Cardinals: A Complete Guide to North America's Favorite Red Bird
Let’s be honest—when most people think of backyard birds, they’re picturing a cardinal. That bold red plumage. That signature crest. That perch-on-a-snowy-branch energy. It’s no wonder cardinals are one of the most loved and recognized birds in North America.
Cardinals are basically the show-offs of the bird world, and we’re here for it.
• Males are bright red with a black face mask, like feathered superheroes.
• Females sport a more muted brownish-red, but still bring serious beauty to the branch.
• Both have a signature crest that flares up depending on mood (and probably gossip).
Their color comes from carotenoids—natural pigments found in their diet of seeds and fruit. So yes, your feeder literally helps them stay red.
You’ll find cardinals year-round across most of the eastern and central U.S. They especially love wooded backyards, dense shrubs, and anywhere they can hide while still judging your feeder setup. Unlike some migratory birds, cardinals stick around through all seasons. In fact, many of them stay in the same general area their whole lives. Loyal, much?
Cardinals are known for their strong personalities. They're:
• Territorial: Especially the males, who will sing, posture, and occasionally pick fights with their reflection.
• Musical: That iconic song? It’s a power move. Cardinals sing to attract mates and warn off rivals.
• Social: You’ll often see them in pairs or flocks, especially in winter when backyard feeders become the place to be.
Here’s the secret to becoming a cardinal magnet: offer the good stuff. Cardinals love seeds that are high in fat and protein, especially in winter when they need extra energy.
Top seed picks:
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: The holy grail. Easy to crack, full of fat, and cardinal-approved.
Safflower Seeds: High in protein and squirrel-resistant (kind of). Cardinals love them.
White Milo: Great in colder months. Not every bird loves it, but cardinals often do.
Cracked Corn: Budget-friendly and bird-friendly.
Peanuts (Unsalted, In the Shell): A fun snack with a little entertainment value built in.
Other favorites include suet cakes, Nyjer seed (especially if you’ve got finches too), and dried mealworms for a little extra protein.
Cardinals are bold, beautiful, and they’re probably watching your feeder right now. Cardinals bring color to gray winter days and are one of the few birds you’ll see year-round. Want to bring more to your yard? We’ve got everything you need at Merriam Feed + Seed—from high-quality seed to the feeders cardinals actually like (no offense, tiny tube feeders). Stop in. Grab some seed. Let your backyard become the new favorite hangout spot for the most iconic redbird around.
