Cardinals are just one type of bird who can be seen flying along Beargrass Creek. They depend on native plants to feed, and can often be seen at your bird feeder early in the morning or late in the evening.
Quick facts about the Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal can be found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands all throughout North and South America.
These birds are very territorial, and will mark their territory by singing in a loud, clear whistle from a high location, ready to defend his home.
Males often mistake their own reflection for an intruding male, and will fight itself relentlessly.
Cardinals main predators include Falcons, hawks, eagles, owls as well as some snakes, squirrels, chipmunks, and domestic cats.
They eat mostly seeds, grains, and fruits as adults, but feed their young almost exclusively insects.
During courtship the male will collect food for and feed the female beak-to-beak. Pairs often stay together year-round.
The average lifespan of a Northern Cardinal is three years due to predation, disease, accidents, and starvation, however the oldest recorded Cardinal lived to be more than fifteen years old!
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