--- title: "Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals (2026)" url: https://thebirdfeederguide.com/best-bird-feeders-for-cardinals/ type: post date: 2026-10-13 modified: 2026-10-25 markdown_url: https://thebirdfeederguide.com/best-bird-feeders-for-cardinals.md author: "The Bird Feeder Guide Editorial Team" --- # Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals (2026) Independent, research-based buying guides for backyard birders Reader-supported · we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases [Affiliate Disclosure](/about/) [How We Research](/about/) [![The Bird Feeder Guide](https://thebirdfeederguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tbfg-logo-header-1200w.png)](/) [Smart Feeders](/smart-bird-feeders/) [Feeder Types](/best-tube-bird-feeders/) [Bird Food](/best-bird-seed/) [Squirrel-Proofing](/best-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders/) [Hummingbirds](/best-hummingbird-feeders/) [Attract Birds](/how-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard/) [Deals](/smart-bird-feeder-black-friday-deals-2026/) Home › Attracting Birds › Cardinals Attracting Birds · Roundup Attracting Birds · Best-of Roundup # Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals (2026) Cardinals are large, big-billed seed eaters, so they do best at roomy hoppers and trays with black-oil sunflower or safflower. We compared six products using Project FeederWatch's guidance and manufacturer specs from Amazon listings. By The Bird Feeder Guide Editorial Team · Research-based; we have not tested these products ourselves Updated October 2026 · Specs checked October 2026 **Disclosure:** As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below go to Amazon; we do not show prices because they change. ![Red cardinal perched on a branch in falling snow](https://thebirdfeederguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Cardinal-in-snow-Chris-Chow-Unsplash.jpg) What is the best bird feeder for cardinals? The best bird feeder for cardinals is a large hopper or a platform tray filled with black-oil sunflower, which Project FeederWatch lists among the favorite feeder foods of cardinals. Safflower also attracts cardinals and other big-billed birds, though FeederWatch notes most birds prefer sunflower. Large hoppers and trays attract most feeder birds, so expect other species too. Small tube feeders with short perches suit finches, not cardinals. ## Six products for cardinals Details come from each Amazon listing. Check the listing for current price, size and ingredients. Made for cardinals ### Perky-Pet Red Cardinal Wild Bird Feeder An all-metal feeder with a rust-resistant powder-coat finish that holds up to 2.5 pounds of black-oil sunflower seed. The listing names cardinals, finches and chickadees as visitors. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHLHK8?tag=tbfg-20) Mid-size hopper ### Perky-Pet Farmhouse Feeder (WFH001) An all-metal hopper that holds up to 2.8 pounds of seed, with four U-shaped perches, a spacious tray, slide-out window panels for cleaning and drainage holes. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078WVLKCB?tag=tbfg-20) Large capacity ### Woodlink Audubon Hopper Deluxe Gazebo (NA6262) A gazebo-style hopper that holds up to ten pounds of seed. The listing says it is ready to hang, mounts on a 3/4-inch pole (not included) and is easy to fill and clean. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JZCPLQ?tag=tbfg-20) Tray for big birds ### Wild Wings Cedar Hanging Tray (WWCF23) A rot-resistant cedar tray whose design the listing says suits large birds such as cardinals and jays. A removable Fresh Seed tray with rain drainage lifts out for cleaning. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PKWN6ZY?tag=tbfg-20) Safflower seed ### Wagner's Safflower Seed (5 lb, 2-pack) Made in the USA and described in the listing as a favorite seed of cardinals and other songbirds. Safflower is usually a second choice to sunflower, so try a small bag first. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDNW9V5D?tag=tbfg-20) Everyday seed ### Trailmark Naturals Black Oil Sunflower (5 lb) Black-oil sunflower described as grown in the USA and suited to tray, hopper and tube feeders. FeederWatch lists it among cardinals' favorite foods. [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT7CRHJN?tag=tbfg-20) ## How to set up for cardinals Four choices that matter. ### Seed Start with black-oil sunflower. FeederWatch calls it high in energy with thin shells and among cardinals' favorites. Add safflower if you want a second option. ### Feeder size FeederWatch says large hoppers attract most feeder birds, including larger species. Cardinals need a perch and tray big enough for their size, so choose a roomy hopper or platform. ### Cover Place feeders near trees or shrubs for refuge, about 10 feet away, so birds can retreat quickly and squirrels and cats have fewer jump-off points. ### Keep it dry and clean A roofed hopper or a tray with drainage keeps seed dry. Clean feeders regularly to reduce disease spread. ## Cardinal feeder questions What do cardinals eat at feeders? Black-oil sunflower is among their favorite feeder foods, according to Project FeederWatch. Safflower also attracts cardinals and other big-billed birds. Which feeder do cardinals use? Roomy hoppers and platform trays. FeederWatch notes large hoppers and trays attract most species of feeder birds. Do cardinals prefer safflower? Safflower attracts them, but FeederWatch says in its experience most birds prefer sunflower seeds over safflower. ## Related guides ### How to Attract Birds to Your Yard Food, water, cover and placement. [Read the guide →](/how-to-attract-birds-to-your-yard/) ### Best Bird Seed What each seed does. [Read the guide →](/best-bird-seed/) ### Best Hopper Bird Feeders Four hopper feeders compared. [Read the guide →](/best-hopper-bird-feeders/) ### Sources and method Bird and seed facts come from Project FeederWatch. Product details were read from Amazon listings in October 2026. We have not tested these products. Corrections: corrections@thebirdfeederguide.com. [Project FeederWatch (Cornell Lab of Ornithology), Feeding Birds: feederwatch.org/learn/feeding-birds/](https://feederwatch.org/learn/feeding-birds/) [Photo: cardinal in snow by Chris Chow on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/@chris_chow) Last verified October 2026 · Next review April 2027 ![](https://thebirdfeederguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/tbfg-logo-dark-1200w.png) The Bird Feeder Guide publishes research-based buying guides to help backyard birders choose durable, safe feeders. 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