Bird Basics

Northern Cardinal

(Cardinalis cardinalis)

Habits

The males are territorial and often amuse humans by pecking at their reflections in feeders and windows. 

Contrary to many beliefs, the cardinals do not migrate, rather they band together and frequent feeders a bit more during the winter.  In areas of abundant food and water, you may spot as many as 60 cardinals.

Nesting

They will lay 2-5 eggs in a low-lying nest, usually in a dense thicket or stand of low trees.  The incubation period is 12-13 days.  Once hatched, the young cardinals will take 9-10 days to fledge.  Juvenile cardinals have a touseled look, with coloring similar to an adult female's. 

Northern Cardinals may have as many as four broods a year. 

Range

Cardinals were originally a southeast region inhabitant and have gradually expanded their range northward.  It wasn't until 1895 that the first cardinals were spotted in the Great Lakes region.  They are continuing their expansion, with several sightings occurring in southern California in the last decade.

Diet

Cardinals mainly eat seed and fruit, but they will enjoy the occasional insect.  Black oil sunflower seeds are one of their favorite seeds.  A platform or "fly-through" feeder filled with fresh black oils is a guaranteed way to attract these beautiful birds to your feeder.

listen to the Northern Cardinal!

mp3 file generously donated by John Feith