Northern Cardinal

• First sighted by American settlers during the 16th century, cardinals were named after Catholic officials who wear bright red robes. Generally one of the shyer birds due to their brilliant colors, cardinals are a sight to admire at anyone's feeder. Though the males are the only ones who carry the bright red hue, cardinal females are more of a rusty brown color. Cardinal beaks are built for eating berries as well as birdseed such as sunflower and safflower.
  
  

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

• The rose-breasted grosbeak is a bird colored for show. What could possibly be seen as a bird in a tuxedo, the males are identified both by their black and white suits as well as their red breasts. The females, however, are more of a drab olive brown. One thing to note on both the male and female birds are their seemingly out of place orange-red beaks. Their beaks are built for cracking seeds of all kinds.
  
  

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

• While one may not spot this bird before hearing it, the woodpecker is certainly a bird of a different color. Unlike their bird cousins that eat only berries and seeds, red-bellied woodpeckers, much like any other woodpecker, drills into dead trees for things such as insect larva, grubs, tree sap and ants. The red-bellied woodpecker is one of the largest among its species. The males can be identified by the red cap running from their beak to the bottom of their neck while the females can be identified with the red spot on the backs of their heads. To get these birds to visit your feeder, try putting out a suet cake for them to munch.
  
  

Dark-Eyed Junco

• Dark-eyed juncos are known best for their small builds and slate gray color. These little birds fly down from Canada during the winter months and then fly back before the spring thaw sets in. While they may not be around as long as the other Northeastern birds, the junco is a welcomed visitor to any feeder. However, in order to spot this little sparrow cousin, one should look down on the ground. Though they can perch and use feeders, juncos prefer picking up what falls on the ground.