Duncraft Cardinal Delight Wild Bird Seed, 5-lb bag

The blend cardinals choose every time.

There's something about a Northern Cardinal at your feeder — that flash of red against a winter morning, the confident crack of a sunflower seed, the way they linger longer than other birds. Cardinal Delight is formulated specifically to bring them in and keep them coming back. Every seed in this blend is one cardinals actively prefer, with no filler to sort through and no wasted seed on the ground. Put it out on an open tray feeder and watch what happens.

What's in the blend.

Three seeds, each a cardinal favorite: black oil sunflower for the high-energy fat cardinals depend on, safflower for its bitter taste that deters squirrels while cardinals eat it readily, and sunflower hearts and bits for easy, shell-free feeding. Together they create a blend that cardinals choose over generic mixes without hesitation.

• Black oil sunflower — the cardinal's first choice for energy
• Safflower — loved by cardinals, bitter to most squirrels
• Sunflower hearts and bits — hulled, easy to eat, no shells
• No filler ingredients — every seed is cardinal-preferred
• Best served on an open tray or platform feeder
• 5 lb resealable bag — available exclusively at Duncraft

Birds attracted: Northern Cardinals (male and female), Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Black-capped Chickadees, House Finches, Purple Finches, Mourning Doves, and White-breasted Nuthatches.

How to feed: Cardinals feel most comfortable feeding on open tray or platform feeders where they have room to perch and face their food. Avoid narrow tube feeders — cardinals prefer a stable, open surface. Place the feeder near shrubs or trees where cardinals can retreat quickly if startled, as they tend to feel more secure feeding close to cover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What seeds attract cardinals the most?
Northern Cardinals strongly prefer black oil sunflower seed, safflower seed, and sunflower hearts. Cardinal Delight combines all three in a single blend specifically formulated around these preferences. Cardinals will choose this blend over generic mixes because every seed in it is one they actively seek out.

What type of feeder do cardinals prefer?
Cardinals prefer open tray feeders, platform feeders, and hopper feeders with wide perching ledges. They are large birds that need room to perch comfortably and prefer to face their food directly. Narrow tube feeders with small perches are not ideal for cardinals. Placing the feeder near shrubs or low trees also helps, as cardinals feel more secure feeding close to cover.

Does Cardinal Delight deter squirrels?
The safflower seed in Cardinal Delight has a naturally bitter taste that most gray squirrels dislike, providing some natural deterrence. Cardinals readily eat safflower while squirrels tend to avoid it. For stronger squirrel control, pair Cardinal Delight with a weight-activated feeder like the Duncraft Squirrel Proof Selective or the Absolute II Bird Feeder.

Will female cardinals eat Cardinal Delight?
Yes. Both male and female Northern Cardinals are attracted to the seeds in Cardinal Delight. Female cardinals are often more cautious feeders than males and may take longer to establish a routine at a new feeder, but once comfortable they visit just as regularly. Placing the feeder near cover helps females feel secure enough to feed consistently.

Is Cardinal Delight good for year-round feeding?
Yes. Northern Cardinals are year-round resident birds that do not migrate, making them reliable feeder visitors in every season. The high-fat content of black oil sunflower and safflower provides the energy cardinals need to maintain body heat through winter, while the blend also supports nesting adults and fledglings in spring and summer.