The cardinal is probably one of the most recognizable and popular backyard birds because of its brilliant red color and crested head. Cardinals will mate for life and remain together throughout the entire year. That's why you will usually see a male and female together at your feeding station.

Range and Habitat

The Northern Cardinal is a year round resident of the Eastern U.S., and has been moving to the north and the southwest during the 20th century. For those of you living in the west, don't despair, we had a cardinal visit our backyard feeding station in southern California! According to our local Audubon chapter, there are several groups of cardinals which have been spotted in the southwest.

Cardinals prefer brushy woodlands, streamside thickets, orchards, swamps, suburban gardens and parks. They like to roost and nest in dense thickets, evergreens and privet hedges.