Since female cardinals don’t have to prove themselves as a proper mate, they lack this coloration.įemale cardinals have the same orange beaks and black facial markings, but their plumage is much duller. It’s this bright red coloration that helps these birds attract a mate.ĭepending on the season as well as the male’s diet and health, their feathers may be on the dark end of the spectrum with more brownish hues.Ī vibrant, bright coat of feathers, much like a lion’s mane, shows off how healthy a male cardinal is – an attribute of a good mate. Male cardinals have a beautiful, bright red plumage, with orange beaks and black facial markings. So, that holiday card image of a cardinal you have in your head is a cardinal – but only the male. That simply means that males and females of the same species look different. You see, cardinals are a great example of a phenomenon known as sexual dimorphism. When you think of cardinals, you most likely think of vibrant red feathers and dark masks. That means that if you manage to attract a cardinal – or, even better, a mating pair! – to your garden and keep it, then, as long as you continue making sure it has food, water, and shelter, then it will continue to nest there.įrom certain plants and foilage to investing in the right bird food, attracting cardinals to your garden – and keeping them there – can be easy once you know exactly what you’re looking for. Once they find a secure location to nest that offers enough resources to fulfill their needs, they tend to stay there. Not too mention that these vibrant red birds are simply beautiful.Įvery year, I plan my garden around attracting as many of these lovely little birds to my yards as possible, and now I’m sharing these tips with you.Ĭardinals don’t usually migrate.
Nesting pairs spend their days feeding and singing to each, and, once they have chicks, you can watch both parents tend to their young which is a magical experience. They’re lovely songbirds, and they carry a reputation of symbolism and myths wherever they fly. My name is Megan, and I know cardinals like the back of my hand – they’re my state bird for reason after all!
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