Cardinals are one of the most popular birds in North America, and their bright red plumage is a common sight at backyard bird feeders. If you’re looking to attract these beautiful creatures to your yard, you’ll need a quality cardinal bird feeder. But with so many different types and styles of feeders on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.

To help you find the best cardinal bird feeder for your needs, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 options on the market. We’ve considered factors like capacity, durability, ease of cleaning, and more to make sure that our picks are the absolute best. So whether you’re looking for a simple platform feeder or a more elaborate setup, we’ve got you covered.

Read on for our top 10 cardinal bird feeders to bring some brightness to your backyard.

10 Best Cardinal Bird Feeders of 2022

1. Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder

Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder is a great feeder for those who want to attract both clinging and perching birds to their backyard. The zinc-plated finish ensures durability, while the large overhang provides shelter and shade for birds. Additionally, the large capacity can hold up to 2.5 pounds of black-oil sunflower seed, making it ideal for those who want to keep their feathered friends well-fed.

PROS:

• Rust-resistant
• Large feeding area
• Holds a lot of seed

CONS:

• It doesn’t prevent larger birds
• The mesh size is too small

2. H-F Green Absolute II Two Sided Feeder With Windows

The H-F Green Absolute II Two-Sided Feeder With Windows is a great cardinal bird feeder for your backyard oasis. It has feeding ports on both sides and steel construction with polycarbonate windows above the feed ports. The closing mechanism is adjustable by weight, so you can keep the squirrels out. The baffles help reduce wasted seed and the large 2-gallon capacity means you won’t have to refill it as often. It also comes with a heavy-duty hanger and a 4-section steel pole for easy mounting.

PROS:

• Feeding ports on both sides
• Steel construction
• Polycarbonate windows
• Adjustable closing mechanism
• Baffles to reduce wasted seed
• Large 2-gallon capacity

CONS:

• It’s a bit difficult to clean

3. Perky-Pet 1 312 Panorama Bird Feeder

The Perky-Pet 1 312 Panorama Bird Feeder is a great option for those looking for a bird feeder that can hold a lot of seeds. It has a 2 lb capacity, which is plenty for most birds. The Perky-Pet also has a Sure-Lock cap system that keeps squirrels out, so you don’t have to worry about them raiding your bird feeder. The Perky-Pet also has a continuous supply of fresh seed, so you don’t have to worry about the seed going stale. The powder-coated blue sparkle finish is also eye-catching and will look great in your backyard.

PROS:

• Holds a lot of birdseed
• Keeps squirrels out
• Fresh seed supply
• Attractive design

CONS:

• Some spillage will occur

4. Roamwild PestOff Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder

The Roamwild PestOff Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder is a top-of-the-line feeder that is not only squirrel proof, but also baby squirrel proof, red squirrel proof, and chipmunk proof. It features a weather-proof design that keeps seeds dry and fresh and has a built-in seed protection system to prevent seed clogging. The PestOff bird feeder also has an automatic pest-proofing feature that makes it ready to use right out of the box. It has a large 3-pound capacity and is ideal for feeding sunflower hearts, safflower seed, or any mixed seed mix. The Roamwild PestOff Squirrel Proof Wild Bird Feeder comes with a hassle-free warranty and is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

PROS:

• Squirrel-proof, baby squirrel proof, red squirrel proof, and chipmunk proof
• Weatherproof and waterproof design keeps seeds dry and fresh
• Built-in seed protection prevents seed clogging
• Automatic pest-proofing makes it ready to use right out of the box
• Large 3-pound capacity

CONS:

• Some users felt that the design was too complex

5. Twinkle Star Wild Bird Feeder Hanging for Garden Yard

This bird feeder is perfect for anyone who wants to attract a variety of birds to their backyard! The large capacity means you can fill it with plenty of food, and the clear panels make it easy to check seed levels. The twist-lock cover keeps the lid securely closed, so you don’t have to worry about freshness or spillage. It’s easy to fill and clean, making it a great option for busy bird enthusiasts!

PROS:

• Large capacity
• Clear panels for easy seed level checking
• Twist-lock cover for freshness and security
• Easy to fill and clean

CONS:

• The birds cause a lot of spillovers
• Small area for birds to feed

6. SWEETFULL Solar Bird Feeder for Outdoors Hanging, Metal Wild Bird Feeder for Cardinals

SWEETFULL Solar Bird Feeder is a great choice for those who want to add a touch of decoration to their backyard while also attracting some lovely feathered friends. The metal construction is durable and weather-resistant, and the polished surface is easy to clean. The built-in solar panel powers a small LED light, adding a bit of nighttime ambiance to your garden. The “lock” on the top prevents water from entering the feeder, and the hole at the bottom allows any water that does get in to drain out quickly. This feeder also comes with a handy “S” hook for easy hanging.

PROS:

• Attractive design
• Durable and weather-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Built-in solar panel powers LED light

CONS:

• Not being able to move the button to turn it on

7. Nature’s Hangout Clear Window Bird Feeder

This Nature’s Hangout Clear Window Bird Feeder is a great way to watch beautiful wild birds up close, right from your window! The large removable tray holds up to 4 cups of bird seed, and the smart drainage holes keep the seeds fresh and dry. Plus, the included 6 ultra-strong weatherproof suction cups make it easy to hang on your window. The perfect gift for any bird lover, this feeder is sure to provide hours of enjoyment!

PROS:

• Easy to hang on your window with the included suction cups
• Large removable tray holds up to 4 cups of bird seed
• Smart drainage holes keep seeds fresh and dry

CONS:

• Only smaller birds can fit inside 
• Suction cups couldn’t stick them on securely

8. CREPRO Hanging Gazebo Wild Bird Feeder, Bird Feeders

The Crepro Hanging Gazebo Wild Bird Feeder is a great option for those who want to attract birds to their backyard. It features an inclined roof to shade birds from the sun and rain, and a hexagon-shaped design with a roof-hanging bird feeder and tray-style feeding port that lets birds feed on all sides. The transparent plastic feeder is easy for birds to see and identify, and the twist-lock top keeps fresh, dry seeds away from prying squirrels. The steel hanging cable allows the bird feeder to be securely attached to a tree or pole, while the large size can accommodate up to 2.25 pounds of seed.

PROS:

• Inclined roof protects birds from sun and rain
• Hexagon shape lets birds feed on all angles
• Transparent plastic feeder is easy for birds to see
• Twist lock top keeps fresh, dry seeds away from squirrels
• Steel hanging cable secures bird feeder to tree or pole

CONS:

• After filling it, getting the top back on is quite challenging.

9. Droll Yankees Classic Sunflower or Mixed Seed Bird Feeder

This classic sunflower or mixed seed bird feeder from Droll Yankees is perfect for your backyard oasis. The tube bird feeder holds up to 1 pound of birdseed and has 6 feeding ports, making it easy to keep your feathered friends well-fed. The ring pull advantage makes disassembly a breeze, and the UV-stabilized polycarbonate tube and high-quality metal components ensure long-lasting use. The feeder can be hung by the included stainless steel wire or pole mounted, and measures 5-1/2 x 5-1/2 x 20 inches.

PROS:

• Easy to clean
• Durable construction
• Easy to assemble and disassemble

CONS:

• Perches are on the short side
• Fewer feeding areas

10. D.F. Omer Window Bird Feeder

D.F. Omer Window Bird Feeder is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature from the comfort of their own home. The clear acrylic design allows you to watch birds up close as they feed, and the four suction cups keep the feeder securely attached to your window. The covered top protects the seed from weather conditions, and the drainage holes keep the seed dry. The tray is also removable for easy cleaning. With its durable construction and 2-year warranty, this bird feeder is sure to provide years of enjoyment.

PROS:

• Allows you to watch birds up close
• Sturdy construction
• Removable tray for easy cleaning
• Drainage holes keep seed dry
• 2-year warranty

CONS:

• May be difficult to attach to some windows
• The suction cups are big

Final Verdict

The Perky-Pet C00322 Red Cardinal Bird Feeder is our top pick for the best cardinal bird feeder because it is easy to use and attracts cardinals. The feeder is also made of high-quality materials, making it durable enough to last for years. The Droll Yankees Classic Sunflower or Mixed Seed Bird Feeder is also a great option for those who want to attract sunflower-loving birds to their backyard oasis. It is easy to assemble and disassemble, and the feeder can be hung by the included stainless steel wire or pole mounted.

FAQ

How do I attract cardinals to my bird feeder?

Cardinals are seed-eating birds, so the best way to attract them is to offer them a variety of seeds in your bird feeder. You can also try adding a little bit of sugar water to your bird feeder to help attract them.

What is the best bird seed for the Cardinals?

The best bird seed for the Cardinals is a mix of sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and millet. You can also try offering them a little bit of sugar water to help attract them.

What color feeder attracts cardinals?

Cardinals are attracted to a variety of colors, but red is one of their favorites. If you want to attract cardinals to your bird feeder, try painting it red or adding a red ribbon to it. You can also try adding a little bit of sugar water to your bird feeder to help attract them.

What time of day do cardinals feed?

Cardinals are most active during the day, so they will typically be feeding during the daytime hours. However, you may also see them feeding at night if there is a light source near their bird feeder.