What does the Northern Cardinal eat?

The Northern Cardinal's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Omnivore, primarily granivorous (seeds), but also insects and fruits

How it forages

Forages on the ground or in low shrubs and trees. Primarily eats seeds (sunflower, safflower, thistle, corn), but also consumes insects (beetles, grasshoppers, cicadas, flies), spiders, and fruits (berries, grapes). They use their strong bills to crack open seeds.

When it feeds

Diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon.

Explore the Northern Cardinal