The Northern Cardinal is one of the most recognised birds in North America. Here is everything worth knowing about them - from basic biology to the facts that surprise even experienced birdwatchers.
Cardinal Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cardinalis cardinalis |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Length | 21-24cm |
| Weight | 42-48g |
| Wingspan | 25-31cm |
| Lifespan | Average 3 years, up to 15 years |
| Range | Eastern US, Midwest, Southwest, Mexico, Central America |
| Migration | Non-migratory - stays year-round |
| State bird | 7 US states (more than any other bird) |
Male vs Female
| Feature | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Body colour | Bright red | Warm brown with red accents |
| Crest | Red | Reddish-brown |
| Bill | Orange-red | Orange-red |
| Mask | Black face mask | Smaller, less defined mask |
| Song | Sings to defend territory and attract mates | Also sings - unusual among songbirds |
Both male and female cardinals sing. This is uncommon - in most songbird species, only the male sings.
Diet
| Food type | % of diet | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Seeds | ~50% | Black oil sunflower, safflower, cracked corn |
| Fruits and berries | ~20% | Dogwood, mulberry, wild grape, blackberry |
| Insects | ~30% | Beetles, caterpillars, crickets, spiders |
Breeding and Nesting
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pair bond | Monogamous - typically mate for life |
| Breeding season | March-September |
| Broods per year | 2-3 |
| Eggs per clutch | 2-5, light grey or green with brown speckles |
| Incubation | 11-13 days, mostly by the female |
| Chicks fledge | 9-11 days after hatching |
| Nest type | Open cup in dense shrubs |
| Nest builder | Female builds, male brings materials |
Surprising Cardinal Facts
UV vision - Cardinals can see ultraviolet light. This helps them assess the quality of potential mates and find food that reflects UV.
Yellow cardinals exist - A rare genetic mutation called xanthochroism prevents the conversion of yellow pigments to red, producing bright yellow cardinals. Extremely rare but documented.
Window attacks - Male cardinals frequently attack their own reflection in windows, mistaking it for a rival. This can continue for weeks during breeding season.
Crest as mood indicator - A raised crest signals alertness or aggression. A flattened crest means the bird is relaxed or submissive.
Bill clapping - Cardinals make a clapping sound with their beaks when annoyed or alarmed.
Range expansion - Cardinals have expanded north over the past century, partly due to backyard bird feeders providing reliable winter food.
Cardinal Species
| Species | Where found | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Cardinal | Eastern US to Central America | Bright red male, brown female |
| Pyrrhuloxia (Desert Cardinal) | American Southwest, Mexico | Grey body, red accents, yellow bill |
| Vermilion Cardinal | Venezuela, Colombia | Brilliant red, longer crest |
| Yellow-billed Cardinal | South America | Black and white with red head |
Why Cardinals Are Red
Male cardinals get their red colour from carotenoid pigments in their food - berries, fruit, and insects that have consumed carotenoid-rich plants. A brighter red male has better access to food and is therefore more attractive to females. Dull males signal poor health or poor territory quality.
Attracting Cardinals to Your Garden
| What to provide | Best option |
|---|---|
| Food | Black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds |
| Feeder type | Platform or hopper feeder |
| Water | Birdbath - any style |
| Nesting habitat | Dense shrubs - holly, hawthorn, privet, dogwood |
| Cover | Evergreen trees for roosting in winter |
Cardinals are non-migratory, they sing year-round, both sexes sing, they mate for life, and they are the state bird of seven states. No other North American bird is as consistently present and universally recognised as the Northern Cardinal.
