The Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis may be the most well known bird of North America, maybe less than the Bald Eagle of the American Robin, but is certainly the favorite of many people.
As you can tell from their seed-crushing bill Northern Cardinals are seed eaters, and frequent the bird feeders of many who live in their range. The females are easily identifiable but far less red.
Their bright red bill and reddish tones along with their crest make them easy to recognize.
Cardinals eat some fruit and insects as well as seeds, and the male provides more food to the nestlings than the female. There is a high predation rate on the nests, and only about 15-37% of nestlings survive to fledging. They are a favored target for brood parasite Brown-headed Cowbirds which is a significant factor in failed nests.
Despite their name "Northern" the range of the Northern Cardinal is primarily south of Canada, and does not extend to the Northwestern United States.
Hopefully if you get to visit the eastern U.S. you'll get to see these beauties.
Good birding.
