Species Profile
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Northern Cardinal
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Redbird, Common Cardinal
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Appearance
The Northern Cardinal is an unmistakable, striking bird with a distinctive crest and robust conical bill. Males are bright red, with a black face mask and coral-red bill. Their wings have a grayish tinge.
Females are predominantly pale brown or buff, with reddish tinges on the crest, wings, and tail. Both sexes have a prominent crest and a long tail. Juveniles resemble females but have a darker bill.
Rare yellow cardinals and birds with half-male and half-female plumage turn up from time to time, and Northern Cardinals often have a scruffy appearance when molting and sometimes even go bald.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Red
- Secondary
- Black
- Beak
- Red
- Legs
- Brown
Female Colors
- Primary
- Buff
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Orange
- Legs
- Brown
Female Markings
Red crest, wings, and tail with overall pale brown body
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Northern Cardinals are broadly distributed in eastern, central, and portions of southwestern North America, from southern Canada to northern Central America, and have been introduced to Hawaii, southern California, and Bermuda. They thrive in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetland edges.
In the United States, they are year-round residents and have expanded their range northward in recent decades. They are particularly common in suburban areas with dense shrubs and small trees.
Distribution
Diet
Northern Cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, favoring sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. They supplement their diet with insects, especially during the breeding season.
Cardinals use their strong beaks to crack open seeds and are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
Behaviour
Northern Cardinals are often seen in pairs, maintaining year-round territories. When foraging on the ground, they exhibit a distinctive 'up-and-down' hopping motion.
During courtship, males may feed seeds to females in a behavior known as mate-feeding, strengthening their pair bond.
Calls & Sounds
Northern Cardinals are known for their clear, whistling songs. The male's song is a loud series of clear down-slurred or two-parted whistles, often described as 'cheer-cheer-cheer' or 'birdy-birdy-birdy'. Females also sing, which is unusual among songbirds. Their calls include a sharp 'chip' note used for contact.
Nesting & Breeding
Northern Cardinals form monogamous pairs and breed from March to September. Males court females by singing and offering food. Females select nest sites, typically in dense shrubs or small trees.
The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of twigs, bark strips, and grasses. Females lay 2-5 eggs, which are whitish with brown or gray spots. Incubation lasts about 11-13 days.
Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 9-11 days. Cardinals often raise 2 to 3 broods per season, with the male caring for fledglings while the female prepares for the next brood.
Conservation
Northern Cardinals are currently listed as Least Concern due to their large range and stable population. However, they face threats from habitat loss in some areas and collisions with windows. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats in urban and suburban areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for bright red males perched on exposed branches or feeders
- Listen for their clear, whistling song, often described as 'cheer-cheer-cheer'
- Check dense shrubs and low trees where they often nest
- Visit bird feeders early morning or late afternoon when they're most active
Did You Know?
- Northern Cardinals do not migrate, staying in their territories year-round.
- They are one of the few female songbirds that sing, often while sitting on the nest.
- The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven U.S. states, more than any other species.
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