The Beauty of Cardinals: How to Attract These Red Backyard Favorites
There’s something magical about spotting a bright red cardinal in your backyard — a flash of color against green trees or fresh-fallen snow. For many bird lovers in North Carolina and across the U.S., the northern cardinal is more than just a bird; it’s a symbol of warmth, cheer, and connection to nature.
We see cardinals every day around our workshop, and they never fail to make us smile. Here’s everything you need to know about these beloved backyard visitors — and how to make your yard a welcoming home for them.
Meet the Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is one of the most recognizable birds in North America. The males boast a brilliant red plumage and black mask, while females show off soft shades of tan and coral. Both share a sweet, whistling song that’s easy to recognize once you’ve heard it a few times.
Cardinals don’t migrate — they stay year-round, even through the winter. That’s why they’re such a comforting sight during colder months when other birds head south.
What Cardinals Love
If you want to attract cardinals to your yard, focus on what they love most:
1. Native Plants & Shrubs
Cardinals prefer areas with dense cover — think dogwood, holly, cedar, or blackberry bushes. These plants give them both shelter and nesting spots.
2. Bird Feeders with the Right Seeds
Their favorite foods are black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. Use a large platform or hopper feeder — cardinals prefer something sturdy they can perch on easily.
3. A Fresh Water Source
A simple birdbath or fountain makes your yard even more inviting. Cardinals love shallow water for drinking and bathing.
4. Safe Nesting Areas
Cardinals don’t usually use enclosed birdhouses, but they’ll happily build nests in open, sheltered spots — like in thick shrubs or among vines. You can help by providing a cozy, natural-feeling environment near your bird feeders.
Fun Facts About Cardinals
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Cardinals mate for life and often sing duets to each other.
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Both parents help feed their chicks.
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They’re the state bird of seven U.S. states — including North Carolina!
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Their bright red color comes from pigments in their diet (so feed them well!).
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Many people believe cardinals symbolize loved ones visiting from heaven — a beautiful sentiment that makes spotting one even more special.
How We See Them
Here in our North Carolina workshop, cardinals are our constant companions. They perch on nearby fences, sing while Callaway sands wood, and sometimes peek inside while Chloe paints new designs.
They remind us every day why we do what we do — helping people bring more nature, beauty, and peace into their own backyards.
Invite Cardinals to Your Backyard
Whether you’re in the Carolinas or across the country, cardinals are easy to love — and easier to attract when you create a welcoming space. Add natural plants, a sturdy feeder, and a quiet spot to perch, and you’ll soon be rewarded with their brilliant color and cheerful song.
And if you’re looking to add a handcrafted touch to your bird-friendly yard, take a peek at our Hand-Built Birdhouses — made with care, inspired by nature, and built right here in North Carolina.