Cardinals in New Hampshire: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them

Cardinals in New Hampshire are most likely found south of the White Mountains, particularly in the Merrimack Valley, the Seacoast region, and along the Connecticut River. They prefer mixed forests with dense undergrowth, shrubby field edges, and suburban backyards with feeders. If you're in the northern half of the state, your best bet is to check residential areas around lakes and towns like Hanover and Plymouth.

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Cardinals are most active during early morning and late afternoon, with peak singing just after dawn. Winter is actually an excellent time to see them because their red feathers stand out against snow, and they visit feeders more frequently when natural food is scarce. The breeding season (April through August) also offers good chances as males defend territories with loud, clear whistles.

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Male cardinals are unmistakable: entirely bright red with a black mask and a prominent crest. Females are more subdued, with warm brownish tones, reddish hints on the crest, wings, and tail, and the same black mask. The only bird you might confuse with a female cardinal is the northern mockingbird, but mockingbirds have a longer tail and white wing patches. The cardinal's thick, cone-shaped bill is also a giveaway.

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Cardinals are ground feeders that love sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. To attract them to your yard, offer these foods in a tray or hopper feeder placed near dense shrubs. They also eat berries and insects in season. Providing a water source, especially a shallow birdbath, will increase your chances of regular visits.

Cardinals build cup-shaped nests in dense tangles of vines or shrubs, usually 3 to 8 feet off the ground. They are monogamous and often raise two or three broods per year. Males are known for feeding females during courtship and incubation. You might spot a male cardinal engaging in a ritualized feeding display, bobbing his head before offering a seed.