Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The Northern Cardinal is a bird found year-round in yards and woodland edges across much of the eastern and central United States. Males are bright red, while females are brown with red accents; both have a pointed crest and thick bill.

Appearance

Appearance: The male is red with a black face. The female is brown with red highlights, and both have a pointed crest and heavy orange-red bill.
Voice: Both males and females sing.

Look-alikes

PyrrhuloxiaCardinalis sinuatus

In the Southwest, Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) has a short, rounded bill that is yellow in summer and darker in winter. It is grayer than a Northern Cardinal and has a longer, more pointed crest.

Why they get mixed upBoth are crested birds with red in their plumage.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Shrubby yards
Woodland edges
Range: Common in much of the eastern and central United States; it also occurs in parts of the Southwest.
Seasonal presence: It stays year-round rather than migrating.
When it’s recorded: Recorded year-round, every year · most records in Apr
183,942 observations in the US · 10 years · for referenceChoose a state

Behavior

Diet: It eats mostly seeds and fruit, with insects added especially when feeding young.

Life cycle

Nest: The nest is tucked into dense shrubs or vines, usually 1–15 ft (0.3–4.6 m) above ground.
Clutch size: 2–5 eggs

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: Several U.S. states have chosen the Northern Cardinal as their state bird.

9 sources