Best Bird Feeders for Cardinals That They’ll Actually Use
Cardinals won’t comfortably use every feeder. Here’s what works best and the smart feeder I’d choose for watching them up close.
Bird Behavior
Birds do plenty of things that can leave us wondering what in the world they’re doing.
Why does a cardinal attack a window? Why do birds suddenly gather in huge flocks? Why do some birds chase much larger birds? Where do birds sleep at night? Why do they puff up their feathers, spread their wings, bob their heads, or repeatedly return to the same place?
Our Bird Behavior guides explore the reasons behind the interesting, confusing, and sometimes surprising things birds do.
Learn about feeding behavior, communication, territorial behavior, courtship, mating, flocking, migration, sleeping, bathing, preening, flying, predator avoidance, seasonal behavior, and interactions between different species.
Wild birds don’t always behave exactly the same way, but understanding common behavioral patterns can tell us a remarkable amount about what’s happening right outside our windows.
Do Cardinals Migrate? Where They Really Go in Winter
Do cardinals migrate? That red bird may be closer than you think. See where cardinals spend winter and why yours can suddenly disappear.
When Do Baby Cardinals Leave the Nest? What Happens Next
Baby cardinals leave shockingly early. Here’s what happens next, why they hide on the ground, and when you should actually help.
Best Birdhouse for Bluebirds, Finches and Backyard Birds
Not every bird wants the same house. Here’s the wooden birdhouse I’d try for bluebirds, finches and a bird-friendly backyard.
What Do Cardinal Eggs Look Like? Colors, Size and Clues
Cardinal eggs aren’t always the color you’d expect. See their real colors, speckles, size, clutch count, and how long they take to hatch.
Northern Cardinal Guide Identification Behavior and Facts
Learn Northern cardinal identification, behavior, diet, habitat, nesting, sounds, and other useful facts about this familiar bird.
Do Cardinals Mate for Life? What Really Happens With Pairs
Do cardinals mate for life? Learn how long cardinal pairs stay together, what happens if a mate dies, and how courtship works.
Where Do Cardinals Sleep at Night? Their Hidden Roosting Spots
Cardinals seem to vanish after dark. Here’s where they actually sleep, why nests aren’t bedrooms, and what keeps them safe overnight.
What Do Cardinals Sound Like? Songs and Calls Explained
That loud whistle outside may be a cardinal. Hear what their songs mean, recognize the sharp chip call, and find out why females sing too.
Where Do Cardinals Nest? The Places Most People Overlook
Where do cardinals nest? Their nests can be surprisingly close to your home. See where they hide them and what to look for.
Why Are Cardinals Not Coming to My Feeder?
Your cardinals suddenly disappeared from the feeder? The reason may be surprisingly simple, and your feeder may not be the problem.
Do Cardinals Use Birdhouses? What They Actually Nest In
That cardinal birdhouse may never get a cardinal. Here’s where they actually nest and what can make your yard much more inviting.