Northern Cardinals - Who better to serve as Decembers Bird of the Month?

• Posted on 23 November 2024
• By Bobbi Wright
• Posted in backyard birds, Bird Conservation, Bird Diet, bird feeders, Bird Habitats, Bird Nesting, Bird Symbolism, birdwatching, Northern Cardinals, Safflower Seeds
• 0

The blog highlights Northern Cardinals, focusing on their diet, nesting habits, and spiritual symbolism. Cardinals enjoy seeds like safflower, and black oil sunflower. They prefer nesting in dense shrubs or trees with good cover. Males are bright red, while females and juveniles are more subdued in color.

Northern Cardinals are a favourite among bird enthusiasts, known for their striking appearance and distinctive call. What better bird to highlight for the holiday season? Let's explore their diet, nesting habits, and the spiritual significance they hold in various cultures.

Northern Cardinals primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and insects. At feeders, they have a particular fondness for sunflower seeds, safflower, and occasionally peanuts. A unique feeding strategy is to offer safflower seeds on their own. Cardinals LOVE them, while safflower is not liked by squirrels, grackles, and starlings, allowing these coveted birds their own space at your feeders.

Cardinals prefer nesting in dense shrubs or low tree branches, often choosing sites that provide ample cover and protection. They construct cup-shaped nests using twigs, leaves, and grasses, typically laying 2-5 eggs per clutch. While they don't have a strict preference for specific trees, they often choose evergreens like pines and spruces, dense shrubs such as honeysuckle or rose bushes, and deciduous trees like maples and dogwoods. The key is dense foliage that offers safety from predators and harsh weather. Here at The Birdhouse, they nest in our Cedar trees that outline the property. When the babies are fledging you can stick your head inside the foliage and watch the male cardinal teach his kids how to hop from branch to branch. This fun exercise is often accompanied by a sharp chirp sound as the father communicates to the jeuvenile.

Adult Northern Cardinals are medium-sized songbirds, measuring about 8-9 inches in length. They are easily recognized by their orange-red beaks. Males boast bright red plumage with a distinctive black facial mask, while females display a more muted brownish color with red tinges on their wings and tail. Juveniles resemble females but have black beaks, which gradually change to orange-red as they mature.

In various cultures, Northern Cardinals are seen as symbols of vitality, passion, and renewal. Their vibrant red colour is often associated with life force and energy. Some believe that cardinals are messengers from the spiritual realm, symbolizing loved ones who have passed away, bringing comfort and hope.