Northern Cardinal  Cardinalis cardinalis
Northern Cardinal  Cardinalis cardinalis

The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal has the record for popularity as a state bird, being represented by seven states.  A permanent resident of its range it relies on dense bushes for nesting and is often a visitor of suburban gardens and thickets as well as woodland edges, having two to three broods per year.
It most often forages on the ground as seeds of weeds, grasses, and grains are its preferred diet.  It does very well relying on bird feeders, which has extended its population northward to Southeastern Canada, where it is usually the first bird in the morning and the last bird of the evening to arrive.  It also feeds on insects especially when it has young in the nest.  It also relies on vegetable matter such as leaf buds and flowers.
Its population density and range has increased over the last 200 years, responding to habitat changes made by people.  However in California it is listed as a species of special concern and may disappear there due to habitat loss.  It has only spread to New York and New England during the 20th century.

Copyright Mark Tiefenbach
Deepbrook Nature Photography
Copyright Mark Tiefenbach
Deepbrook Nature Photography
12x18 Canvas  $125
12x18 Canvas  $125