Northern Cardinal

Everything You Need to Know About the Northern Cardinal

Discover the striking beauty and fascinating facts of the Northern Cardinal.

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is one of the most recognizable and beloved backyard birds across North America. Known for its brilliant red plumage and melodic song, the Northern Cardinal is a year-round resident in many regions. In this guide, we’ll explore key facts and essential information about this iconic bird.

Physical Characteristics:

• Male Appearance: Bright red plumage with a black mask around the face and a prominent crest.

• Female Appearance: Pale brown with warm reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest.

• Size: Approximately 8.3-9.1 inches (21-23 cm) in length.

• Wingspan: About 9.8-12.2 inches (25-31 cm).

• Weight: Typically between 1.5-1.7 ounces (42-48 grams).

Habitat and Range:

• Native to North America, primarily found in the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Central America.

• Prefers woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and suburban areas.

• Adaptable to a variety of environments, from dense forests to backyard feeders.

Diet:

• Northern Cardinals are omnivores, with a diet consisting primarily of seeds, fruits, and insects.

• Favorite foods include sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, berries, and grains.

• Insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars are a key protein source during breeding seasons.

Behavior and Vocalizations:

• Cardinals are known for their rich, whistling songs, often described as "cheer, cheer, cheer" or "birdie, birdie, birdie."

• Males sing to establish territory and attract mates.

• Cardinals are monogamous, and pairs often stay together throughout the year.

• They are territorial and can be seen defending their space from other birds.
  

Breeding and Nesting:

• Breeding season occurs from March to September.

• Females build nests using twigs, leaves, and grasses in dense shrubs or trees.

• A typical clutch contains 2-4 eggs, which hatch after about 11-13 days of incubation.

• Both parents take part in feeding the young.

Lifespan and Predators:

• In the wild, Northern Cardinals typically live 3-5 years, although some can live longer.

• Common predators include cats, hawks, snakes, and larger birds.

• To evade predators, they rely on dense foliage and their sharp alert calls.
  
  

Conservation Status:

• The Northern Cardinal is not considered endangered and has a stable population.

• They thrive in suburban areas and have benefited from the widespread availability of bird feeders.

Interesting Facts:

• The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven U.S. states, including North Carolina and Ohio.

• Unlike many songbirds, both male and female cardinals sing.

• Cardinals do not migrate and can be seen year-round.

• They often appear in folklore and are associated with good luck and spiritual symbolism.
  

How to Attract Northern Cardinals to Your Backyard:

• Provide a variety of feeders with sunflower and safflower seeds.

• Plant dense shrubs and trees to offer shelter and nesting sites.

• Supply fresh water sources such as birdbaths or fountains.

• Avoid pesticides to encourage a healthy insect population.

For more insights and videos on the Northern Cardinals and other fascinating bird species, visit our @UrbanBirdsCLT, where you’ll find close-up footage and expert birdwatching tips.

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