A red bird with a black face and orange beak refers to the Northern Cardinal, scientific name Cardinalis cardinalis. The Northern Cardinal is a mid-sized songbird found throughout eastern and central North America. It is one of the most recognizable and popular backyard birds, known for its bright red plumage, distinctive crest, and loud melodious songs. In this article, we will explore the identification, range, habitat, diet, and behavior of the Northern Cardinal. We will also discuss how to attract cardinals to your backyard.
Identification
The adult male Northern Cardinal is unmistakable with its bright crimson red plumage, black face mask, and conspicuous orange bill. The female is also distinctive with her reddish-brown plumage, buff underside, crest, and orange-red beak. Juveniles resemble the adult female but are darker above and have black beaks.
Key identification features of the Northern Cardinal:
| Male | – Bright red plumage | ||
| Female | – Reddish-brown plumage | ||
| Both | – Black face mask | – Orange, red, or yellow bill | – Pointed crest |
The Northern Cardinal is 7 to 9 inches long with a wingspan around 10 inches. It has a thick conical bill suited for cracking seeds. The cardinal’s crest is raised when agitated or excited. Juvenile cardinals can be differentiated by their darker black-gray bills compared to the orange or red bills of the adults.
Range
The Northern Cardinal has a widespread range across eastern and central North America. Its breeding range extends from southeastern Canada down through the eastern United States to Texas and parts of Mexico along the Gulf Coast. Some key details about the cardinal’s range:
| Breeding Range | – Southeastern Canada to Gulf Coast, northeastern Mexico |
| Year-round Range | – Eastern U.S. from Maine to Texas |
| Winters | – Southern U.S., Mexico |
| Introduced | – Hawaii, southern California, Bermuda |
Northern Cardinals are non-migratory over much of their range. Populations in the northern parts of the range migrate south for winter while those further south remain year-round. A small but growing population has become established in southern California after being introduced there.
Habitat
The Northern Cardinal occupies a diverse range of habitats across its large range. They primarily inhabit open woodland edges, thickets, suburban gardens, and parks. Cardinals need dense, shrubby vegetation in their habitat for nesting sites and escape cover. Some details about cardinal habitat preferences:
| Ideal Habitats | – Woodland edges | – Hedge rows | – Early successional shrublands | – Parks and gardens |
| Territory Size | – 1 to 10 acres | |||
| Nest Sites | – Shrubs, small trees, vine tangles | – 3 to 10 feet off the ground |
Northern Cardinals occupy smaller home ranges and territories than many other backyard birds. A mated pair may defend a territory spanning just 1-2 acres. They avoid dense interior forest and open fields lacking cover. Suburban parks and gardens with semi-open, shrubby habitat provide ideal cardinal habitat.
Diet
Northern Cardinals are omnivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, seeds, grains, fruits, and berries. Their large conical bill is adapted for cracking open seeds and nuts. Cardinals forage primarily on the ground or in low vegetation. Here are some details about the cardinal diet:
| Seeds | – Sunflower, millet, thistle, corn |
| Fruit | – Berries, grapes, currants, citrus |
| Invertebrates | – Beetles, ants, caterpillars, spiders |
| Nectar | – Flower nectar |
Northern Cardinals spend over half their foraging time on the ground searching through leaf litter for fallen seeds and insects. Fruit and seeds become a bigger part of their diet in fall and winter. Cardinals will also visit bird feeders for sunflower seeds, suet, millet, and peanuts.
Behavior and breeding
Northern Cardinals are non-migratory songbirds that form monogamous pair bonds. A mated pair will defend a breeding territory year-round. Here are some key details about cardinal behavior and breeding biology:
| Social Structure | – Monogamous pairs | – Small family groups in winter | |
| Breeding Season | – March to September | – 3-4 broods per season | |
| Nest & Eggs | – Cup nest in shrub or tree | – 3-4 eggs per clutch | – Eggs incubate for 12-13 days |
| Young | – Leave nest at 9-11 days | – Fed by parents for 2-3 weeks after leaving nest |
The male cardinal sings loud and complex songs to advertise his territory and attract a mate. Both sexes may sing throughout the year, especially during the breeding season. Cardinals are curious and commonly visit backyard bird feeders and baths. They may form loose flocks in winter when not breeding.
Attracting Cardinals
Here are some tips to attract beautiful Northern Cardinals to your backyard:
| Landscaping | – Plant native shrubs, small trees, vines | – Evergreen shrubs for winter shelter | – Fruiting trees / shrubs (mulberry, dogwood, grape) | |
| Food | – Black oil sunflower seeds | – Safflower seeds | – Suet | – Fruit (raisins, currants, apple) |
| Water | – Birdbath or water feature | – Fresh, clean water daily | ||
| Shelter | – Brush piles | – Roost boxes or bird houses |
Cardinals prefer to nest and take shelter in dense shrubs so planting natives like honeysuckle, viburnum, and holly will help attract them. Offer sunflower seeds, suet, fruit, and fresh water daily. Place brush piles around your yard to act as shelter. A roost box or open-fronted bird house also makes an inviting winter shelter for cardinals.
Conclusion
The Northern Cardinal is one of the most spectacular and recognizable backyard birds in North America. With its bright red plumage, crest, and whistling song, it is a bird that will bring color and music to your garden. Cardinals form lifelong pair bonds and defend small territories year-round. They inhabit open woodland edges and suburban parks where there is ample shrubby cover for nesting. Cardinals are omnivorous, feeding on insects, seeds, and fruit. By landscaping with native plants, offering preferred foods, and providing roost shelters, you can successfully attract Northern Cardinals to your yard. Their beautiful songs, colors, and antics will brighten up your backyard and provide year-round entertainment. The Northern Cardinal truly is one of the most regal backyard birds across its widespread North American range.
