Birding at MOSI Outside: Northern Cardinal

The bright red flash of a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a common sight in Central Florida, and MOSI Outside is no exception. Both males and females frequent the gardens and pay daily visits, often in mated pairs, to the bird feeder near the Flight Encounter building. We're often greeted by the sight of one member the of the pair visiting the feeder, while the other waits in the winged elm tree nearby, keeping watch for danger and patiently waiting its turn.

The Northern Cardinal today is found in the entire eastern half of the U.S., extending its range south to much of Mexico as well. In the last 100 years or so, this species has expanded its range significantly northward; once more common in the Southeast, Northern Cardinals are now commonly found as far north as Maine and Wisconsin. Some ornithologists have speculated that the growing popularity of backyard bird feeders may have had an effect on this spreading population.

Northern Cardinals do not migrate, and they do not molt into duller plumage for the winter, making them popular among birdwatchers throughout their range. While females do not have the brilliant red coloration all over, they are warm brown in color with red accents, with the same crest as males and a bright orange beak. These birds are impossible to mistake for any other, and many beginner birdwatchers count this among the very first species they learn to recognize. Their calls are easy to recognize too, with a repetitive "cheer-cheer-cheer" and a high-pitched "chip" being among the most common.

Northern Cardinals mate for life, exhibiting bonding behaviors including food sharing and even singing together. Both males and females can be extremely territorial and aggressive during mating season, attacking other birds and even their own reflections. Northern Cardinal females build intricate nests in young trees or shrubbery, laying 2 -5 eggs that hatch in about 2 weeks. Juvenile Northern Cardinals resemble females in coloration until their first molt in the fall, when males take on the distinctive red plumage for the rest of their lives.

Northern Cardinals are generally ground foragers in the wild, but happily visit any bird feeder that allows them the same behavior. They are not clinging birds, so they prefer feeders with a perch. Try a platform feeder or hopper feeder for the best luck in attracting them to your own yard. They love black oil sunflower seed, but will also eat safflower seed, which is less attractive to squirrels. Look for them year-round in Central Florida and throughout the MOSI grounds.