6 Best Bird Food for Cardinals and Bluejays They’ll Love
If you want more cardinals and bluejays at your feeders, the right food makes a bigger difference than you might think.
You will want blends that favor sunflower seeds, safflower, peanuts, and other high-energy ingredients these birds keep coming back for.
Some mixes work better than others, though, and feeder type matters too.
Here is what stands out, and which options may be worth trying first.
| Happy Wings Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (5 lb) |  | Best All-Season Seed | Food Type: Black oil sunflower seeds | Package Size: 5 lb | Bird Appeal: Cardinals, finches, chickadees | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Audubon Park Extreme Variety Wild Bird Seed for Outside Feeders 15-lb. Bag |  | Best Premium Blend | Food Type: Wild bird seed mix | Package Size: 15 lb | Bird Appeal: Cardinals, finches, nuthatches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Schoen Farms Wild Bird Food Mix (10 LBS) |  | Best Mixed Seed | Food Type: Wild bird food mix | Package Size: 10 lb | Bird Appeal: Cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Kaytee Cardinal Wild Bird Seed 7 lb |  | Best Cardinal Blend | Food Type: Cardinal blend seed | Package Size: 7 lb | Bird Appeal: Cardinals, chickadees, grosbeaks | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Happy Wings Finch Blend Bird Food 5 Pounds |  | Best Finch Blend | Food Type: Finch blend seed | Package Size: 5 lb | Bird Appeal: Finches, cardinals, chickadees | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Blue Seal Berry Blend Suet Cakes for Wild Birds |  | Best Suet Cakes | Food Type: Berry blend suet cakes | Package Size: 6-pack, 11 oz each | Bird Appeal: Woodpeckers, cardinals, nuthatches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Happy Wings Black Oil Sunflower Seeds (5 lb)
Happy Wings Black Oil Sunflower Seeds are a smart pick if you want a high-energy bird food that attracts cardinals and other backyard favorites. This 5 lb bag can be offered year-round because it delivers premium natural oils, fats, and proteins for all life stages. Its high-oil kernels make feeding easier for finches, sparrows, chickadees, and cardinals. You will also appreciate the waste-free, all-natural no-grow formula, which cuts mess and prevents sprouts under feeders. Use it in gardens, patios, or lawns. It is produced to meet USDA, BRC-GS, WBFI, and FSMA standards for quality and safety.
- Food Type:Black oil sunflower seeds
- Package Size:5 lb
- Bird Appeal:Cardinals, finches, chickadees
- Year-round Use:All seasons
- Feeding Method:Bird feeders
- Clean Feeding:No-grow, waste-free
- Additional Feature:High natural oils
- Additional Feature:All-natural no-grow mix
- Additional Feature:USDA-approved facilities
Audubon Park Extreme Variety Wild Bird Seed for Outside Feeders 15-lb. Bag
Audubon Park Extreme Variety Wild Bird Seed for Outside Feeders is a strong pick if you want a versatile mix that draws cardinals, bluejays, and many other backyard birds. The 15-lb bag is packed with black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, sunflower chips, raisins, nuts, striped sunflower seed, and other premium ingredients. This blend works well in tube, hopper, and platform feeders, so you can set it out with ease. It attracts nuthatches, juncos, titmice, finches, and more, and you can use it year-round to keep your feeders busy.
- Food Type:Wild bird seed mix
- Package Size:15 lb
- Bird Appeal:Cardinals, finches, nuthatches
- Year-round Use:Year-round
- Feeding Method:Tube/hopper/platform feeders
- Clean Feeding:Premium blend
- Additional Feature:Black oil sunflower seeds
- Additional Feature:Includes raisins and nuts
- Additional Feature:Tube feeder compatible
Schoen Farms Wild Bird Food Mix (10 LBS)
Schoen Farms Gourmet Wild Bird Food Mix is an excellent choice for a 10 pound seed blend that attracts cardinals and blue jays, and also feeds chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, finches, grosbeaks, and other songbirds. The mix contains sunflower seeds, kernels, safflower, red millet, cracked corn, and wheat in a fresh, nutrient rich formula. It performs well in feeders or on the ground, so you can match it to your setup. Schoen Farms sources this product from a family owned farm, so you can feel confident offering birds a premium food that supports health, vigor, and year round wild bird feeding.
- Food Type:Wild bird food mix
- Package Size:10 lb
- Bird Appeal:Cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches
- Year-round Use:All life stages
- Feeding Method:Bird feeders/ground stations
- Clean Feeding:Freshness-focused
- Additional Feature:Family-owned farm source
- Additional Feature:Safflower seed blend
- Additional Feature:Ground feeding stations
Kaytee Cardinal Wild Bird Seed 7 lb
Kaytee Cardinal Wild Bird Seed, 7 lb is a solid pick if you want a blend that specifically targets cardinals and other backyard favorites like chickadees, nuthatches, and grosbeaks. You get a premium mix of black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, both ideal for wild birds. The safflower has a bitter taste that can help discourage squirrels, so more food stays available for your feeders. This additive-free, allergen-free blend suits all life stages and comes in a 7 lb bag. Use it to attract specific bird species with less hassle and more consistent backyard visits from your favorite feathered guests.
- Food Type:Cardinal blend seed
- Package Size:7 lb
- Bird Appeal:Cardinals, chickadees, grosbeaks
- Year-round Use:All life stages
- Feeding Method:Bird feeders
- Clean Feeding:Squirrel-deterring safflower
- Additional Feature:Safflower discourages squirrels
- Additional Feature:Additive-free formula
- Additional Feature:Chunk form
Happy Wings Finch Blend Bird Food 5 Pounds
Happy Wings Finch Blend Bird Food, 5 Pounds is a strong choice if you want a high-energy, high-protein mix that attracts more than just finches; it also appeals to cardinals, chickadees, titmice, mourning doves, and siskins. The blend contains sunflower hearts and Nyjer in a no-grow formula, which helps keep your yard cleaner and reduces unwanted sprouts. The non-GMO, plant-based seed supports a healthy bird lifestyle, and the heat-treated, quality-checked bag meets strict safety standards. A 5-pound bag will attract colorful songbirds and is easy to store and use.
- Food Type:Finch blend seed
- Package Size:5 lb
- Bird Appeal:Finches, cardinals, chickadees
- Year-round Use:All life stages
- Feeding Method:Bird feeders
- Clean Feeding:No-grow, clean backyard
- Additional Feature:Sunflower hearts and nyjer
- Additional Feature:Non-GMO blend
- Additional Feature:Reduces ingrown plants
Blue Seal Berry Blend Suet Cakes for Wild Birds
Blue Seal Berry Blend Suet Cakes are a smart choice if you want a year-round wild bird food that attracts cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and other seed and insect eating birds. You get six 11-ounce cakes, and each square fits all suet feeders. The high-fat, high-protein, high-fiber blend helps support winter warmth and spring energy. You will also appreciate the all-natural, no-antibiotics formula and melt-resistant, no-mess design. Packaged with 80% less material and fully recyclable wrapping, it is a practical, made-in-USA option from Blue Seal, backed by customer support.
- Food Type:Berry blend suet cakes
- Package Size:6-pack, 11 oz each
- Bird Appeal:Woodpeckers, cardinals, nuthatches
- Year-round Use:Year-round
- Feeding Method:Suet feeders
- Clean Feeding:No-mess, melt-resistant
- Additional Feature:Melt-resistant formula
- Additional Feature:100% recyclable packaging
- Additional Feature:Square cake form
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bird Food For Cardinals And Bluejays
When choosing bird food for cardinals and blue jays, select seed sizes they can handle and choose options with shells that do not interfere with feeding. Include ingredients that appeal to cardinals, as well as favorites of blue jays, and select foods appropriate for the season. Finally, place feeders where both species can access them safely and comfortably.
Seed Size And Shells
For cardinals and blue jays, seed size and shell thickness matter because these birds can handle larger seeds, especially whole black oil sunflower seeds or striped sunflower seeds with shells they can crack easily. You can also choose seeds with thinner shells if you want to reduce the effort they need at the feeder. Hulled seeds and seed pieces, like sunflower kernels or chips, skip cracking altogether and can be simpler for them to eat. If you want less cleanup, shell-free options usually leave fewer hulls on patios and lawns. Match the seed size to your feeder as well. Larger whole seeds work best in platform and hopper feeders, while finer pieces fit tube feeders with smaller ports.
Cardinal-Friendly Ingredients
Once you have matched seed size and shell type to your feeder, the next thing to check is what is actually in the mix. You will want foods cardinals naturally gravitate toward, especially black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. Black oil sunflower seeds are a smart pick because their high oil, fat, and protein content gives cardinals a dense energy boost. Safflower seeds can be just as useful, since their bitter taste helps keep squirrels away while still appealing to cardinals and other songbirds. Look for blends that combine these seeds with other nutrient-rich ingredients to support a balanced feeding station. If you want less cleanup, choose no-grow, waste-free mixes. They will help prevent sprouts under your feeder while still offering the ingredients cardinals love.
Bluejay Preferred Foods
Blue jays are drawn to larger, energy-rich foods, so you will often have the best luck with black oil sunflower seeds, striped sunflower seeds, peanuts, and sunflower chips. You can also offer mixed wild-bird blends with sunflower seeds, nuts, peanuts, and raisins to attract more species. Because blue jays are larger than many feeder visitors, they usually prefer platform feeders and hopper feeders over small tube styles. Choosing foods with natural oils, fats, and protein provides the high-energy nutrition they need year-round. A varied mix also helps attract cardinals, nuthatches, juncos, and titmice, making your feeding station more active and rewarding without unnecessary filler ingredients.
Seasonal Feeding Needs
As the seasons change, match bird food to conditions outside. In cold months, choose calorie-dense mixes with high natural oils, fats, and proteins so cardinals and bluejays can stay warm and energized. Easy-to-eat seeds and sunflower products work well when temperatures drop, because they provide quick fuel without much effort. In spring and summer, offer fresh, all-year-round seed blends that support nesting and molt periods. Also choose waste-free or no-grow formulas to cut down on scattered seed and unwanted sprouts when the weather is warm. For simpler year-round feeding, a balanced blend with seeds, sunflower products, and other nutrient-rich ingredients can meet changing needs without constant switching.
Feeders And Placement
Beyond choosing the right seed mix for the season, you also need feeders and placement that suit cardinals and bluejays. Pick feeder styles that match what you offer: platform, hopper, and tube feeders work well for mixed wild bird seeds, while suet cakes require a suet feeder. Set feeders in a sturdy, easy-to-reach spot so seed does not scatter far and waste stays low. If squirrels raid your setup, keep feeders away from jump points and offer safflower to discourage them. You can feed these birds year-round, since both visit in every season and appreciate high-energy foods in cold weather. Also choose a location that fits your target birds; feeder style and placement can make your yard more inviting to bluejays or cardinals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should I Refill Bird Feeders for Cardinals and Bluejays?
You will need to refill feeders frequently, about every 1 to 3 days during peak season. Check them daily and refill when seed levels are low, keeping them topped off so cardinals and blue jays stay around.
Can I Feed Cardinals and Bluejays Year-Round?
Yes, you can feed cardinals and blue jays year round. You will help them through winter, nesting, and migration. Offer consistent food, fresh water, and clean feeders. Doing so supports healthy birds in every season.
Should I Use One Feeder or Separate Feeders for These Birds?
You can use a single, roomy feeder, but separate feeders often work better; cardinals and blue jays do not always mingle. I have seen them arrive together, however spacing feeders helps reduce squabbles and keeps feeding peaceful.
How Do I Keep Squirrels Away From Bird Food?
Use a squirrel baffle, mount the feeder on a metal pole, and place the feeder away from branches. Choose squirrel-resistant feeders, offer safflower seed, and clean spilled food quickly. Try chili-coated seed only if your birds tolerate it.
What Feeder Type Works Best for Cardinals and Bluejays?
Prefer a tray or platform feeder. Cardinals and blue jays prefer roomy feeders with perches and open access. Add sturdy hopper feeders as well. To attract both, offer sunflower seeds and peanuts.