One Bird, One Week, Endless Wonders
Explore the Beauty, Habits, and Symbolism of this Vibrant Bird
Northern Cardinal
Basic Description
The Northern Cardinal is one of the most eye-catching birds you'll encounter. With its striking red feathers, the male stands out in any landscape, while the female, though more subtly colored, still boasts a beautiful crest and soft reddish accents. Unlike many other birds, cardinals stay in the same region year-round, so their vibrant presence brightens even the coldest winter days. Their melodic whistles are a signature of the morning, signaling the start of a new day in the wild.
Cardinals
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
ORDER: Passeriformes
FAMILY: Cardinalidae
Habitat
Open
Woodlands
Food
Seeds
Nesting
Shrub
Behavior
Ground Forager
Conservation
Low Concern
A Life in Motion
When You’ll See It
Northern Cardinals are year-round residents in many areas. You’ll typically see them in your backyard during the early morning or late afternoon, when they are most active. In winter, their striking red plumage stands out against the snow, making them easy to spot, while in the warmer months, their melodic songs will often be the first sounds you hear in the morning.
What Attracts Them
To attract Northern Cardinals to your garden, provide them with their favorite foods — sunflower seeds are a particular favorite, especially black oil sunflower seeds. Placing a feeder in a sheltered spot near bushes or trees gives them a sense of security while they eat. Cardinals also enjoy fresh water, so adding a birdbath can further entice them to visit. Dense shrubs or hedges near your garden can also attract them by offering cover.
Where They Choose to Nest
Nest Placement
Cardinals prefer to nest in dense shrubs or trees, where their nests are well-hidden from predators. The female builds the nest, often using twigs, grass, and leaves. Nests are usually placed about 3 to 10 feet above the ground in thick, protective cover. They will often return to the same spot year after year if conditions are right.
Nesting Facts
Clutch Size: | 2-4 eggs |
Number of Broods: | 1-2 broods |
Egg Length: | 1.1-1.3 inches (2.8-3.3 cm) |
Egg Width: | 0.8-0.9 inches (2.0-2.3 cm) |
Incubation Period: | 12-13 days |
Nestling Period: | 9-11 days |
Egg Description: | Pale greenish or bluish, often with reddish spots. |
Condition at Hatching: | Naked, eyes closed, and clumsy, with a small |
Around Feeders
Northern Cardinals are often seen eating from bird feeders, but they are more likely to feed on larger seeds, like sunflower seeds, than on smaller ones. Males are typically more dominant, often chasing other birds away from the feeder to protect their territory. While they enjoy feeding from hanging feeders, cardinals are also known to feed from the ground, so it’s beneficial to scatter seeds on the ground as well.
Conservation
Northern Cardinals are not currently at risk and are classified as a species of "Least Concern." However, protecting their habitats is essential for their continued presence. Cardinal populations thrive in areas with ample food sources, natural cover, and water. Avoid using pesticides in your garden, as they can harm both cardinals and the insects they feed on. By planting native shrubs and maintaining a bird-friendly environment, you can help support the cardinal population in your area.
Where the Cardinals Roam: Habitat and Range
The Northern Cardinal is found across North and Central America, from southern Canada to northern Argentina. They are most commonly seen in gardens, forests, and woodland edges where dense shrubs and trees provide cover. Unlike many other birds, they are not migratory, making them a year-round presence in many regions.
Fun Facts from Backyard Observations
- A Year‑Round Beauty: Unlike many birds that migrate, Northern Cardinals stay in the same area throughout the year — so you can enjoy their vibrant color and song in all four seasons, even in snowy winter gardens.
- Both Sexes Can Sing: While it’s common for male songbirds to sing, female Northern Cardinals also sing — and sometimes even more elaborate songs than males during nesting season. Their vocal duets help pairs coordinate and defend territory together.
- Official State Bird … Many Times Over: Northern Cardinals are so popular in the United States that they are the official state bird of seven states — including Illinois, Ohio, and Virginia!
- Diet Influences Their Color: The brilliant red hue of male cardinals comes from pigments in their food (like seeds and berries). If their diet lacks the right nutrients, their plumage can appear duller — even slightly brownish.
- Super Seed Crackers: Their strong, cone‑shaped beak is built to crack open larger seeds that many other birds can’t handle — which often makes them the stars of backyard seed feeders (especially sunflower and safflower).
- Fierce Protectors of Territory: Both males and females will aggressively defend territory during breeding season — and sometimes even attack their own reflection in windows or shiny surfaces, thinking it’s a rival!
- A perennial favorite among people: The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven states and remains a cultural favorite across North America.
Backyard Tips
To attract Northern Cardinals to your backyard, start by offering their favorite food — sunflower seeds. These vibrant birds love sunflower seeds, particularly black oil sunflower seeds, so fill your bird feeders with them to catch their attention.
Cardinals also appreciate a source of fresh water. Adding a birdbath to your yard provides them with a place to drink and bathe, which can keep them coming back. Make sure the water is kept clean and fresh to encourage regular visits.
Creating a safe, sheltered environment is key. Cardinals prefer areas with dense shrubs or trees where they can rest and hide from predators. If you have these plants in your garden, you’re providing them with a perfect spot to feel secure.
While they’ll happily visit bird feeders, ground feeding is also common for cardinals. Scatter seeds like sunflower or safflower on the ground beneath your feeders to make it easier for them to find food.
Lastly, try to avoid using chemicals in your garden, as they can harm both the birds and the insects they feed on. Opt for natural alternatives to keep your yard safe for cardinals and other wildlife.
By creating a welcoming, safe environment with food, water, and shelter, you’ll soon be able to enjoy the beauty of Northern Cardinals in your backyard.
Captured by the COOLFLY Community
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Some factual information in this article is informed by publicly available educational resources from All About Birds (Cornell Lab of Ornithology).All interpretations, structure, and presentation are independently created by COOLFLY.