Species · GBIF taxon 2490384
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalisAlso known as Common Cardinal, Red Cardinal, Virginia Nightingale
Northern Cardinals bring brilliant color to winter landscapes, where males defend territories year-round with clear, whistling songs delivered from high perches. Unlike many songbirds, both males and females sing, often exchanging duets to coordinate nesting activities and reinforce their pair bond. These adaptable birds are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, cracking open tough seeds with their heavy, cone-shaped red bills.
SongbirdColorfulUrban Wildlife
- diet
- Seeds, grains, wild fruits, and insects
- family
- Cardinalidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, window collisions, and outdoor cat predation
- life Span
- 3 to 15 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Feeder Selection: Offer sunflower or safflower seeds in sturdy hopper or platform feeders to accommodate their size.
- Provide Cover: Plant dense native shrubs like dogwood or elderberry to offer nesting sites and winter shelter.
- Prevent Collisions: Apply decals or tape to windows near feeders to help these territorial birds avoid flying into glass.