Bird Houses for Cardinals: Top 3 Expert-Approved Designs (2024 Full Guide)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

If you’re thinking about bird houses for cardinals, consider open-shelved designs rather than the usual round-holed birdhouses.

Cardinals aren’t into confined spaces—they prefer something a bit more open, like a fancy loft with two or three open sides.

Hang these gems at least 10 feet high, say, on a tree or pole, and use earthy tones to blend in with nature.

Add some dense foliage around for privacy and spare them some sunflower seeds.

These simple tweaks can turn your garden into a cardinal hotspot.

Curious about top designs? Well, there’s more where that came from!

Choosing The Right Bird House for Cardinals

To attract cardinals to your yard, consider offering safflower seeds, a type of bird seed that attracts these birds. You want to select a birdhouse with 2-3 open sides instead of the traditional round-hole design, as cardinals aren’t cavity nesters like other backyard birds, you want to select a **birdhouse.

Your cardinal birdhouse should be mounted 5-10 feet off the ground near dense greenery, using weather-resistant materials like cedar or recycled poly lumber for lasting durability.

Considerations for Optimal Height and Placement

To attract cardinals, height and placement are make-or-break factors.

Here’s what expert birders recommend for the best bird house installation, including matching the entrance hole size to the target bird see bird house installation guide.

1. Mount your birdhouse 5-10 feet off the ground
2. Position it near dense shrubs or trees for quick escape routes
3. Face the entrance away from prevailing winds
4. Choose a spot that’s sheltered from direct afternoon sun

When establishing their breeding habitats, cardinals typically opt for nest locations with ample cover. Remember, cardinals are cautious birds – they’ll scope out potential nesting sites thoroughly before settling in.

Open-Sided Birdhouses for Easy Access

Building a welcoming home for cardinals means embracing their love of open spaces.

You’ll want to focus on shelters that offer multiple entry points, making it easier for these beautiful birds to pop in and out.

Here’s a quick comparison of different open-sided designs:

Design Type	Entry Points	Recommended Use
Platform	4 sides	Summer nesting
Three-sided	3 sides	Year-round shelter
Lean-to	2 sides	Winter protection
Corner mount	2 sides	Urban settings
Half-box	1 wide side	Protected areas

Avoiding Traditional Round-Hole Birdhouses

Traditional round-hole birdhouses aren’t your best bet for attracting cardinals.

Unlike chickadees or wrens, cardinals simply won’t squeeze through those tight openings.

You can find a variety of cardinal-friendly birdhouses with the right entrances at a cardinal bird house store.

They prefer roomy entrances that let them fly in and out with ease.

Think of it like trying to get through a narrow doorway while wearing a bulky winter coat – it’s just not comfortable or practical.

Materials and Construction for Durability

Cedar and redwood stand out as your best choices for a sturdy cardinal birdhouse – they’ll weather storms like champions without needing much TLC.

Cedar and redwood are the best choices for a sturdy cardinal birdhouse.

For construction, stainless steel screws beat nails hands down, and they won’t rust over time.

Stainless steel screws should be used for construction instead of nails because they won’t rust over time.

Add a sloped roof with a generous overhang to keep rain at bay, and seal all joints with waterproof silicone.

A sloped roof with a generous overhang will help keep rain out of the birdhouse, and all joints should be sealed with waterproof silicone.

Remember, untreated wood is the way to go – your feathered friends will thank you.

Untreated wood is best for a birdhouse, as it is healthier for the birds.

Why Cardinals Use Bird Houses

You’ll find that cardinals naturally seek out sheltered spots in trees and shrubs, but they’ll happily adapt to well-designed birdhouses when natural options are scarce.

These bright red visitors need safe spaces to raise their families, and your properly placed birdhouse can offer protection from predators and harsh weather that’s hard to find in urban and suburban yards.

Natural Cavity Nesting Preferences

Cardinals naturally seek out sheltered spots in the wild, much like you’d look for a cozy corner in your home. Blue jays carefully select concealed nest sites for their 2 to 7 blue jay eggs, These vibrant birds have evolved to nest in nature’s ready-made hideaways. Here’s what attracts them to natural cavities:

1. Dense thickets provide excellent cover from predators
2. Tree hollows offer protection from harsh weather
3. Thorny shrubs create natural defense barriers
4. Vine tangles supply perfect camouflage opportunities

Providing Man-Made Cavities in Urban Areas

Modern city landscapes often lack the natural tree cavities that cardinals need for nesting.

You’ll notice fewer old trees and dead stumps in urban areas, which traditionally provided perfect nesting spots.

That’s where your carefully placed birdhouse can make a real difference.

By installing the right type of birdhouse in your yard, you’re creating essential habitat that helps these beautiful birds thrive in urban environments.

Protection From Predators and Harsh Weather

Strategically designed birdhouses shield your feathered friends from nature’s challenges.

A well-built cardinal house offers essential protection that helps these beautiful birds thrive in your backyard.

Top 3 Bird Houses for Cardinals

You’ll find our carefully tested selection of cardinal houses offers the perfect blend of durability and design to attract these beautiful red birds.

Whether you’re looking for a basic nesting box or a premium viewing house, we’ve researched and compared dozens of options to bring you the top three choices that cardinals actually use.

1. Little Giant Chicken Nesting Box

View On Amazon
With robust construction and thoughtful design, the Little Giant Nesting Box stands out as a top choice for cardinal enthusiasts.

It’s crafted from impact-resistant polyethylene that keeps your feathered friends warm in winter and cool in summer.

When choosing a birdhouse like the Little Giant, consider the importance of weather-resistant materials, such as cedar or redwood, to guarantee durability.

You’ll appreciate the practical features: a fold-down perch, ventilation holes, and a sloped roof that prevents unwanted roosting.

The smooth plastic surface makes cleaning a breeze, while the lowered box floor keeps bedding secure.

Just remember to grab some screws separately, as they’re not included in the package.

Best For: The Little Giant Nesting Box is ideal for attracting birds like cardinals, as it incorporates a snug fit and proper nesting box dimensions, such as a 2.5-inch entrance hole, which is similar to the recommended birdhouse dimensions for optimal bird comfort and security found in birdhouse size considerations. The Little Giant Nesting Box is best for bird enthusiasts looking for a durable, easy-to-clean, and predator-resistant nesting option.

2. Coveside Bird Nesting Perch

View On Amazon
The Coveside Bird Nesting Perch stands out for its hand-crafted excellence and open-front design that cardinals love.

You’ll appreciate its solid Eastern White Pine construction, which offers lasting durability without harming the environment, and you can find more Eastern White Pine options at White Pine Birdhouses.

At 9.25 x 8.75 x 9.5 inches, it’s just right for your feathered friends.

Installation’s a breeze with pre-drilled holes, though you might need to adjust the mounting height on brick homes.

While it’s pricier than basic options, bird enthusiasts report success stories with various species, from doves to robins making themselves at home.

Best For: This perch is ideal for birds that prefer open-front nests, like song sparrows, catbirds, thrashers, phoebes, barn swallows, and robins.

3. Wooden Birdhouse for Garden Viewing

View On Amazon
Designed like a rustic woodland retreat, this wooden birdhouse offers cardinals a cozy spot to call home.

You’ll appreciate its practical features, including a 6.9" x 5.9" x 7.8" interior that gives birds plenty of room to move.

The 1.57-inch entrance sits above a sturdy platform where cardinals can perch before entering.

For easy maintenance, there’s a back door that opens for cleaning and ventilation.

While the included hemp rope works fine, consider upgrading to a chain if you live in a windy area.

Best For: Birdwatchers who want to attract cardinals to their gardens.

Factors to Consider When Buying The Best Bird House

You’ll want to focus on four key factors when choosing a cardinal birdhouse: construction quality, drainage features, entrance design, and interior dimensions.

Just like you’d check the specs when buying a new phone, these essential features will determine if your feathered friends move in or look elsewhere for their dream home.

Quality of Construction for Durability

Building on our top picks, let’s look at what makes a cardinal birdhouse stand the test of time.

Just like your home needs solid bones, your feathered friends deserve a well-built shelter.

Proper Drainage and Ventilation for Health

Proper drainage and ventilation keep your cardinal friends happy and healthy in their new home.

Small holes drilled in the floor prevent water from pooling, while ventilation holes near the roof let fresh air circulate.

A generous roof overhang shields the inside from rain and moisture.

Think of it like your own home – nobody wants a damp, stuffy space to raise their family.

Entrance Hole Size and Shape for Accessibility

For cardinals to feel at home, the entrance hole is like their front door – it’s got to be just right.

A roomy opening between 1 1/2″ to 2″ in diameter gives these beautiful birds easy access while keeping larger predators out.

You can find a variety of cardinal birdhouse entrance options online to help you choose the perfect fit for your feathered friends.

Interior Space and Depth for Comfort

When choosing a birdhouse for cardinals, consider the specific nesting preferences of these birds, such as a nesting shelf in a low-traffic area, as seen in birdhouse plans for cardinals. The interior dimensions of your cardinal birdhouse make all the difference in attracting these beautiful birds.

Just like you’d want a roomy apartment, cardinals need comfortable space to raise their families.

Here’s what different interior sizes mean for your feathered friends:

Space Size	Family Impact	Nesting Success
4×4 inches	Single pair	Basic comfort
6×6 inches	Growing brood	Better results
8×8 inches	Large family	Highest success
10×10 inches	Too spacious	May avoid nest

Tips for Attracting Cardinals to a Bird House

You’ll need more than just a well-designed birdhouse to turn your backyard into a cardinal paradise.

By providing the right mix of food, water, and shelter, you can create an irresistible habitat that’ll make cardinals want to call your birdhouse home.

Offering Sunflower Seeds and Safflower Seeds

Most cardinals can’t resist the allure of black oil sunflower seeds – they’re like nature’s potato chips for these red beauties.

You’ll want to keep your feeders stocked year-round to maintain their interest in your yard.

1. Fill tube feeders with a mix of 60% black oil sunflower seeds and 40% safflower seeds
2. Position feeders 10-15 feet from your birdhouse
3. Store seeds in airtight containers to prevent moisture and pests

Providing a Water Source and Native Plants

Cardinals love splashing around in fresh water, so adding a bird bath or small fountain near your feeding station creates an irresistible hangout spot.

Native plants like dogwood, serviceberry, and elderberry provide natural cover and tasty berries they can’t resist.

You’ll want to place these plants within 30 feet of your water source – think of it as creating your own cardinal paradise.

Placing The House in Late Winter for Breeding Season

When should you set up your cardinal house? Timing is everything for attracting these red beauties.

Install your birdhouse in late January or early February, before the spring breeding rush begins.

This gives cardinals plenty of time to discover and get comfortable with their potential new home.

You’ll want to secure it firmly in place, as winter storms can still pack a punch.

How to Build a Birdhouse to Attract Cardinals

You’ll need just a few basic tools and materials from your local hardware store to build the perfect cardinal-friendly home in under an hour.

With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to construct a three-sided birdhouse that matches cardinals’ natural nesting preferences while keeping them safe from predators and harsh weather.

Cutting The Fence Board to Size

Start your birdhouse project by grabbing your trusty measuring tools and mapping out your fence board dimensions.

You’re cutting 10” x 24” boards for the back and roof.

Remember, precision is key.

Use reliable cutting techniques to get those boards just right.

Safety first, folks—gloves and goggles are your friends.

Have fun and keep those fingers intact!

Assembling The Parts for a Sturdy Birdhouse

You’ve got your birdhouse parts ready; it’s time to assemble. Measure twice, cut once—it’s a mantra for a reason.

To make sure the birdhouse is safe and cozy for the cardinals, choose a durable wood with natural weather resistance, such as cedar birdhouse kit.

Attention to detail makes sure a cozy, cardinal-ready home.

Positioning The Hand-Made Cardinal Birdhouse for Success

Got your birdhouse ready? It’s time to nail the perfect placement!

Hang it 5-10 feet high, where cardinals feel safe and secure.

Choose a spot shielded from wild winds—nobody likes a drafty room.

Near dense greenery is ideal for camouflage.

Remember, your feathered tenants need visible access without being center stage for predators.

Enjoy their delightful presence!

Placement and Maintenance for Cardinal Bird Houses

When setting up a birdhouse for cardinals, mount it on a tree or pole near dense vegetation, around 5-10 feet high.

Avoid placing it in noisy or busy areas to keep your feathered friends safe and happy—after all, even cardinals appreciate some peace and quiet!

Mounting The House on a Tree or Pole

Attaching your birdhouse on a sturdy tree or pole helps with stability and also helps fend off predators.

Consider a height of 5-10 feet for safety while thinking about the wind direction—no one likes a drafty home, not even cardinals!

Use secure mounting methods to make sure your feathered friends have a snug and safe nesting spot.

Placing The House Near Dense Vegetation

After mounting your cardinal birdhouse on a sturdy pole, nestle it among dense greenery like shrubs or thickets.

This setup acts like nature’s camouflage, offering cardinal safety and protection from surprise weather changes.

Shrubs selected wisely enhance natural camouflage but also provide nesting materials.

Think of it as giving cardinals a cozy, well-furnished home amid the foliage.

Avoiding Areas of High Disturbance and Predation

Want a happy cardinal family? Choose a predator-safe location away from busy walkways.

Disturbance-free zones are key for nest site security. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t want noisy neighbors either!

A safe nesting environment means minimizing human impact. Keep pets away too; they might see those fluffy chicks as a tasty snack.

Careful placement helps guarantee a successful nesting season!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)