A very brightly colored bird that can be a fulltime resident of our area, as well as joined by migratory cardinals from Northeastern States. They are among the most widely recognized birds in the Eastern States. These birds have a conical bill, which allows them to crush seeds quite easily. The Summer Tanagers are also all red birds but have no crest. Emberizidae Ten out of thirty-nine species in this family are found in North America, the rest are Tropical.
Females have more of a brownish-white body with tinges of red on their crest, wings and tail.
Juveniles have a brown body, a black bill and no black on the facial area. Cardinals can be found across the eastern U.S. from lower Canada south to the Gulf Coast and west to Arizona and parts of Southern California. They are currently extending their territory Northward, further into Canada. Seeds, fruits and berries of several species of plants, supplemented with insects during breeding season. Prefers sunflower seeds at home feeders.