Northern Cardinal
A bright, familiar visitor that rewards yards with dense cover and a dependable food source.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Ways to support Northern Cardinal
Choose a starting point for Northern Cardinal. Open a setup to see the supplies, steps and checks for your location.
Sunflower on a platform
Black-oil seed + a raised platform
See setup & checksProtect shrub nest sites
Natural nest cover, without a birdhouse
See setup & checksNative fruit in season
Locally suitable plants with ripe fruit
See setup & checksResource illustrations are not complete nest-box designs or a promise of visits.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look low in shrubs, at the edge of a feeder station, or hopping below a platform feeder.
Food
Black-oil sunflower, safflower, cracked corn, berries, and insects during breeding season.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
Northern Cardinal habitat
Evergreen cover, layered shrubs, and a little open ground create the mix this species uses best.
Northern Cardinal diet and food
Black-oil sunflower, safflower, cracked corn, berries, and insects during breeding season.
A hopper, platform, or broad tray feeder gives cardinals a comfortable landing place.
Northern Cardinal nesting and breeding
Builds a cup nest in dense shrubs or small trees. It does not typically use a standard nest box.
Northern Cardinal behavior and where to look
Pairs often stay close to cover. Their clear calls make them easier to notice before you see them.
Photography
Place a natural perch near, not on, a feeder. Early side light brings out the red plumage without disturbing the bird.
What to avoid
Keep seed scattered only in small amounts. Large open feeding areas can also draw starlings and squirrels.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
