Northern cardinals are big, chunky songbirds that prefer to face their food from a wide, stable perch — which is why they often ignore small tube feeders. Choose a feeder that gives them room, fill it with the seeds they love, and you’ll see more of them.
Last reviewed October 10, 2026 · Recommendations are based on manufacturer specifications, published product documentation and established birding guidance — not hands-on lab testing. Our editorial policy.
Quick picks
- Best overall for cardinals: Woodlink Audubon 3-in-1 Platform
- Best cardinal-friendly tube feeder (squirrels): Brome Squirrel Buster Plus with cardinal ring
- Best large hopper: Woodlink Absolute II with adjustable perches
How we chose
We looked for feeders whose design (per manufacturer specifications) gives larger birds enough perching room, can be filled with safflower or sunflower, and can be cleaned easily. Squirrel defense was a bonus. We haven’t lab-tested these feeders.
| Product | Best for | Key features | Considerations | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woodlink Audubon 3-in-1 Platform FeederWoodlink (Audubon series) | Cardinals, juncos, doves and other birds that prefer an open tray |
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| Check Price (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Brome Squirrel Buster PlusBrome Bird Care | Backyards with squirrels and birders who want cardinals at a tube feeder |
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| Check Price (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
| Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel-Resistant FeederWoodlink | Big yards with heavy squirrel pressure and lots of birds to feed |
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| Check Price (opens Amazon in a new tab) |
Our picks in detail
Best overall for cardinals Woodlink Audubon 3-in-1 Platform Feeder
Best for: Cardinals, juncos, doves and other birds that prefer an open tray
Cardinals and many other birds feed most comfortably on a flat, stable surface. A screened tray also gives you a clear, unobstructed view and is a natural “stage” for photos. It is the simplest way to attract a wider range of species than a tube feeder alone.
What stands out
- Open tray suits larger and ground-feeding birds
- Can be hung, post-mounted or used on the ground
- Powder-coated screen base drains rain
- Kiln-dried red cedar construction
Things to consider
- Open trays are easy for squirrels to reach unless you baffle the pole.
- Seed is exposed to weather — offer only what birds eat in a day or two and clean often.
Manufacturer specifications
- Model
- NAPLAT2
- Capacity
- about 3 lb of mixed seed
- Approx. size
- 13 × 13 × 3.5 in
- Material
- red cedar, powder-coated screen
Source: www.acehardware.com. Specifications can change between production runs — confirm on the product listing before you buy.
Best tube feeder for cardinals Brome Squirrel Buster Plus
Best for: Backyards with squirrels and birders who want cardinals at a tube feeder
A weight-activated design is the most reliable way to keep squirrels off a tube feeder without baffles, and the cardinal ring addresses the most common complaint about tube feeders — that bigger birds can’t perch comfortably. The large capacity suits busy feeders, while a smaller feeder will stay fresher in quiet yards.
What stands out
- Weight-activated shroud closes the 6 feeding ports when a squirrel climbs on
- Included cardinal ring gives larger birds room to perch facing the food
- Large 5.1 lb seed capacity means fewer refills
- Seed ventilation system designed to help keep seed fresher
Things to consider
- Tall and fairly heavy when full — needs a sturdy hook or pole.
- Weight-activated feeders also exclude heavier birds such as doves and some jays; adjust expectations if you want them.
Manufacturer specifications
- Seed capacity
- 5.1 lb
- Feeding ports
- 6
- Approx. size
- 6 in W × 23 in H (28 in to hanger)
- Includes
- cardinal ring
Source: store.bromebirdcare.com. Specifications can change between production runs — confirm on the product listing before you buy.
Best large hopper Woodlink Absolute II Squirrel-Resistant Feeder
Best for: Big yards with heavy squirrel pressure and lots of birds to feed
For yards where squirrels defeat lighter feeders, a heavy all-metal hopper with adjustable counterweighted perches offers durability and a lot of capacity. The adjustable perch setting also lets you decide whether larger birds such as cardinals can feed.
What stands out
- All-metal, double-sided hopper holds up to 12 lb of seed
- Spring-activated perches with three weight settings shut the seed tray when a squirrel steps on
- Locking top
- Includes a pole with ground sleeve or a metal hanger
Things to consider
- Large and heavy — overkill for a small patio.
- A big hopper can let seed sit a long time in quiet periods; fill partially if traffic is light.
Manufacturer specifications
- Seed capacity
- up to 12 lb
- Weight (empty)
- approx. 6 lb
- Approx. size
- 13.5 D × 16 W × 11.3 H in
- Mounting
- pole (included) or hanging
Source: www.tractorsupply.com. Specifications can change between production runs — confirm on the product listing before you buy.
What cardinals eat
- Safflower seed — a favorite, and less popular with squirrels, grackles and starlings.
- Black-oil sunflower seed — high in fat; eaten by cardinals and nearly every other feeder bird.
- Hulled sunflower chips — no shells, less mess.
- Cracked corn and fruit — occasionally taken, but sunflower and safflower are better staples.
Where cardinals like to feed
Cardinals often feed early in the morning and late in the day, and they like cover nearby. Place feeders about 10 feet from dense shrubs or evergreens, keep them at a moderate height, and avoid open spots with no shelter. They also feed on the ground beneath feeders.
More tips in how to attract cardinals.
Frequently asked questions
Why won’t cardinals use my feeder?
Small perches, the wrong seed or a lack of nearby cover are common reasons. Try a platform feeder with safflower or sunflower placed near shrubs.
Do cardinals use tube feeders?
They can, but they prefer feeders with a wide perch or ring that lets them face the food.
What color feeder attracts cardinals?
There’s no strong evidence feeder color matters much to cardinals. Food, perch size and cover matter far more.