Their range is primarily in the South, East and Midwest, although a few have been reported in California. The male's bright red plumage is matched by the clarity of his varied calls. The male has a black patch around his beak and a tufted crest. Even the female, whose plumage is a duller red with brown, is an accomplished singer. And they both will sing all year-long, brightening the snowy backyards as well as the warm spring mornings, sometimes singing a duet.
Cardinals mate for life.
If you see one, look closely into the trees, bushes, or brush for the other. They prefer a dense area, such as a thicket or thickly branched tree to make their nest of twigs and grass. Mom will lay 3 - 5 eggs and incubate them, while Dad will bring her food. When the young Cardinals can fly, Dad may watch over them while Mom may begin a second brood. Cardinals have cone shaped bills adapted to eating seeds of all sorts.