When they are out seeking their natural foods they eat insects, seeds, grain, fruit, and even sap. Cardinals have been nicknamed redbirds.
Cardinals are non-migratory and have always been more common in warmer climates as the southern U.S. It has only been in recent years that Cardinals have extended their range northward throughout the United States and even up into Canada. It is largely because of the many birdfeeders now in use and to the birds ability to adapt differing human habitats.
It is the male Cardinal that sports the brilliant red plumage for which these birds are known. In fact, the color is vital to their mating success -- the brighter red color, the better. Female Cardinals are a lovely tan/grayish.
Cardinals are very active songbirds and sing a great selection melodies. Unlike many songbirds, both male and female cardinals sing, and the females often vocalize with songs from her nest.
We often whistle to the Cardinals that nest near our house, and they will many times whistle back answering our call.
The Males are aggressive when defending their territory, and they often attack any males who venture too close. Sometimes cardinals will fly into glass windows when they see their r ...
