Do Cardinals Eat Blueberries?

Northern Cardinals, with their striking red plumage, are a beloved sight at many bird feeders (including ours!) You might be wondering if you can share one of your favorite superfoods–the blueberry–with these striking birds. Not only do cardinals eat blueberries–but they love blueberries and these foods are a great addition to the bird feeder! We’ve rounded up a few precautions to take before tossing out those blueberries–and some fun ways to offer them.

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Are Blueberries Safe for Cardinals?

Blueberries are a safe and nutritious food option for cardinals. They are soft and small enough for these birds to eat easily.

Blueberries are high in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for birds. They also provide natural sugars, offering a quick energy source for cardinals.

How to Serve Blueberries to Cardinals

Fresh or Frozen: Offer fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries. Ensure they are clean and free from any pesticides or chemicals.
In a Feeder: Place blueberries in a shallow dish or a platform feeder where cardinals can easily access them.
Mix with Other Fruits: Combine blueberries with other bird-friendly fruits to provide variety and attract a broader range of birds.

Attracting Cardinals with Blueberries

One of the most interesting ways to offer blueberries to cardinals is by growing blueberry bushes in your garden can attract birds naturally. These birds are drawn to the berries and may also enjoy the shelter provided by the bush.

Regularly offering blueberries in your feeders can help establish your yard as a reliable food source for cardinals.

Be sure to mix in the blueberries with other favorite foods of cardinals such as sunflower seed and safflower seed. Not only does this offer a more balanced diet for the birds but it also helps attract the birds to a new food by serving alongside longtime favorites.

Precautions When Feeding Blueberries to Cardinals

Be sure to serve fresh or frozen blueberries–not blueberries with added sugars or preservatives (such as those in pies). Be sure to wash the blueberries to remove any potential pesticides.

When serving fruit at our feeder, I also take care to just put out enough for the day. This helps prevent wildlife (everyone from raccoons to coyotes like blueberries) from coming by at night. It also helps to cut back on insects and keeps your feeder area cleaner.