Interesting facts about northern cardinals, one of the most beautiful and recognizable birds in North America. Whether you see them at feeders or in the wild, these red-feathered birds are sure to brighten your day. Here are some cool facts you may not know about them:

Northern cardinals get their name from the resemblance of their red plumage to the robes of Catholic cardinals. They are also called redbirds, common cardinals, or Virginia nightingales.

Northern cardinals are not migratory, so they stay in the same area all year round. They can be found in the eastern half of the U.S., as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and Central America. They prefer habitats with dense shrubs and low cover, such as backyards, parks, forests, swamps, and even deserts.

Northern cardinals are mostly seed-eaters, and they have strong, cone-shaped beaks that can crack open nuts and shells. They love sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, and shelled peanuts. You can easily attract them to your feeders by offering these foods.

Northern cardinals are monogamous and mate for life. They show their affection by feeding each other seeds in a gesture called "beak to beak". They also sing duets together, with the female often initiating the song.

Northern cardinals are very territorial and will defend their nests from intruders. They may even attack their own reflections in windows or mirrors, thinking they are rivals. To help prevent this, reduce the number of reflective surfaces around homes and cover them with decals or curtains.

Northern cardinals have a lifespan of about three years in the wild, but some can live much longer. The oldest recorded wild cardinal was 15 years and 9 months old when it was banded by researchers.

Northern cardinals have a rare genetic mutation that can cause their red pigment to be replaced by yellow or orange. This results in a stunning yellow cardinal that is very rare, with a few cases have been documented so far.

Northern Cardinals

Eastern Tufted Titmice