Cardinals in South Dakota: Guide & Merchandise

The Quick Answer: Northern cardinals are uncommon but increasing residents in South Dakota, primarily found in the eastern counties along the Missouri River and further east. They are attracted to backyards with dense shrubbery and feeders offering sunflower seeds. The best chance to see a cardinal in South Dakota is during winter when they visit feeders, making them a bright red highlight against the snow.

Are There Cardinals in South Dakota?

Yes, but not everywhere. My mom lives in Sioux Falls, and she started seeing a pair of cardinals at her feeder about five years ago. That tracks with what the South Dakota Ornithologists' Union reports. The Northern Cardinal is considered a rare to uncommon permanent resident in the southeastern part of the state. Their range has been slowly expanding northward, likely due to milder winters and backyard bird feeding. You won't find them in the Black Hills or the western prairies. Check our guide on birds in the northern plains for other species you might see.

What is the Best Time to See Cardinals in South Dakota?

Winter is your best bet. Cardinals don't migrate, so the same birds stay put all year. But in summer, they are often hidden in thick brush. When snow covers the ground, they flock to feeders for easy food. That is when their red feathers pop against the white landscape. My mom keeps her feeder stocked with black oil sunflower seeds, and she says the cardinals show up every morning right after the sun comes up.

Where Should I Put My Feeder to Attract Cardinals?

Place your feeder near dense cover. Cardinals are shy birds that like to dart from a bush, grab a seed, and fly back. They prefer feeders with a large, flat platform or a hopper style. I have a hopper feeder attached to a shepherd's hook about six feet from a thick lilac bush. That setup works perfectly. You can also find great options in our bird feeding accessories collection.

Northern Cardinal Merchandise Review

Here is a quick comparison of the best cardinal-themed gear available today.

Product	Price	Best For
Cardinal Red Bird T-Shirt	$20.49	Classic, everyday wear
Funny Red Cardinal Bird Nerd T-Shirt	$8.89	A lighthearted gift
Cardinal Bird T-Shirt	$19.31	Simple, recognizable design
Northern Cardinal Women's T-Shirt	$17.26	Women who love state birds
Red Cardinal Bird T-Shirt	$9.99	Affordable style
Red Cardinal Bird Matte Sticker	$5.00	Laptops, water bottles
Red Cardinal Bird Watercolor T-Shirt	$18.24	Artistic design
Bundle 4 Cardinal Bird Vector	$4.94	DIY craft projects
Cardinal Bird Sweatshirt	$5.70	Cozy layering
Red Cardinal Bird on Tree Branch T-Shirt	$20.02	Nature photography style
Bird Owner Birder Ornithologist T-Shirt	$15.99	Bird nerds
Backyard Bird Watching Watercolor T-Shirt	$19.99	Vintage floral style
Lamar Cardinals NCAA T-Shirt	$22.83	Sports fans
Northern Cardinal Pocket T-Shirt	$15.99	Simple pocket design
Louisville Cardinals Football T-Shirt	$22.99	College football fans

Cardinal Red Bird T-Shirt

This t-shirt is for people who want a straightforward, no-frills cardinal design. The red bird graphic is bold and easy to recognize. It is a solid pick for bird watchers who want to show their favorite bird while out on a walk. The price of $20.49 is fair for a cotton shirt that will hold up to regular washing.

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Funny Red Cardinal Bird Nerd T-Shirt

At $8.89, this is the cheapest shirt on the list. It is a great gift for someone who owns binoculars and a field guide. The "bird nerd" angle is playful without being mean. My friend bought this for his wife, a self-proclaimed bird nerd, and she wears it every other Sunday when she refills her feeders.

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Cardinal Bird T-Shirt

This shirt offers a clean cardinal silhouette. It is a unisex fit that most people find comfortable. The price lands at $19.31, which is in the sweet spot for quality printed t-shirts. I would wear this to a casual birding meetup or just around the house.

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Northern Cardinal Women's T-Shirt

This women's tee highlights the fact that the Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven states. The design is clean with a black mask detail on the bird. It is priced at $17.26 and comes in white. My mom actually has this shirt. She says it is soft and fits true to size.

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Red Cardinal Bird T-Shirt

At $9.99, this "Red Cardinal Bird Tee" is another affordable option. The design uses a vector icon style that is flat and modern. This is a good every day shirt that you can throw on without worrying about ruining a nice piece of clothing.

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Red Cardinal Bird Matte Sticker, Nature Gift

This is a simple matte sticker for $5.00. It shows a red cardinal on a tree branch. I slapped one on my laptop, and another on my metal water bottle. The matte finish looks good and doesn't attract fingerprints. It is a cheap way to brighten up your gear.

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Red Cardinal Bird Watercolor T-Shirt

For $18.24, this light steel shirt features a watercolor painted cardinal with black pen and ink details. The artistic look sets it apart from the graphic tees. It is a women's cut, and the color is a soft grey that makes the red bird stand out. This would make a nice gift for a bird watcher who also likes art.

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Bundle 4 Cardinal Bird Vector for Design

This is a digital download, not a physical item. For $4.94, you get four PNG and SVG files of cardinal vectors. If you like DIY projects like laser engraving or designing your own mugs and t-shirts, this is a steal. I used one of the vectors to make a custom cutting board for a friend.

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Cardinal Bird Sweatshirt

At just $5.70, this sweatshirt is a crazy good deal. It is a classic pullover with a cardinal graphic. The price makes me think it is a light layer, but for that cost, you can throw it in your bag for an extra layer on a cold morning birding trip.

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Red Cardinal Bird on Tree Branch T-Shirt

This shirt shows a cardinal perched on a tree branch, a classic pose. It is priced at $20.02. The design has a photographic realism that appeals to people who prefer their wildlife art to look accurate. You can browse other realistic wildlife shirts for similar styles.

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Bird Owner Birder Ornithologist Presents Co. Red Cardinal Bird Nerd Funny Watching Birding Lover Watcher T-Shirt

This is a funny shirt for anyone who identifies as a "bird nerd." It has a long title on the Amazon listing, but the shirt itself is a humorous take on bird watching. At $15.99, it is an easy gift for the birder in your life.

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Backyard Bird Watching Birdwatcher Design Watercolor Red Cardinal Floral Birdwatching Vintage Birding T-Shirt

This shirt blends a red cardinal with floral watercolor elements for a vintage look. It is $19.99. The OEKO-TEX certification means it is tested for harmful substances, which is a nice bonus. This is a good choice for someone who likes a softer, more decorative design.

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License Champs Lamar Cardinals | Official NCAA Merch | NCAFLMR02 T-Shirt

This is officially licensed NCAA merchandise for Lamar University, whose mascot is the Cardinals. At $22.83, it is a bit more expensive, but it is for sports fans. It is a red shirt with the team logo. If you live in South Dakota but follow Lamar Cardinals sports, this is your shirt.

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Northern Cardinal Designs Lovely Northern Cardinal Bird Red Cardinal in Pocket T-Shirt

At $15.99, this shirt uses a pocket design, meaning the cardinal graphic is placed on the left chest area. Pocket tees are a classic style that looks good on anyone. The bird is detailed and accurate. This is a subtle way to show off your love for cardinals without a huge front graphic.

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Elite Authentics Louisville Cardinals Football Officially Licensed T-Shirt

Another NCAA pick, this one is for University of Louisville football fans. It is $22.99 and carries the official team branding. For South Dakota residents who follow college sports, this is a way to rep a powerhouse program. You can also check out other college team gear.

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How Can I Identify a Male vs. Female Northern Cardinal?

Males are brilliant red all over with a black mask around the beak. Females are a soft tan or brownish color with red tinges on the wings and tail. They both have the iconic crest on top of their head and a thick, cone-shaped orange beak. The male is the one people usually picture, but the female is just as pretty in a more subtle way.

FAQ

Do cardinals stay in South Dakota all year?

Yes, Northern Cardinals are year-round residents in the parts of South Dakota where they live. They do not migrate. If you see one in your yard in January, it is the same bird you saw in July.

What is the best bird seed to attract cardinals?

Black oil sunflower seeds are the number one choice. Cardinals also eat safflower seeds, cracked corn, and peanuts. I only use black oil sunflower seeds in my hopper feeder and it works every time.

Why are there more cardinals in eastern South Dakota?

Eastern South Dakota has more trees, shrubs, and wooded river valleys. The western part of the state is mostly open prairie and badlands, which does not offer the cover cardinals need to nest and hide from predators.

Are cardinals protected in South Dakota?

Yes. Northern Cardinals are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is illegal to harm, capture, or keep them without a permit.

What is a group of cardinals called?

A group of cardinals is called a college, a conclave, or a Vatican. These terms are a reference to the red robes worn by cardinals in the Catholic Church.