Cardinals are a favorite at bird feeders because of the color and the songs they bring to our lives.

The Northern Cardinal is found throughout the eastern and central regions of America. They tend to inhabit woodland edges and hedgerows, often in close proximity to human habitation. They prosper in urban areas due in large part to the food provided for them in backyard bird feeders. Northern cardinals are medium-sized songbirds with raised crests on their heads and orange-red, cone-shaped bills. Males are brilliant red except for a black mask on their face. Females are shades of light brown, with reddish highlights and dark coloration around their eyes and beak. The male Northern Cardinal is slightly larger than the female.

Cardinals are year-round residents within their range. During mating season males are fiercely territorial; driving off competing males in their territory. Cardinals are considered monogamous, mating with the same partner each breeding season. The female builds a nest in dense shrubs or thick bushes. She will lay 3 to 4 eggs and incubate them; remaining in the nest for 11 to 13 days. During this period the male Cardinal will feed the female.

Both male and female Cardinals care for and feed their young. In the first few weeks the chicks are fed only insects. Young Cardinals begin learning to fly around 10 days after hatching. Parent Cardinals continue to help feed their chicks for several weeks after they have left the nest. The chicks are eventually driven away. They will usually flock with other juveniles until they are mature enough to establish their own territory.