Birds of the Carolinas #12

Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are just one bird species out of hundreds that you might see feasting from your bird feeder in South Carolina.

Northern Cardinals are common backyard birds in North America and can be found in many locations in South Carolina, including Seabrook Island, Lexington, and Lancaster County.

Male Northern Cardinals are known for their bright red feathers, black eye masks, and short crests. Females are brown with red accents and crests.

Northern Cardinals are seed and berry eaters, but also eat insects, spiders, centipedes, and snails. They prefer to forage on the ground rather than in feeders.

Distinguished by their “mohawks” and reddish-orange beaks, both genders remain year-round residents in South Carolina.

Northern Cardinals are non-migratory birds, meaning that once you draw them to your yard they are likely to stay there year-round.

Natural fruits that attract these birds include blueberry bushes, mulberry trees, and other dark-colored berries. Bird seeds that have been known to attract Cardinals include black oil sunflower, cracked corn, suet, mealworms, peanuts, safflower, striped sunflower, and sunflower hearts and chips.

Jeff R Clow//Getty Images

In many cultures throughout the world, the vibrant red color of the cardinal is a symbol of good luck and abundance. It is also said to represent vitality. If a cardinal crosses your path, it is meant to give you strength and hope.”

Birds of the Carolinas 

Bird of the Week: LXX

Photo Credit: ©️2013 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved 

Location: Lancaster County, South Carolina, USA 

God Bless. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with me. I appreciate y’all very much.

2 responses to “Birds of the Carolinas #12”

  1. Perhaps the most colourful and unmissable birds of the US

    Liked by 2 people

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