Northern cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

The northern cardinal is a conspicuous songbird of North American shrubs and gardens. Diurnal pairs defend territories with song.

Key facts

Northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is an omnivore animal classified as Bird · Passeriformes · Cardinalidae.
Primary habitats are forest · urban, with a range across Nearctic.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is pair, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
The northern cardinal is a conspicuous songbird of North American shrubs and gardens.
It uses shrubland, woodland edges, hedges, yards, and parks.
Typical lifespan: 8-25 years

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

It uses shrubland, woodland edges, hedges, yards, and parks. Dense cover supports nesting and shelter, while open ground aids feeding.

Wingspan is about 25-31 cm and weight about 33-65 g. Males are bright red, females warm brown with red tones, and both have a crest and heavy bill.

Active by day, pairs hold territories through song and chasing. Birds make short flights through cover and often feed on the ground.

It is omnivorous, eating seeds, fruit, and insects. The stout bill cracks seeds, while insects become more important during breeding.

Females build cup nests low in shrubs, and pairs feed the young. More than one brood may be raised in a season.

Its status is listed as Least Concern. It is common around planted yards and feeders and is one of North America's familiar birds.