Getting Close to the Northern Cardinal
| By Gary S. Locatelli
One of my favorite birds to spot at my feeder is the Northern Cardinal, a well-known and easily recognizable songbird in North America. I love the brilliant red of the male and the golden tone of the female. Here are a few things of interest on the beautiful species:
• Coloration: Males are bright red with a black mask around the beak; females are more subdued, with a warm brown body and red tinges on the wings, tail, and crest.
• Crest: Both sexes have a prominent crest on their heads, which can be raised or lowered depending on their mood or alertness.
• Size: Typically about 8–9 inches (21–23 cm) long, with a wingspan of around 10–12 inches.
• Singing: Males sing loudly to establish territory and attract mates; females also sing, often from the nest, which is somewhat unusual among North American songbirds.
• Territoriality: Highly territorial, especially during breeding season. Males may attack their reflection in windows, mistaking it for a rival.
• Feeding: They primarily eat seeds, berries, and insects. Their strong, thick beaks are perfect for cracking seeds.
• Mating & Nesting: Cardinals form monogamous pairs. The male often feeds the female beak-to-beak during courtship. Nests are built low in dense shrubs or small trees.
• Year-round Residency: Non-migratory; they stay in the same area year-round and are especially noticeable in winter against snowy backgrounds.
1. They often engage in “mate feeding”, where the male brings food to the female.
2. Cardinals are known to raise multiple broods (up to 3-4) per breeding season.
3. Their song varies by region, and individuals can have a repertoire of different song types.
How to Attract Northern Cardinals
To attract Northern Cardinals to your feeder, you’ll want to make it both inviting and accessible to them. Here’s how to do it right:
Cardinals are medium-sized birds and like to perch while they eat. They don’t do well with feeders that sway or require clinging. Avoid narrow or unstable feeders—they prefer a sturdy, open space. The Cardinals that visit me frequently all my Birdfy feeders, the Bamboo, Bamboo mini, Metal, Birdfy 1 and Duo!
Cardinals are mainly seed eaters, and they’re pretty picky. Top seeds they love:
• Black-oil sunflower seeds (hands-down favorite)
• Safflower seeds (bonus: squirrels don’t like them!)
• Striped sunflower seeds
• Cracked corn (as a mix-in)
Avoid cheap seed mixes with fillers like milo or wheat—they’ll just toss it aside.
The cardinals that frequent my feeders just love the safflower seeds I put out (to deter starlings), and lately I’ve noticed them partaking in the peanut flavored suet I offer at times.
3. Place the Feeder in the Right Spot
• Cardinals like feeders that are close to shelter, like trees or shrubs, but not right up against them (to avoid giving cover to predators).
• Ideal: 5–10 feet from a dense bush or small tree.
• Keep the feeder around eye level or slightly lower—not too high.
4. Keep the Area Quiet and Safe
• Cardinals are cautious birds.
• Place the feeder somewhere calm—not next to a noisy road or heavily trafficked area.
• Avoid bright lights or motion-activated devices nearby.
Keep your feeder filled regularly, especially at dawn and dusk—that’s when cardinals are most active. Once they find a reliable food source, they’ll keep coming back (often with their mate or fledglings).
• A simple birdbath or shallow dish of water helps. They need water for drinking and bathing.
• Adding a dripper or small fountain increases the chances of attracting them (they’re drawn to moving water).
Related Blog：
https://www.birdfy.com/blogs/blogs/gary-s-birdwatching-journey-with-birdfy
Share
