- A Pair of Northern Cardinals
This week, Valentine’s Day coincides with the ongoing celebration of National Bird Feeding Month. And, what better way to celebrate the two than featuring the Northern Cardinal as this week’s Beak of the Week? Not only does this common, fiery red feeder bird boast the color of love all year long, it happens to be quite romantic, too! Without further adieu, my birdy Valentine, the Northern Cardinal…
- A hungry Cardinal feasting at a backyard bird feeder
Common Name: Northern Cardinal
Latin Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Range: Non-migratory. Found from the Midwest to the East Coast of the United States and parts of Mexico, year-round.
Habitat: Dense, shrubby areas, forest edges, gardens, parks and backyards.
Diet: Fruit, seed, and insects.
Conservation Status: Least concern.
Love is in the air! Five facts about the Northern Cardinal…
- Unlike many species of songbirds, both male and female Cardinals sing. And, mated pairs have been observed singing duets!
- Cardinals are monogamous through the mating season.
- Male Cardinals are fiercely territorial and can often be seen defending their zone, especially during mating season.
- Male Cardinals are known to feed their mates. In the late winter, during breeding season, look for this ritual which often resembles a kiss.
- Cardinals are a common backyard visitor! If you live in a region where Cardinals are common, make sure to provide water, high-quality seed, particularly black oil sunflower, and insects, such as mealworms, in an appropriate hopper or platform feeder.
Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Birding!
Michelle
