Did you know that male northern cardinals will turn a dull red or even brown during a shortage of food?
northern cardinals
at
a Glance
Key Features:
Male cardinals are bright red with red beaks. They have black masks around their eyes and throats. They have reddish-gray feet. Females are brown with orange beaks and black-gray feet. Female cardinals also have black masks around their eyes and throats.
Least Concern - Population Stable
Habitat:
Forests and grasslands
nesting habits:
Northern cardinals lay eggs up to five times a year in spring and summer. They build nests in dense vegetation made of bark, grass, hair, leaves, rootlets, twigs, and weeds.
seasons northern cardinals are active in our area:
All year
Diet:
Fruits, grains, sunflower seeds, weeds, and insects
hunting Behavior:
Northern cardinals forage during the day in trees and on the ground.
commonly confused with:
Summer tanagers
Male northern cardinals are often confused with male summer tanagers due to both being bright red birds.
Male northern cardinals have the black masks around their eyes and throats. Male summer tanagers are solid red birds.