Yes, there are bird houses specifically designed for cardinals. Cardinals are beautiful songbirds known for their bright red plumage. They are a popular species for backyard birders to attract. Providing an appropriate bird house is one way to invite cardinals into your yard. Cardinal bird houses have some specific design features to accommodate these birds. In this article, we’ll look at why cardinals use bird houses, what makes a good cardinal bird house, where to place one in your yard, and some tips for attracting cardinals to a bird house.
Why Do Cardinals Use Bird Houses?
Cardinals are cavity nesters, meaning they build their nests and raise their young inside sheltered cavities. In the wild, cardinals look for natural cavities in trees, stumps, or vines to nest in. However, suitable natural cavities may be scarce in residential yards and urban areas. Providing a bird house gives cardinals a man-made cavity that serves as a substitute for a natural nest site.
Bird houses help protect cardinal nests and babies from predators and harsh weather. The enclosed bird house cavity keeps the nest sheltered, dry, and secure. Cardinals typically produce 2-3 broods per year and will readily accept an appropriate bird house for raising multiple clutches. Offering housing can help attract mating pairs to your yard and provide needed nesting spots.
What Makes a Good Cardinal Bird House?
An ideal cardinal bird house mimics the size and shape of a natural tree cavity. Here are some key features to look for:
– Entrance hole – Cardinals prefer a round or oval entrance hole 1 1/2″ to 2″ in diameter. This allows adults to pass through but excludes larger competitors.
– Depth – The house should be at least 6-8 inches deep from the base to the bottom of the entrance hole. This gives room for an adequate nest inside.
– Interior space – Look for at least 4 x 4 inches of floor space inside. Cardinals build a sturdy cup nest of twigs, bark, vines, and grasses.
– Drainage and ventilation – The house should have drainage holes in the floor and ventilation holes near the roof. This allows rain to drain out and air to flow through.
– No perch – Cardinals do not use an external perch, so seek houses without one.
– Materials – Durable all-weather materials like untreated wood, plastic, or PVC work well. Avoid painted or treated wood.
Where to Place a Cardinal Bird House
Proper placement is key to attracting cardinals to your bird house. Here are some tips:
– Mount the house on a tree, sturdy pole, or metal pole system at eye level, 5-10 feet high. Cardinals prefer elevated houses with a clear flight path.
– Place within 30 feet of shrubs or dense vegetation. Cardinals use shrubs for protection and retreats.
– Position the entrance hole facing an open area. Cardinals want a clear view of any approaching predators.
– Choose a location protected from prevailing winds and rain. This could be on the east side of a building or behind a windbreak.
– Avoid areas of high disturbance, such as beside frequently used doors or walkways.
– Place multiple houses 15 or more feet apart to provide several options.
Tips for Attracting Cardinals to a Bird House
Here are some additional tips to help attract cardinals to your bird house:
– Offer sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, dried fruit, and mealworms in feeders to entice cardinals to your yard. Provide a water source like a fountain, pond, or bird bath for drinking and bathing.
– Add native plants that provide seeds and berries, like dogwoods, wild grapes, sumac, and blackberry bushes.
– Use shredded bark or wood mulch for ground cover since cardinals forage on the ground.
– Place the house out in late winter before breeding season starts so a pair can scout it.
– Clean out old nests and decontaminate the house each season to prevent parasites.
– Be patient. It may take a pair of cardinals several weeks to fully accept a new house.
– Avoid using pesticides and herbicides near the bird house that could harm cardinals and their young.
Best Materials for a Cardinal Bird House
Cardinal bird houses can be made from various materials. The best choices will be durable, provide insulation, and withstand the elements. Recommended materials include:
Wood
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Cedar | Naturally rot/insect resistant. Medium cost. Requires exterior sealant. |
| Pine | Inexpensive. Lower durability. Requires water protector sealant. |
| Redwood | Rot resistant. No stain or sealer needed. Can be costly. |
Plastic
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| PVC | Long lasting. Won’t rot or warp. Easy to clean. Cheaper plastic tends to discolor. |
| Poly lumber | Made from recycled plastic. Durable and eco-friendly. More expensive. |
| ABS plastic | Strong, weather resistant, and recyclable. Can be pricey. |
Composite Wood
| Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Cedar composite | Made from recycled wood and plastic. Looks like wood but won’t rot. Moderate cost. |
| Resin composite | Mix of recycled plastic, wood pulp, resin. Durable and stable. Higher cost. |
Avoid painted or chemically treated wood that could be harmful. Unfinished, naturally rot-resistant cedar or redwood work well. With plastic houses, look for thicker, high quality plastic. Composite wood offers a durable but more natural looking alternative.
Ideal Dimensions for a Cardinal House
Cardinal bird houses should be sized to offer a roomy interior cavity while stillexcluding larger competitors. Here are some ideal dimensions:
– Floor – 4 x 4 inches up to 5 x 5 inches
– Depth – 6 to 8 inches deep
– Cavity interior – At least 4 inches high from base to ceiling
– Entrance hole – 1.5 – 2 inches diameter, 2 to 6 inches above the floor
– Mounting – Place 4 to 6 inches below the house roof and at least 16 inches above ground
– Roof – Overhang roof 2 to 3 inches on the front to shelter the entrance hole
– Drainage – Four 1/4 inch drainage holes in the floor
– Ventilation – Two 1/4 to 1/2 inch ventilation holes near roof
– No perching ledge on front
– Materials – Unfinished, unpainted wood or durable plastic/composite
Having a large floor gives room for an adequate cup nest. A deep cavity provides weather protection high off the ground. The 1 1/2 – 2 inch entrance hole size excludes house sparrows and starlings. Adequate drainage keeps the interior dry. Follow these dimensions for the best chance of attracting cardinals.
Unique and Decorative Cardinal Bird House Designs
While functionality is most important, you can also find unique and decorative cardinal bird houses to fit your style:
Log Cabins
Small log cabin style houses give a rustic, natural look. They feature wood or composite logs stacked horizontally or vertically to mimic a cabin. An angled roof and wood perch add decorative detail.
Victorian
Ornate Victorian cardinal houses have an elaborate, gingerbread trim around a gable or curved roofline. Details like corner turrets and scalloped wood give an elegant garden accent.
Modern
Contemporary styles use clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like coloured plexiglass or aluminum. Think outside the box for a sleek, modern statement.
Themed
Choose a themed design to complement your yard. Beach houses feature a tin roof or driftwood details. Farmhouse versions replicate a mini red barn or silo. Buy a kit to paint your own original design.
Natural Wood
Simple unfinished wooden boxes made of cedar and pine provide an attractive natural look. Opt to paint, stain or embellish it yourself.
Cardinal houses can reflect your personal taste while still meeting the bird’s needs. Decorate your yard with a functional work of art.
What is the Cost of a Cardinal Bird House?
Basic cardinal bird houses typically range from $10 – $30. More elaborate handcrafted houses may cost $50 to over $100. Here are some factors affecting the price:
– Materials – Unfinished pine is cheapest. Cedar, redwood, plastic, composite and handcrafted materials cost more.
– Size – Larger dimensions require more materials and craftsmanship.
– Decorative elements – Ornate details, hand carving/painting or architectural styles increase cost.
– Construction – Handcrafted houses take time and skill versus mass factory production.
– Brand name – Premium birding brands carry higher prices than generic versions.
– Special features – Things like webcam ports, temperature gauges or sound systems raise the price.
– Where sold – Big box stores have lower prices than specialty birding shops.
Consider how much outdoor gardening space or how many bird houses you need. For a single basic house, $15 to $25 can work. Invest in a premium multi-room dwelling running $75 to $150 for a focal backyard feature.
Where Can I Buy a Cardinal Bird House?
Here are some places to buy quality cardinal bird houses:
– Online birding specialty stores – Sites like Birds Choice, Best Nest Boxes, Songbird Essentials offer a wide selection.
– Hardware stores – Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware have basic affordable choices.
– Wild bird specialty stores – Local stores focused on birding and nature niches.
– Garden centers – Nurseries and garden stores may carry decorative bird houses.
– Craft fairs – Local artisans sell handmade wooden houses and feeders.
– Woodworking specialty sites – Etsy or eBay for custom handmade cardinal dwellings.
– Big box retailers – Mass retailers like Walmart, Target, Costco for lower prices.
– Conservation organizations – National Audubon Society bookstore sells certified bird friendly houses.
Compare different sellers for variety of inventory, prices, quality and shipping costs. For the widest selection, look online or at specialty birding stores. Support local woodworkers for custom creations.
Building Your Own Custom Cardinal Bird House
Constructing your own custom cardinal bird house can be easy, fun and affordable. Here’s how to do it:
Supplies Needed:
– 1×6, 1×8 or 1×10 untreated pine lumber
– Saw, drill with 1 1⁄2” and 1⁄4” bits, hammer, nails, glue
– Acrylic paint, exterior sealant (optional)
Cut wood to the following dimensions:
– Front/Back: 8” x 10”
– Sides: 8” x 5”
– Bottom: 4” x 4”
– Roof: 5” x 7”
Drill 1 1⁄2” entrance hole 2” from the top of the front piece. Drill 1⁄4” drainage holes in the bottom piece.
Assemble the pieces using glue and nails. Attach the roof piece last.
Add decorative touches like paint, a small perch, or a predator guard around the entrance hole.
Seal the exterior with non-toxic sealant to protect wood and prevent rotting.
Mount on a pole or tree at least 5 feet off the ground.
Face entrance hole southeast for morning sun and shelter from wind.
Customizing your own bird house is rewarding. Start early so cardinals can discover it before breeding season. Provide a safe home to boost the beauty in your yard.
Conclusion
Cardinals are among the most popular and iconic backyard birds that birders love to attract. Offering housing designed specifically for their needs and preferences is key. Look for cardinal bird houses that mimic natural cavity nest sites with a 1 1⁄2 – 2” entrance hole, deep interior depth, drainage and ventilation, untreated natural wood or durable plastic, and appropriate placement away from disturbance. Go functional and basic or incorporate unique decorative accents reflecting your personal style. Investing in a quality cardinal bird house or even building your own can provide shelter for breeding cardinals and the enjoyment of more viewing opportunities. If you want to increase vibrant red splashes of color in your yard, a tailored cardinal abode is sure to invite a mating pair.
