ExploreBirds

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

The Northern Cardinal is a bright red bird with a cheerful song. They love to sing and can often be spotted in gardens and parks.

Habitat: Wooded areas, gardens, and parks

Appearance

The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive crest. Males are brilliant, deep red all over, while females are a duller reddish-brown with red highlights. Both sexes have a thick, conical, orange-red bill and a black mask around the eyes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyCardinalidaeGenusCardinalis
Northern Cardinal
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Northern Cardinal

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

813

Interesting facts

Both male and female cardinals sing, a rare trait among songbirds!

Cardinals consume snow for hydration when water sources are frozen in winter.

Male cardinals often feed their mates during courtship, a sweet romantic gesture.

Their vibrant red color comes from carotenoid pigments found in their diet.

Special abilities

Ability

Year-Round Serenade

Northern Cardinals can sing complex songs year-round to attract mates and defend territory, even in winter.

Ability

Seed Cracker

Northern Cardinals have a powerful, cone-shaped beak that helps them efficiently crack open tough seeds with ease.

Ability

Nocturnal Singer

Northern Cardinals can sometimes sing at night, especially near artificial light, helping them communicate.

Measurements & details

Length
21-23 cm
Wingspan
25-31 cm
Weight
0.04-0.048 kg
Lifespan
3-15 years
Top Speed
48 km/h
Clutch Size
2-5
Incubation
12-13 days

Diet & Feeding

A versatile omnivore, they mostly eat seeds and fruits, but also enjoy insects.

Primary Foods

  • Sunflower seeds
  • Black Cherry fruit
  • Grasshoppers
  • Beetles
  • Elderberries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Cardinal

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Cardinals are friendly birds and safe to watch from a distance. Enjoy their beauty without trying to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Northern Cardinal?

The easiest way to identify Northern Cardinal is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Northern Cardinal?

21-23 cm

What is Northern Cardinal's wingspan?

25-31 cm

How much does Northern Cardinal weigh?

0.04-0.048 kg

How long does Northern Cardinal live?

3-15 years

How fast can Northern Cardinal move?

48 km/h

What does Northern Cardinal eat?

A versatile omnivore, they mostly eat seeds and fruits, but also enjoy insects.

Where is Northern Cardinal usually found?

Wooded areas, gardens, and parks

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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