The Northern Cardinal is one of the most recognizable and admired songbirds in North America. With those bold colors and lively energy, this bird grabs your attention in backyards and parks pretty much everywhere.
Learning about these unique cardinals can help you enjoy and appreciate the birds you see every day. As you read, you’ll find some quirky facts that might just make you look at your neighborhood cardinals a little differently.
1. Northern Cardinals are the state bird of seven U.S. states.
Cardinals pop up in a lot of places, but here’s something wild—they’re the state bird for Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. That’s seven states! Clearly, folks love their cardinals. You can read more about where cardinals are the state bird at Learn Bird Watching.
2. Male cardinals have bright red plumage, while females are brownish with red highlights.
It’s easy to tell the guys from the gals. Males really stand out with those bright red feathers and that sharp black mask around their face.
Females look a bit more subtle—they’re mostly pale brown, but you’ll spot red touches on their crest, wings, and tail. Want to get better at telling them apart? Check out this quick guide.
3. The red color in male cardinals comes from carotenoids in their diet.
That famous red color isn’t just for show—it comes from carotenoids, those pigments found in berries and other fruits. Cardinals chow down on carotenoid-rich foods, and their bodies turn those pigments into bright feathers.
So, if you want to keep your backyard cardinals looking sharp, make sure there’s a variety of seeds and berries around. More about diet and color here: why are male cardinals red?.
4. Northern Cardinals are known for their clear, whistling songs.
That loud, whistling song? Pure cardinal. Both males and females sing, which is actually pretty rare for songbirds.
Their tunes often sound like “cheer, cheer, cheer” or “birdie, birdie, birdie.” Usually, the songs are short and repeated a few times.
Early mornings are prime time for cardinal music. Young birds pick up their songs from others, so you’ll hear regional “dialects,” too. Curious? Listen to some real-life examples at this cardinal song guide.
5. These birds do not migrate and are year-round residents in their range.
If you live where cardinals do, you’ll see them all year—no migration for these birds, even in the coldest months.
They stick close to their home turf and show up in backyards, woods, and parks in every season.
Instead of moving, they adapt to the weather and build new nests each year, but usually stay in the same neighborhood. More on their year-round lifestyle at Bird Feeder Hub.
6. Cardinals are found from southern Canada through the eastern and central U.S. into Mexico and Central America.
You’ll spot northern cardinals across a huge stretch—from southern Canada, through the eastern and central U.S., down into Mexico and parts of Central America.
They hang out in forests, gardens, parks, and backyards. They’re especially common in the Southeast, but their territory keeps creeping north. See more about their range here.
7. The species gets its name from the red robes worn by Catholic cardinals.
Ever notice how a cardinal’s feathers look a lot like the fancy red robes Catholic cardinals wear? Early European settlers did, too. That’s where the name comes from.
Both the common and scientific names tie back to those church officials’ bright clothing. Want the full story? The Audubon Society has more fun facts about the Northern Cardinal.
8. Male cardinals are territorial and use songs to defend their area.
Usually, you’ll hear a male cardinal before you see him. He sings loud and clear to let everyone know that this patch belongs to him.
Those songs warn off intruders. Sometimes, males even get so worked up that they attack their own reflection in windows or mirrors—talk about stubborn!
Listen closely and you’ll hear their songs shift with the season or weather. During breeding season, a male might belt out up to 200 tunes an hour. There’s more about their bold behavior at Chirping Hearts.
9. Northern Cardinals often mate for life and share parenting duties.
Cardinals tend to pick one mate and stick together, sometimes for several years—though if nesting goes wrong or one bird disappears, they’ll find new partners.
Both parents pitch in to feed the chicks and guard the nest. It’s a real team effort. More about their family life at Birdful.
10. Their nests are usually built low in dense shrubs or trees.
Cardinals prefer to tuck their nests into thick shrubs or small trees, usually just a few feet off the ground—think 3 to 10 feet high.
Dense branches help hide the nest from predators and rough weather. Favorite spots include dogwood, rose bushes, honeysuckle, and evergreens. If you want to spot a nest, check out this guide on cardinal nest locations.
11. Female cardinals sometimes sing, especially during territorial disputes.
It’s not just the males—sometimes you’ll catch female cardinals singing, especially if there’s a territory issue or a dispute with another bird.
Some folks say their songs are even more complicated than the males’. Females also sing to communicate with their mates or hint at nesting needs. Curious? There’s more info here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Northern Cardinals eat lots of different seeds, handle cold winters without migrating, and thrive in both country and city settings. With their standout songs and colors, they’re hard to miss.
What do Northern Cardinals typically eat?
Mostly seeds, berries, and fruits, but they’ll also eat insects like beetles and caterpillars—especially in spring and summer. That bright red color in males? It comes from carotenoids in their food.
How do Northern Cardinals adapt to different seasons?
They don’t bother migrating. In winter, they fluff up their feathers to keep warm and roost in dense shrubs or evergreens for shelter. When bugs are scarce, they switch to more seeds and fruit.
What is the typical lifespan of a Northern Cardinal in the wild?
Most wild cardinals live about three years, but a lucky few can make it to fifteen if they dodge predators and harsh weather. The average is lower since young birds face more risks.
Can Northern Cardinals be found in urban areas?
You’ll spot Northern Cardinals in both rural and urban areas. They show up in backyards, parks, and gardens—anywhere with dense shrubs or trees for cover.
How do Northern Cardinals communicate with each other?
Cardinals use clear, whistling songs and short chip calls. Both males and females sing to claim territory and stay in touch. Their songs help attract mates and warn each other about danger. More on their whistling songs here.
What are some distinct physical characteristics of the Northern Cardinal?
Male Northern Cardinals show off bright red feathers and a bold black mask around their face. Females look more understated—mostly brown, but you’ll notice hints of red on their wings and crest. Both sport those sturdy, cone-shaped beaks that are just perfect for cracking seeds. When they’re excited or on edge, their head crests pop right up, giving them a bit of extra attitude.
