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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.
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 AmazonMid-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 AmazonLarge 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 AmazonTray 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 AmazonSafflower 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 AmazonEveryday 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 AmazonHow 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
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.
Photo: cardinal in snow by Chris Chow on Unsplash
Last verified October 2026 · Next review April 2027