Expert: Stew McKinney Jr. - 4/19/2003

Question
We have a backyard feeder which we fill with seeds. Our customers are mainly sparrows (NYC suburb.) I lately noticed that whenever a cardinal shows up to feed, the other birds leave and allow him to eat, and he seems to be threatening to the sparrows. Are the sparrows in fear or are they showing respect?

Answer
dave,
   Sorry this took so long, my computer had to travel to Boston College for exams, nd I didn't get a replacement until yesterday.
    Cardinals are very aggresive birds, and very territorial birds. They will not kill other birds, but thay will mess with them. A good idea is togive them their own feeder filled with stuff they like. Black oil sunflower seed is a great way. If you place a feeder with sunflower seed away from your regular feeder, hecardinals should stay away from the sparrows.

Hope this helps...
Keep Birding...
Stew...