ExploreBird

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

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

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

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

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

eats

Black Cherry

Prunus serotina

Consumes fruit and seeds.

eats

Common Ragweed

Ambrosia artemisiifolia

Feeds on its seeds.

eaten by

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

A common avian predator.

eaten by

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Preys on eggs and nestlings.

shelters

Eastern Redcedar

Juniperus virginiana

Provides dense nesting and roosting sites.

Traits

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Crested

Spot birds and other creatures with a special tuft or plume of feathers or skin on their heads! It's like a fancy crown that makes them stand out.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.