which provide essential nutrients and protein sources for cardinals, ensuring the best birdseed for cardinals with superior seed quality and freshness.

Finding premium birdseed products online offers a convenient way to provide these essential nutrients.

Cardinal Preferences

You’re looking for the best birdseed for cardinals.

Cardinals prefer seed selection with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and nuts, which support bird nutrition, feather care, and beak health.

This selection makes them attractive cardinal food to attract cardinals with the best cardinal seed.

Cardinal Diet Needs

You’re looking to attract cardinals to your yard, and you want to know what they like to eat.

Cardinals need a diet rich in seeds, fruits, and nuts, so you’ll want to choose a birdseed mix that includes their favorites, like sunflower seeds and safflower seeds.

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower Seeds
You’re considering sunflower seeds for cardinals.

Sunflower seeds, like black oil and striped, offer seed benefits with high oil content, attracting cardinals with their favorite food.

Durable feeders are recommended for offering sunflower seeds.

Proper seed storage is key to maintaining freshness.

Safflower Seeds

Safflower Seeds
You’ll find safflower seeds are a great choice, offering Safflower Benefits like high oil content, attracting cardinals with their unique flavor.

They provide Squirrel Resistance, making them a key ingredient in the best birdseed for cardinals, or cardinal birdseed, to attract cardinals effectively.

Fruit and Nuts

Fruit and Nuts
You’re attracting cardinals with safflower seeds, now try fruit and nuts.

Specialty fruit birdseed for cardinals is also available.

Consider these options:

  1. Berry Selection
  2. Nut Choices
  3. Fruit Varieties
  4. Seed Pairings, like roasted peanuts, a cardinal treat, to create nut n berry birdseed for cardinals.

Birdseed Mix Quality

Birdseed Mix Quality
You’re looking for a high-quality birdseed mix that’ll attract cardinals to your yard.

In terms of birdseed mix quality, you want to choose a mix with premium ingredients, like black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, that’ll provide the nutrients cardinals need.

Premium Ingredients

You want premium ingredients in your birdseed mix, like black oil sunflower seeds, for high nutrient content and oil richness.

Catering to cardinal preferences, ensuring freshness matters for the best birdseed experience with premium birdseed blends.

Seed Composition

You examine seed composition, a key factor in the best birdseed mix for cardinals.

  • Black oil sunflower seeds
  • Safflower seeds
  • Nyjer seeds
  • Sunflower chips, for maximum nutrient value and oil content.

Attracting Cardinals

You’re looking to attract cardinals to your yard, and you want to know the best way to do it.

By using the right birdseed mix and providing feeders, water, and shelter, you can create a welcoming space for these beautiful birds.

This approach allows you to provide the necessary elements for cardinals to thrive, making your yard a welcoming space.

Feeders and Water

Feeders and Water
You’ll need a bird feeder and water source to attract cardinals.

Consider feeder types, like platform feeders, and water sources, such as bird baths, to keep them hydrated and happy with cardinal bird food, using feeding stations and hydration systems.

Creating a safe environment attracts cardinals and involves providing cover, food, and water.

This setup is essential for keeping them happy and healthy.

Shelter and Nesting

Shelter and Nesting
You’re setting up a garden habitat, now consider Yard Shelter, like Nesting Boxes or Bird Houses, to attract cardinals.

Supporting cardinal nesting with Tree Placement, creating a safe haven for them to thrive, and using a cardinal specific mix for effective cardinal care.

Top 10 Birdseed Mixes

You’re looking for the best birdseed mix to attract cardinals to your yard.

Here are the top 10 birdseed mixes that you can consider, with a focus on high-quality ingredients and blends that cardinals love.

1. Wagner Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food 6 lb

WagnerView On Amazon
You’re looking for a great birdseed mix for cardinals.

Wagner Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food is a top pick, with 60% black oil sunflower seeds and 40% safflower seeds.

This 6-pound mix is made in the USA, has a velcro press-lok closure, and provides high-energy nourishment for birds.

It’s a convenient, high-quality option.

Best For: backyard birders who want to attract cardinals and other birds with a high-quality seed mix.

Pros
  • High-energy nourishment for birds with a mix of black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds
  • Convenient packaging with a velcro press-lok closure
  • Made in the USA with a focus on attracting cardinals and other bird species
Cons
  • Limited to a 6-pound bag size
  • May not be suitable for birders on a budget due to the high-quality ingredients
  • Attracts a variety of bird species, which may not be desirable for those who only want to attract cardinals

2. Wagner 25 lb Black Oil Sunflower Bird Seed

WagnerView On Amazon
You’re considering Wagner’s 25 lb Black Oil Sunflower Bird Seed.

This large bag is a great value, attracting various birds with its high-energy content.

As a high-quality grain product made in the USA, it’s perfect for feeding cardinals and other birds, providing them with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Best For: bird enthusiasts who want to attract a variety of birds, including cardinals, to their yard with a high-quality and high-energy bird seed.

Pros
  • No velcro closure on the 25 lb bag
  • Potential for harvest debris in some bags, which can clog feeders
  • Quality can vary between bags, affecting the overall attractiveness to birds
Cons
  • Attracts a wide variety of birds with its high-energy content
  • Made with high-quality grains and produced in the USA
  • Provides great value with its 25 lb bag size at an affordable price

3. Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food

Audubon Park Cardinal Blend WildView On Amazon
You’re checking out the Audubon Park Cardinal Blend Wild Bird Food.

It’s a great choice, with a blend of black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds.

This mix is rich in healthy fats and proteins, attracting cardinals, chickadees, finches, and more.

It’s made by a family-owned company with over 60 years of experience, and comes in 4-pound, 10-pound, and 20-pound bags, offering a variety of options.

Best For: bird enthusiasts who want to attract a variety of bird species, including cardinals, chickadees, and finches, to their backyard.

Pros
  • Attracts a variety of bird species with its blend of black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds
  • Made by a family-owned company with over 60 years of experience in making bird food
  • Available in different bag sizes, including 4-pound, 10-pound, and 20-pound options
Cons
  • Birds may eat the blend quickly, requiring frequent refills
  • Safflower seeds may not be as appealing to some bird species as other types of seeds
  • The product may not be suitable for bird feeders that are prone to squirrel visits, as squirrels tend to dislike safflower seeds but may still try to access the feeder

4. Wagner 62059 Wild Bird Food Variety Blend 16 lb

WagnerView On Amazon
You’re evaluating birdseed options.

Wagner’s 62059 Wild Bird Food is a great choice, with 11 ingredients and 40% sunflower seeds.

It attracts various birds, including cardinals.

This 16-pound bag is made in the USA and features high-quality grains.

Many customers report birds love it, but some note mold issues.

Store it properly to prevent this, as it is a key factor in maintaining the quality of the birdseed.

Best For: bird enthusiasts who want to attract a variety of birds, including cardinals, to their yard with a high-quality birdseed blend.

Pros
  • Attracts a wide range of birds, including cardinals, with its 11-ingredient blend and 40% sunflower seeds
  • Made in the USA with high-quality grains, ensuring a nutritious food source for birds
  • Many customers report that birds love the product and prefer it over cheaper options
Cons
  • Some customers have reported mold or moisture issues with the product, which can affect its quality
  • The product is pricier than some other birdseed options, which may be a concern for budget-conscious buyers
  • Proper storage is necessary to prevent mold and maintain the quality of the birdseed, which can be an inconvenience for some users

5. Lyric Cardinal Wild Bird Seed Sunflower Safflower Mix

Lyric Cardinal Wild Bird SeedView On Amazon
You’re checking out the Lyric Cardinal Wild Bird Seed Sunflower Safflower Mix.

This mix is a great choice, with a blend of sunflower and safflower seeds that cardinals love.

It’s high-quality, with no fillers, and attracts a variety of birds.

The mix is also easy to pour into feeders, making it a convenient option for you.

Best For: bird enthusiasts who want to attract cardinals and other bird species to their yard with a high-quality seed mix.

Pros
  • The mix is high-quality, with no fillers, and attracts a variety of birds.
  • It’s easy to pour into feeders, making it a convenient option.
  • The blend of sunflower and safflower seeds is a great choice for cardinals and other birds.
Cons
  • Some birds may prefer plain sunflower seeds over the mix.
  • English Sparrows may not need supplemental feeding, so the mix may attract unwanted birds.
  • Some users prefer a higher proportion of striped sunflower seeds in their birdseed mix.

6. Wagner 57075 Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food 5 lb

WagnerView On Amazon
You’re in luck with Wagner 57075 Safflower Seed Wild Bird Food, a 5-pound bag.

It’s a favorite of cardinals, who love safflower seeds for their nutritional value.

This seed mix is high-quality, attracting cardinals and other birds, while discouraging squirrels.

It’s a great option for your bird feeder, providing essential nutrients for the birds you want to attract, with cardinals being a key target.

Best For: bird enthusiasts who want to attract cardinals and other songbirds to their yard while keeping squirrels away.

Pros
  • Attracts cardinals and other desired bird species
  • Discourages squirrels due to the bitter taste of safflower seeds
  • High-quality ingredients provide essential nutrients for the birds
Cons
  • Some customers reported damaged seed bags during transit
  • The product may be difficult to find in certain periods
  • Birds may take time to discover the seed, requiring patience from the customer

7. Cole’s 5lb Cajun Cardinal Bird Seed Blend

ColeView On Amazon
You’re looking at Cole’s 5lb Cajun Cardinal Bird Seed Blend, a great option.

It’s 100% all-natural, chemical-free, and attracts cardinals, chickadees, and more.

The "hot and spicy" flavor is designed to deter squirrels, but note that it may not be effective.

This blend is suitable for various feeders and is relatively expensive.

Best For: bird enthusiasts who want to attract cardinals, chickadees, and other birds to their yard with a 100% all-natural, chemical-free bird seed blend.

Pros
  • Attracts cardinals, chickadees, and other birds with its "hot and spicy" flavor
  • Suitable for various feeders, including Cole’s Terrific Tube, Mighty Mesh, and Bountiful Bowl feeders
  • Made with 100% all-natural, chemical-free ingredients
Cons
  • The "hot and spicy" flavor may not be effective in deterring squirrels
  • Relatively expensive compared to other bird seed blends
  • Some birds may reject the product, and it may contain small corn pieces that birds leave behind

8. Morning Song Cardinal Wild Bird Food 20 lb

Morning Song, 20-Pound 11341 CardinalView On Amazon
You’re considering Morning Song Cardinal Wild Bird Food, a 20-pound blend.

It’s designed to attract cardinals and other birds. This mix likely includes sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and other favorites.

With a large quantity, it’s a great value for frequent bird watchers. The 20-pound size is perfect for heavy bird traffic, ensuring your feathered friends always have food, making it a great choice for those who want to attract a variety of birds with a great value.

Best For: frequent bird watchers who want to attract a variety of birds, especially cardinals, with a great value.

Pros
  • May not be suitable for those with limited storage space due to the large 20-pound bag
  • Could be messy, as birds tend to leave piles of seed debris on the ground
  • Some users may experience issues with seed quality, although this is not a guaranteed con
Cons
  • Attracts cardinals and other birds with a blend of their favorite seeds and grains
  • Offers a large quantity of 20 pounds, perfect for heavy bird traffic
  • Provides a great value for the price, making it a cost-effective option for bird enthusiasts

9. Songbird Selections Cardinal Supreme Wild Bird Food 10 lb

Songbird Selections 11968 Cardinal SupremeView On Amazon
You’re checking out the Songbird Selections Cardinal Supreme Wild Bird Food, a 10-pound mix.

It’s formulated for cardinals, with high-fat and high-fiber ingredients like sunflower, safflower, and millet.

This premium blend supports immunity, energy, and reproductive health, and it’s easy to reseal.

It’s a bit pricey, but it attracts cardinals and other birds with minimal wastage.

Best For: bird enthusiasts who want to attract cardinals and other birds to their yard with a high-quality, premium birdseed mix.

Pros
  • Attracts cardinals and other birds with minimal wastage
  • Supports immunity, energy, and reproductive health
  • Easy to reseal for convenient storage
Cons
  • A bit pricey compared to other birdseed mixes
  • May also attract squirrels
  • Contains ingredients like raisins and cranberries that some birds may not prefer

10. Wild Delight 7lb Cardinal Bird Food

Wild Delight Cardinal Food, 7View On Amazon
You’re choosing a birdseed mix, and Wild Delight 7lb Cardinal Bird Food is a great option.

It’s a premium mix with no fillers, real cherries, and nuts.

This advanced formula attracts desirable birds, like cardinals, and provides essential nutrients.

Consider using best cardinal bird feeders to attract these beautiful birds.

With added vitamins and minerals, it’s a healthy choice for your feathered friends.

Best For: bird enthusiasts who want to attract cardinals and other desirable birds to their yard with a high-quality, premium birdseed mix.

Pros
  • May be more expensive than other birdseed mixes on the market
  • The 7lb size may not be suitable for all bird enthusiasts, especially those with limited storage space
  • Some users may not like the inclusion of real cherries or nuts in the mix
Cons
  • Attracts desirable birds like cardinals with its advanced formula and real ingredients
  • Provides essential nutrients with added vitamins and minerals
  • No fillers, making it a healthy choice for birds

Bird Feeding Tips

Bird Feeding Tips
You’re looking to attract cardinals to your yard, and you want to know the best ways to feed them.

By following some simple bird feeding tips, you can create a welcoming space for these beautiful birds and keep them coming back for more.

Feeder Placement

Place your bird feeder strategically. Consider:

  1. Feeder Height
  2. Bird Visibility
  3. Yard Layout
  4. Feeder Proximity to attract cardinals with your cardinal bird food, following key bird feeding tips in your garden design.

Proper cardinal feeder placement is important for attracting these beautiful birds.

Seed Refreshment

You refresh seed regularly.

Providing fresh water sources like birdbaths is also essential.

Consider these bird feeding tips and tricks to create a welcoming environment.

Seed Storage Freshness Tips Seed Rotation
Cool place Check expiration Every 2 weeks
Airtight container Monitor moisture Use cardinal blend
Protect from pests Store black oil sunflower seed properly Maintain bird seed freshness

Creating Cardinal Habitat

Creating Cardinal Habitat
You’re creating a habitat for cardinals, which involves more than just putting out the right birdseed.

By incorporating native plants and bird-friendly yard features, you can attract these beautiful birds to your yard and keep them coming back.

Native Plants

You can attract cardinals by planting native plants, like wildflower seeds and native grasses, which promote regional floras and plant diversity, offering a natural source of food, such as black oil sunflower seed, to create a cardinal-friendly habitat.

Consider cardinal-attracting plants like dogwood or holly to attract cardinals, as these are known to be cardinal-friendly.

Bird-Friendly Yard Features

To attract cardinals, create a bird-friendly yard with a diverse garden layout, including bird baths and nesting boxes.

Cardinals prefer platform feeders and trays with ample perching space.

Choose trees like black oil sunflower seed producers, and use a cardinal blend birdseed mix, promoting yard diversity to attract these beautiful birds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best seed mix for cardinals?

You’ll love a mix with black oil sunflower, safflower seeds, and nuts, it’s like a gourmet buffet for cardinals, offering essential nutrients and energy.

What is the best bird feed for cardinals and blue jays?

You’ll want a mix with black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and peanuts to feed cardinals and blue jays, offering them a nutrient-rich diet.

What does a cardinal most likely eat?

You’ll find cardinals eating seeds, fruits, nuts, and insects, with sunflower seeds and safflower seeds being favorites, along with fruits like cherries and berries.

How to feed cardinals and not squirrels?

You can feed cardinals, not squirrels, by using safflower seeds, which cardinals prefer, but squirrels tend to avoid, in your bird feeder.

What seeds do cardinals prefer most?

Carefully choosing cardinal cuisine, you’ll discover they prefer black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and sunflower hearts, which provide essential nutrients for these beautiful birds.

Can cardinals eat Nyjer seeds?

You can offer Nyjer seeds, but cardinals tend to prefer black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, which are easier for them to crack and digest naturally.

How often refill cardinal feeders?

You refill cardinal feeders regularly, typically every 2-3 days, or when seeds are low, to keep those hungry birds happy and coming back for more.

Do cardinals like millet seeds?

You’ll find cardinals aren’t too fond of millet seeds, they prefer black oil sunflower, safflower, and sunflower hearts, which are easier to crack and richer in nutrients.

Are cardinal mixes suitable for finches?

You’ll notice some cardinal mixes aren’t ideal for finches, as they contain larger seeds, but some blends, like those with black oil sunflower seeds, can work for both species.

Conclusion

Now you’ve got the scoop on the best birdseed mix for cardinals.

Try a mix with black oil sunflower seeds, it’s a cardinal favorite.

You’ll attract these beautiful birds to your yard with the right best birdseed mix for cardinals, and enjoy their visits, it’s that simple.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh is a passionate bird enthusiast and author with a deep love for avian creatures. With years of experience studying and observing birds in their natural habitats, Mutasim has developed a profound understanding of their behavior, habitats, and conservation. Through his writings, Mutasim aims to inspire others to appreciate and protect the beautiful world of birds.

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