Northern Cardinals

Northern cardinals bring splashes of vivid color to the grays and browns of a winter garden. Cardinals are year-round residents in Massachusetts. In the winter, they use their beaks to crack open seeds and sugary fruits to survive; come spring, their cheerful caroling can be heard in almost every neighborhood and farm. 

How to Identify Northern Cardinals  

Male vs Female Cardinals

The male northern cardinal is unmistakable, thanks to his rose-red plumage, pointed crest, and black mask. The female cardinal has a more subdued fashion sense, preferring pale tan and brown with a few rosy accents on the crest, wing, and tail. Both sexes have the same heavy, bright orange bill. 

Northern Cardinal Behavior 

Cardinals often retain the same mate from one season to another, with males and females remaining together during the winter months. Despite this pair bonding, though, cardinals are not terribly social birds and rarely form flocks, even during the winter when many other birds do. 

Rather than walking, cardinals hop, whether on the ground or from branch to branch, and they eat a mixture of insects, plant buds, seeds, and fruits. Fruit and seeds predominate during fall and winter. 

How Mass Audubon is Supporting Birds in Massachusetts

Mass Audubon works at our wildlife sanctuaries and beyond to ensure that the nature of Massachusetts continues to thrive. By scientifically monitoring Massachusetts birdlife, Mass Audubon informs important conservation decisions and launches targeted initiatives to help at-risk species. In addition, fostering healthy habitats, supporting native species, and educating people about the importance of nature conservation is critical to our success. Learn more about our work

How You Can Support Birds in Massachusetts

Once a rare bird in any season in New England, the increasing popularity of backyard bird feeders and the rise of suburbia have allowed cardinals to become common year-round in Massachusetts over the past fifty years. They are now stable or increasing in all seasons. 

Mass Audubon supports birds like the Northern Cardinal every day, but we couldn’t do it without the support of our 160,000+ members.      

Help support Northern Cardinals, and birds like them, by becoming a member today.      

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