Bird of the Month: The Northern Cardinal
Few backyard birds make an impression quite like the Northern Cardinal. With its vivid red plumage, distinctive crest, and year-round presence, the Northern Cardinal is a consistent favorite among both seasoned birders and homeowners just getting started with backyard feeding. In Maryland and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, cardinals are a reliable and rewarding species to attract, and with the right setup, they will visit feeders every single day.
Getting to Know the Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a medium-sized songbird found across the eastern United States, including throughout Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Males are unmistakable with their bright red feathers, orange-red bill, and black mask around the face. Females are a warm buff-brown with reddish tinges on the crest, wings, and tail, making them subtler but equally striking on closer inspection.
Cardinals do not migrate. They remain in the same territory year-round, which makes them one of the most dependable feeder visitors in any season. During winter months, the contrast of a brilliant red male against fresh snow is one of the most iconic images in backyard birding.
Both males and females sing, which is less common among songbirds. Their call is a loud, clear whistle that carries well across a yard or wooded edge. Learning to recognize their call is one of the easiest ways to know cardinals are nearby even before spotting them.
Where Northern Cardinals Live and Feed
Northern Cardinals favor habitat with dense shrubs, woodland edges, thickets, and brushy areas where they can move between cover and open feeding zones. Backyards with evergreen shrubs, brambles, or ornamental plantings close to feeders are especially attractive to cardinals looking for both food and shelter.
Cardinals are primarily ground feeders and low-feeder birds. In the wild, they forage along the ground for seeds, berries, and insects. At feeders, they prefer platform-style or hopper feeders that allow them to sit and feed comfortably rather than clinging to small tube feeders.
What Northern Cardinals Eat
Seeds make up the bulk of the Northern Cardinal's diet, and sunflower seeds are among their top choices. Black oil sunflower seed is widely considered the most effective seed for attracting cardinals due to its thin shell, high oil content, and easy cracking with the cardinal's strong, conical bill.
Black Oil Sunflower Bird Seed from The Mill is a reliable staple for any feeder setup targeting cardinals and a broad range of other backyard species.
Safflower seed is another excellent option and carries a practical advantage. Cardinals take readily to safflower, while squirrels and many less desirable feeder visitors tend to avoid it. Safflower Seed Wild Bird Foodis a strong choice for feeders where squirrel competition is a concern.
Sunflower chips are also effective and reduce shell waste around the feeder area. Medium Sunflower Chips Wild Bird Seed are also a clean, no-mess option that cardinals, and many other backyard songbirds, readily accept.
For those looking for a well-rounded blend that performs across multiple species while still appealing to cardinals, The Mill Backyard Best Blend Bird Seed and Birds Luv 'Em Songbird Sensation are both great choices that include cardinal-preferred seeds in a balanced mix.
Tips for Attracting Northern Cardinals to Your Yard
Attracting Northern Cardinals consistently comes down to a few straightforward principles:
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Place feeders near shrubs or tree lines so cardinals have a nearby perch and quick access to cover
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Use platform feeders or hopper feeders rather than small tube feeders
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Keep feeders clean and stocked consistently, especially through winter when natural food sources are limited
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Offer black oil sunflower or safflower as the primary seed
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Consider adding a ground feeding tray beneath an existing feeder, as cardinals frequently pick up fallen seed from the ground
Cardinals tend to feed most actively in the early morning and again in the evening near dusk. Keeping feeders filled through those windows increases the chances of regular sightings.
Northern Cardinals in Maryland
Maryland sits comfortably within the Northern Cardinal's permanent range, meaning residents can expect to see them every month of the year. The species is actually the state bird of seven states, though not Maryland, reflecting just how widespread and beloved it is across the eastern United States.
In spring and early summer, cardinals become more territorial and vocal as breeding season begins. Males sing frequently from elevated perches to establish territory. Pairs typically raise two to three broods per season, making consistent feeding through spring and summer an important way to support nesting pairs in the area.
Shop Wild Bird Seed at The Mill
The Mill carries a full selection of wild bird seed, feeders, and supplies across all store locations. Whether the goal is attracting Northern Cardinals specifically or building a feeder setup that draws a wide variety of backyard species, the team at The Mill is happy to help find the right products for any yard.
Shop wild bird seed online at themillstores.com or stop in at any Mill location and speak with a wild bird specialist directly.
