Cardinals, commonly called redbirds, are some of the most recognizable wild birds in the U.S.

When most people refer to cardinals, they’re talking about Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), which populate suburbs, woodlands and rural areas throughout the Northern and Midwestern U.S, southern Canada, some southern states and parts of California and Mexico.

The males sport distinctive bright red plumage with a black mask on the face. Females are tan with reddish streaks on the tail, crest and wings.

Cardinals measure 8.1 to 9.3 inches long and weigh 1.5 to 1.7 ounces, with an 11 inch wingspan. Abundant in the northern and eastern U.S., cardinals are honored in seven states as the state bird.

There are 11 genera and 42 species of cardinals, with the Northern Cardinal the most well-known.

So what do cardinals eat, and how can you attract them to your yard? Read on to find out. [Read more…]