Wild Neighbors: Northern Cardinal

{In this ongoing series, “Wild Neighbors”, we take a closer look at the wild animals that share our neighborhoods and natural spaces here in Sangamon County. From the skies to the waters, and everything in between, these creatures play vital roles in the ecosystems around us.}

Few birds are as easy to recognize, or as welcome to see, as the Northern Cardinal.

With its bright red feathers, pointed crest and familiar song, the male cardinal is one of the most noticeable birds in Sangamon County. The female is more subtle in color, with softer brown feathers touched with red, but she is just as distinctive once you know what to look for. Together, they are a common sight in backyards, parks, gardens, woodlots and brushy areas throughout the county.

One reason cardinals feel so familiar is that they do not leave when the seasons change. Northern Cardinals are year-round residents, meaning they can be seen in the heat of summer and in the cold of winter. A flash of red against fresh snow is one of the more striking backyard sights of an Illinois winter.

Cardinals are often heard before they are seen. Their clear, whistling songs carry from trees, shrubs and fence lines, especially during the breeding season. Unlike many songbirds, both male and female cardinals sing. Their songs help them communicate, attract mates and defend territory.

Their strong, cone-shaped bills are built for cracking seeds, which helps explain why cardinals are frequent visitors to bird feeders. They also eat fruits and insects, making them part of the natural balance in the places they live. By feeding on insects and spreading seeds, cardinals contribute to the local ecosystem in ways that go beyond their beauty.

During nesting season, cardinals often build their nests in dense shrubs, vines or small trees. Yards and natural areas with brush, native plants and protective cover can provide the kind of habitat they need. Because they remain here all year, food and shelter are important in every season.

The Northern Cardinal may be common, but that does not make it ordinary. Whether perched on a snowy branch, singing from a springtime fence line or stopping by a backyard feeder, it remains one of Sangamon County’s most familiar and appreciated wild neighbors.