We ask birdwatchers a simple question:
Which birds would you most like to see in your yard?
Then we ask them to rank their favorites.
The results weren't even close.
More than half of birdwatchers (51.3%) chose Cardinals & Grosbeaks as their top choice.
For comparison:
- Cardinals & Grosbeaks: 51.3%
- Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches & Wrens: 20.3%
- Goldfinches & Buntings: 17.8%
- Bluebirds: 6.8%
- Woodpeckers: 3.8%
Cardinals didn't just win.
They dominated.
Why Are Cardinals So Popular?
It's not hard to understand why cardinals top so many wish lists.
Unlike many birds, Northern Cardinals stay in much of the United States year-round. Their brilliant red color stands out against green summer leaves, fall foliage, and even winter snow.
They're also frequent feeder visitors and are often among the first birds people learn to identify.
For many birdwatchers, seeing a cardinal in the backyard never gets old.
How Do You Attract More Cardinals?
Cardinals prefer larger seeds and sturdy feeders that allow them to perch comfortably while they eat.
Some of their favorite foods include:
- Black oil sunflower
- Sunflower chips
- Safflower
We've found that blends containing these ingredients consistently attract cardinals across much of the country.
One Customer's Experience
After trying our Cardinal Classic blend, one customer shared:
"It was like a 'Cardinal Buffet Now Open' sign was placed on the feeder."
While every yard is different, comments like this are one reason Cardinal Classic remains one of our most popular specialty blends.
What About Other Popular Birds?
While cardinals earned the top spot, many birdwatchers are also hoping to attract:
Chickadees, Titmice, Nuthatches, and Wrens
These active birds came in second place with 20.3% of the vote. They readily visit feeders offering sunflower chips, peanuts, and quality seed blends.
Goldfinches and Buntings
At 17.8%, these colorful favorites remain high on many wish lists. Nyjer seed, sunflower chips, and dedicated finch feeders often produce the best results.
Bluebirds
Bluebirds received 6.8% of responses. Mealworms remain one of the most reliable foods for attracting them.
Woodpeckers
Though they received fewer votes overall, woodpeckers have some of the most devoted fans in bird feeding. Suet, peanuts, and mealworms are often their preferred foods.
Want to Attract More of the Birds You Love?
One thing we've learned from serving thousands of birdwatchers is that different birds have different preferences.
That's why we offer species-specific blends for birdwatchers who have a particular favorite in mind, whether that's cardinals, goldfinches, woodpeckers, or another backyard visitor.
Not sure which birds are common in your area? Our HappySeed Boxes use your ZIP code to help match you with blends that fit your region and bird-feeding goals.
Final Thoughts
If our survey revealed anything, it's that cardinals remain America's most wanted backyard bird.
Their beauty, year-round presence, and willingness to visit feeders make them a favorite among birdwatchers of all experience levels.
And if you're hoping to see more cardinals in your own backyard, you're certainly not alone.