Will Cardinals Use a Birdhouse? (The Full Guide)

Short Answer: Will Cardinals Use a Birdhouse? Northern Cardinals are primarily ground and shrub nesters, so they rarely use traditional birdhouses. However, with the right design, placement, and surrounding environment, you can encourage cardinals to explore or perch near birdhouses, especially for feeding or temporary shelter. Understanding their natural habits and preferences is essential for attracting them safely to your yard.

Cardinals are one of the most recognizable and vibrant backyard birds in North America. Their brilliant red plumage and cheerful songs make them a favorite among birdwatchers. Many enthusiasts naturally wonder if a standard birdhouse could attract cardinals. While cardinals do not typically use enclosed nesting boxes, learning about their nesting habits, habitat preferences, and environmental needs can help you create a bird-friendly yard where they feel comfortable.

This guide will explore how to make your backyard more appealing to cardinals, including what types of birdhouses or shelters might work, and the broader strategies to increase your chances of seeing these stunning birds throughout the year.

Understanding Cardinal Behavior

To successfully attract cardinals, it’s important to understand their natural habits. Cardinals are open-cup nesters, which means they build nests in trees, shrubs, and dense vegetation rather than inside cavities. Their preferred nesting sites are often 3–10 feet above the ground in dense foliage that provides concealment from predators.

Additionally, cardinals are territorial during the breeding season. Male cardinals often sing loudly from prominent perches to defend their territory and attract a mate. This territorial behavior means that providing multiple potential nesting areas may encourage cardinals to stay in your yard without feeling crowded.

By considering their natural behaviors, you can design a backyard environment that supports both nesting and foraging for cardinals.

Recommended Cardinal-Friendly Birdhouses

Cardinals can be picky nesters, so choosing the right birdhouse can make a big difference in attracting them to your yard. The options below are designed with the space, ventilation, and durability that cardinals prefer, making them great choices for anyone hoping to welcome these bright red songbirds closer to home.

1- Platform nesting or open‑front boxes suitable for cardinals

The open‑front boxes give birds a safer, more natural-feeling spot than enclosed houses, and they work well for species that like visibility and easy access.

Key Features – Open‑front boxes suitable for cardinals

• It’s a true open platform design, not a small enclosed box, which is closer to what many birds prefer for nesting or roosting.
• Made from cedar and weather‑resistant materials, so it’s built for outdoor use and long life.
• Comes with hardware for hanging or mounting, letting you place it under eaves, on posts, or near shrubs where birds feel safe.
• Helpful for gardeners who want something that blends into natural settings rather than bright, glossy houses.

Tip: place near dense shrubs or trees so birds feel concealed, and keep it at a safe height from ground predators.

2- NATUREYLWL Wood Bird Houses for Outside with Pole

This classic wooden birdhouse with a pole mount is built for outdoor durability and suits finches, bluebirds, and other cavity nesters. Cardinals may use it as a resting spot if placed near shrubs.

Key Features – Wood Bird House with Pole

• Solid wood construction
• Pole included for installation
• Overhang roof keeps interior dry
• Simple, natural design
• Multiple ventilation points
• Easy to mount in various garden areas

3- STARSWR Natural Wooden Bird House (Bluebird, Finch, Cardinals)

This natural wooden hanging birdhouse is crafted for small backyard birds and works well as a sheltered perch for cardinals. Its simple structure makes it a versatile addition to gardens.

Key Features – STARSWR Natural Wooden Bird House

• Natural wood construction
• Hanging design suitable for trees and porches
• Ventilation for airflow
• Sloped roof for weather protection
• Works for various bird species
• Pre-cut hanging rope included

4- Weatherproof Bird House, Wooden Bird Houses for Outside with Pole

This weatherproof wooden birdhouse is designed for homeowners who want a durable, outdoor-friendly shelter for backyard birds. Its natural wood finish and sturdy pole make it suitable for birds like finches, bluebirds, and occasionally cardinals looking for sheltered perching areas.

Key Features – Weatherproof Bird House

• Weather-resistant wooden construction
• Comes with a sturdy mounting pole
• Natural design blends into backyard landscapes
• Suitable for multiple small bird species
• Ventilation built into the structure
• Overhanging roof for rain protection

5- STARSWR 3-Hole Wooden Bird House (Multiple Families)

This three-room birdhouse is ideal for homeowners wanting to support multiple small bird species at once. While not a typical nesting choice for cardinals, it works well as a sheltered perch near feeding areas.

Key Features – STARSWR 3-Hole Bird House

• Three separate nesting compartments
• Wood construction with weather-resistant design
• Hanging style for easy placement
• Classic garden décor look
• Roof designed to protect each compartment

Do Cardinals Ever Use Birdhouses?

While cardinals rarely use standard enclosed birdhouses, there are exceptions. Some birdwatchers have successfully attracted cardinals to specially designed, open-front birdhouses or platform-style nesting boxes. These alternatives mimic natural open-cup nest conditions while still providing some protection from predators and harsh weather.

For example, shallow, open-front wooden boxes with wide entrances can offer cardinals a semi-sheltered site for nesting. However, even with these adaptations, it is more effective to provide dense shrubs or small trees as natural nesting spots.

Another strategy is to use birdhouses as perching or feeding stations. Cardinals are attracted to feeders and will often investigate birdhouses that contain food, water, or perches. In this sense, a birdhouse doesn’t need to be a nesting site to attract these beautiful birds, it can still enrich their presence in your garden.

Best Birdhouse Placement for Cardinals

If you are attempting to encourage cardinals to explore birdhouses, placement is key. Cardinals prefer sheltered areas near dense foliage where they can hide from predators and feel secure. Consider the following tips:

• Place birdhouses 3–10 feet above the ground near shrubs, bushes, or small trees.
• Avoid placing birdhouses in open areas where cardinals may feel exposed.
• Orient the birdhouse entrance away from prevailing winds and direct harsh sunlight to create a more comfortable environment.
• Ensure there is nearby cover, such as hedges, evergreens, or tall grasses, for cardinals to retreat to quickly if threatened.

By combining thoughtful birdhouse placement with dense natural cover, you increase the likelihood that cardinals will visit and feel comfortable in your yard.

Tips for Attracting Cardinals to Your Yard

Even without a traditional birdhouse, there are several strategies to attract cardinals:

Native Plants

Planting native shrubs like dogwood, holly, or viburnum provides natural nesting sites, shelter, and food sources. Cardinals are especially attracted to berry-producing plants that sustain them through fall and winter.

Food and Feeders

Cardinals enjoy sunflower seeds, safflower, and cracked corn. Installing platform feeders near dense shrubs allows cardinals to feed safely while offering an opportunity for observation.

Water Sources

Fresh water for drinking and bathing is essential. A small birdbath or shallow fountain placed near cover can draw cardinals while also benefiting other backyard wildlife.

Avoid Predators

Cats, snakes, and squirrels are natural threats to cardinals. Position feeders and birdhouses in areas that limit access by predators, and consider protective baffles or cages around feeders.

Seasonal Considerations

Cardinals nest in spring, but they are present year-round. Providing year-round food, cover, and water ensures that your yard remains attractive to cardinals across all seasons.

For tips on attracting more active backyard visitors, check out How to Attract Wrens to a Birdhouse: Your Ultimate Guide and discover simple steps to make your birdhouse irresistible to wrens.

Pros and Cons of Using Birdhouses for Cardinals

Pros

• Provides additional shelter for birds to perch and rest.
• Can attract cardinals closer for observation and photography.
• Offers protection from rain or harsh sun when using open-front or platform-style birdhouses.
• Enhances yard aesthetics and creates a wildlife-friendly environment.

Cons

• Traditional enclosed birdhouses are usually unsuitable for cardinals.
• May attract competitors or predators if not placed thoughtfully.
• Requires careful placement and monitoring to be effective.

Product Mentions

Even if cardinals rarely use enclosed birdhouses, certain products can enhance your yard to attract them:

• Platform Nesting Boxes: Open-top or open-front wooden boxes suitable for cardinals.
• Bird Feeders: Tube or platform feeders for sunflower seeds or safflower.
• Hummingbird & Small Bird Houses: Can double as perches for cardinals.
• Protective Predator Guards: Ensure safety for nesting and feeding areas.
• Birdbath or Water Fountain: Fresh water attracts cardinals and other birds.
• Native Shrubs and Berry Plants: Plant-based “natural birdhouses” for safe nesting.

These items complement your birdhouse efforts by creating a cardinals-friendly backyard ecosystem.

If you’re curious about other species and their nesting habits, you might also enjoy reading Will Hummingbirds Nest in a Birdhouse? to learn why these tiny birds prefer different types of shelters.

FAQs

Can I get cardinals to nest in a traditional birdhouse?

Rarely. Cardinals prefer open-cup nests in dense shrubs or small trees rather than enclosed boxes. Platform-style or open-front boxes may work better.

What is the best height for a cardinal birdhouse?

If using a birdhouse, place it 3–10 feet above the ground, near dense vegetation for protection.

Do cardinals prefer certain colors for birdhouses or perches?

Natural, muted colors that blend with foliage are ideal. Cardinals are less likely to approach bright, flashy colors in nesting situations.

What food attracts cardinals to my yard?

Sunflower seeds, safflower, and cracked corn are preferred. Pair with perches and cover for safe feeding.

Can cardinals use birdhouses for perching if not nesting?

Yes. Even if they do not nest, cardinals may perch on or near birdhouses, especially if food or water is nearby.

Conclusion

While cardinals do not typically use traditional birdhouses for nesting, understanding their natural preferences can help you create a yard that attracts and supports them. By providing dense vegetation, food, water, and thoughtfully placed open-front or platform-style birdhouses, you can enjoy the beauty and songs of cardinals throughout the year. Combining these strategies ensures a safe, bird-friendly environment that benefits cardinals and other backyard wildlife alike.