Northern Cardinals are omnivorous birds with varied eating habits, adapting to available food sources throughout the year. Insects form a significant portion of their diet, alongside other foods that provide essential nutrients. These birds forage in diverse habitats, from forest edges to suburban gardens.
The Role of Insects in a Cardinal’s Diet
Insects are a valuable part of the Northern Cardinal’s diet, providing protein and fats. This nutritional intake is especially important for growth and during breeding seasons. Adult cardinals consume various insects, including beetles, true bugs, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and ants. They also feed on spiders, centipedes, and snails.
During the nesting season, insects become a primary food source, with young cardinals fed almost exclusively on them. Their protein-rich nature supports the rapid development of nestlings, aiding in the growth of feathers, muscles, and strong bones. Parents diligently hunt for soft-bodied insects like caterpillars to meet their offspring’s high energy demands.
Other Essential Food Sources
Beyond insects, Northern Cardinals rely on various plant-based foods. Seeds form a large component of their diet, especially during colder months when other options are scarce. They consume sunflower seeds, including black oil and striped varieties, as well as safflower and cracked corn. Their strong, cone-shaped beaks are well-suited for cracking open tough seed shells.
Fruits and berries also provide important carbohydrates and other nutrients. They feed on wild fruits such as dogwood, sumac, wild grape, hackberries, mulberries, and elderberries. These fruits offer essential pigments that contribute to the male cardinal’s vibrant red plumage. Cardinals also consume suet, particularly in winter, as it provides concentrated fat and energy to endure colder temperatures.
Seasonal Adaptations and Foraging Behavior
Northern Cardinal diets change significantly with the seasons, reflecting food availability. In spring and summer, as insect populations boom, cardinals increase their intake of these protein-rich foods, coinciding with their breeding season. This seasonal shift ensures ample energy for nesting activities and feeding their young.
As fall approaches and insects become less abundant, cardinals transition to a diet heavier in seeds and fruits. This prepares them for winter, when seeds, berries, and suet become their primary sustenance. Cardinals forage by hopping on the ground, searching in low bushes, or plucking berries from shrubs. They are also frequent visitors to bird feeders, consuming preferred seeds and suet.