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Northern Cardinal Feeding Habits: Best Times and Places to See Them in the Midwest USA

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is one of the most recognizable and beloved songbirds in North America, particularly in the Midwest USA. With its striking red plumage and distinctive crest, this vibrant bird is not only a favorite among birdwatchers but also a common sight at feeders across the region. In this article, we’ll delve into the feeding habits of the Northern Cardinal, the best times and places to see them in the Midwest, and offer tips for attracting them to your own backyard.

Understanding the Northern Cardinal’s Feeding Habits

Northern Cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, though their diet also includes fruits, insects, and even small invertebrates. These birds are non-migratory, meaning they can be observed year-round in the Midwest, making them a staple of the region’s birdwatching scene. Understanding their feeding habits will help you attract them to your backyard and provide a better viewing experience.

1. Seed Diet

Northern Cardinals are often found feeding on seeds, especially sunflower seeds and safflower seeds, which are favorites due to their high nutritional content. They are known to perch on feeders and expertly crack open seeds with their strong, cone-shaped beaks. Cardinals will also feed on a variety of grass seeds and weeds, which are plentiful in the wild.

Sunflower seeds, in particular, are a cardinal favorite, with both black oil sunflower seeds and striped sunflower seeds attracting them in large numbers. In fact, offering sunflower seeds in a tube feeder or a platform feeder is one of the most effective ways to draw cardinals to your yard.

2. Fruits and Berries

While seeds are a cardinal’s primary food source, they are also opportunistic feeders and will enjoy eating fruits and berries when they are available. Common fruits they enjoy include berries like elderberries, mulberries, cherries, and blueberries, as well as grapes, apples, and bananas. These birds are known to forage for fruit in trees and bushes during the warmer months, often selecting ripe, sweet fruit.

Planting native shrubs and trees like hawthorn, serviceberry, or dogwood in your backyard will help attract Northern Cardinals by providing both shelter and a natural food source. These plants not only produce fruits that cardinals love but also create a perfect habitat for them.

3. Insects and Invertebrates

During the spring and summer months, Northern Cardinals supplement their diet with insects, particularly when feeding their young. They feed on caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, and even spiders. These protein-rich foods are essential for the growing chicks and are often found in the vicinity of their nesting sites.

Insectivorous feeding usually peaks during the breeding season when cardinals are busy caring for their young. However, they are less likely to consume insects during the colder months when seeds and berries are more abundant.

Best Times to See Northern Cardinals in the Midwest USA

The Northern Cardinal is a year-round resident in the Midwest, but there are certain times of the day and seasons when you’re more likely to spot them.

1. Early Morning and Late Afternoon

Cardinals are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, which are prime times for birdwatching. During these periods, they tend to forage for food, especially when they’re preparing for the day ahead or when they’re settling in for the evening. If you want to see a Northern Cardinal feeding at a bird feeder, these times are typically your best bet.

Early mornings around dawn are especially ideal since cardinals are known for their vibrant songs at this time, which they use to communicate with their mates and establish territory. At dusk, just before nightfall, you may see cardinals returning to their roosts after a day of foraging.

2. Winter Months

Though Northern Cardinals are present year-round, winter offers a unique opportunity to observe them. These birds are well-equipped for cold weather and are often seen at feeders even in snowstorms. Their striking red feathers provide a beautiful contrast against the snow, making them a popular winter sight. During winter, food can be scarce, so cardinals are more likely to visit bird feeders, especially those with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, or suet.

In colder months, cardinals may also forage on evergreen trees or in deciduous forests for berries and seeds, making winter an excellent time to catch a glimpse of these birds. Providing food in your backyard during the winter months can ensure that Northern Cardinals frequent your space.

3. Spring and Summer

During spring and summer, cardinals are often observed in their natural habitats, such as forests, woodlands, and shrubby areas. These seasons coincide with the breeding and nesting period, which means that cardinals will be more active in feeding their young. If you have a birdhouse or nesting box in your yard, you might even see cardinals bringing food to their chicks during these months.

4. Breeding Season

The breeding season, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer, is another great time to spot Northern Cardinals in the Midwest. During this period, male cardinals are particularly active in defending their territories and attracting mates with their loud songs and vibrant plumage. You may also witness more aggressive behavior, as males defend their feeding areas from other birds.

Best Places to See Northern Cardinals in the Midwest USA

Northern Cardinals can be found in a wide range of habitats across the Midwest USA, from urban areas to rural farmlands and forests. Some specific places and environments where you’re most likely to see them include:

1. Backyards and Suburban Areas

One of the best ways to spot Northern Cardinals in the Midwest is right in your own backyard. These adaptable birds thrive in urban and suburban areas, especially where bird feeders are provided. Setting up a bird feeder with sunflower seeds or safflower seeds is one of the easiest ways to attract cardinals. Planting shrubs and trees that produce berries or seeds, like dogwood or hawthorn, will also encourage cardinals to visit.

If you live in a suburban area with scattered trees, shrubs, and gardens, you’re likely to encounter Northern Cardinals year-round. These areas provide ample food sources and shelter for the birds, making them ideal locations for birdwatching.

2. Woodlands and Forested Areas

Northern Cardinals are commonly found in woodlands and forested areas, especially near the edges of forests or in areas with a mix of trees and shrubs. They prefer areas with dense brush where they can easily find shelter and food sources. Look for them in deciduous forests or near forest edges, where they may forage on seeds, insects, and fruits.

National forests, state parks, and nature reserves in the Midwest provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Locations like the Hoosier National Forest in Indiana, Shawnee National Forest in Illinois, and Missouri’s Ozark National Scenic Riverways offer ideal habitats for spotting Northern Cardinals.

3. Wetlands and Riparian Zones

Northern Cardinals are also found near wetlands and riparian zones, where water is present. These areas often feature a combination of trees, shrubs, and dense vegetation that provide ample food and nesting opportunities for cardinals. Look for them near riverbanks, ponds, or marshes in the Midwest.

Places like Great Salt Lake Audubon Society in Utah and Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge in Ohio are excellent places for birdwatching, including seeing Northern Cardinals. These areas also attract a variety of other bird species, providing an exciting birdwatching experience.

How to Attract Northern Cardinals to Your Yard

If you're eager to see Northern Cardinals in your own backyard, here are a few tips:

• Provide food: Set up bird feeders with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and suet to attract Northern Cardinals. They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds.
  
  

• Plant native shrubs and trees: Grow plants like hawthorn, serviceberry, and dogwood that produce berries and provide shelter for cardinals.
  
  

• Create a quiet, safe environment: Avoid loud noises or disturbances that could scare the birds away. Cardinals prefer quiet, secure spaces where they can feed and nest in peace.
  
  

The Northern Cardinal is an iconic bird in the Midwest USA, admired for its striking plumage and sweet song. Understanding their feeding habits and the best times and places to see them can enhance your birdwatching experience. Whether you’re setting up a bird feeder in your backyard or heading out to a forest or wetland area, Northern Cardinals are a delightful sight to behold year-round. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of spotting these beautiful birds and even attract them to your own yard for daily enjoyment.