Species profile
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
One of the most recognizable visitors to our feeders, the Northern Cardinal can be seen year-round in Alabama. Males are famous for their brilliant red feathers, while females have beautiful warm brown plumage with touches of red.
- Detected by our camera today
- 27 times
- Most recent sighting
- 2:14 PM
Sample counts until the bird-detection system is connected.
Field notes
Getting to know the Northern Cardinal
Identification
A medium-sized songbird with a tall crest, heavy cone-shaped bill and a long tail. The black mask around the bill is the quickest field mark at the feeder.
Male & female differences
Males are vivid red all over with a black face. Females are warm buff-brown with red edging on the wings, tail and crest, and share the same orange-red bill.
Typical diet
Sunflower seed, safflower, cracked corn, mixed seed, berries and insects in summer.
Behavior at the feeders
Often the first bird at the feeder at dawn and the last at dusk. Pairs stay together year-round and males frequently feed females seed beak-to-beak.
Interesting facts
- Cardinals do not migrate and hold territory all year in Alabama.
- Both males and females sing, which is unusual among North American songbirds.
- A group of cardinals is called a 'college' or a 'radiance'.
Detection log
Today's sightings of this bird
- 7:02 AM
- 8:47 AM
- 10:52 AM
- 2:14 PM
Gallery
Camera captures
Northern Cardinal
September 10, 2026 • 8:42 AM
Northern Cardinal
September 7, 2026 • 7:44 AM