The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a beautiful songbird familiar to many across North America. Known for the male’s brilliant red plumage and the bird’s melodious songs, the Northern Cardinal is a welcome sight in gardens, woodlands, and backyards.
This article explores everything about the Northern Cardinal, from its history and physical characteristics to its behaviour, habitat, and cultural significance, providing an easy-to-understand guide for bird enthusiasts of all levels.
Northern Cardinal History
The Northern Cardinal was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and was originally classified under the Loxia genus. Later, it was reclassified as Cardinalis virginianus, before finally settling on its current scientific name, Cardinalis cardinalis.
The name “cardinal” is derived from the vibrant red robes worn by cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. The addition of “northern” in its common name distinguishes it from other cardinal species found further south.
Physical Description
Northern Cardinals are mid-sized songbirds, with a body length of 8.3 to 9.3 inches (21 to 23.5 cm) and a wingspan ranging from 9.8 to 12.2 inches (25 to 31 cm). Adults typically weigh between 1.19 and 2.29 ounces (33.6 to 65 grams).
- Male Plumage: The adult male is known for its bright crimson red colour with a black mask that extends from the eyes to the upper chest. The intensity of the red can vary based on diet, with carotenoid pigments playing a crucial role.
- Female Plumage: Females exhibit a more subdued colour, with greyish-brown tones and reddish tints on their wings, crest, and tail feathers. Their face mask is grey to black, less defined than the male’s.
- Juvenile Plumage: Young cardinals have a colour similar to the adult female until their fall moult, sporting brown plumage with red-brown accents on the crest, forehead, wings, and tail.
- Beak and Eyes: Both sexes have a prominent crest and a strong, cone-shaped, coral-coloured beak. The iris of their eyes is brown.
Habitat and Distribution
Northern Cardinals are commonly found across the eastern United States, ranging from southern Maine to Minnesota and down to the Texas-Mexico border. Their territory extends into Canada, specifically in southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
They are also present in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. The species has been introduced to locations like Bermuda and Hawaii.
They thrive in various habitats:
- Woodlands
- Gardens
- Shrublands
- Wetlands
- Forest clearings
- City parks
- Suburban areas.
Their adaptability has allowed them to expand their range northward over the past few decades.
Behaviour and Diet
Northern Cardinals exhibit interesting behaviours and dietary habits:
- Granivorous Diet: Primarily, they eat seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Their strong, cone-shaped beak is well-suited for cracking seeds.
- Foraging: They have a preference for easily husked seeds, though they become less selective when food is scarce during winter. They also consume insects, with the young being fed almost exclusively insects.
- Territoriality: Male cardinals are very territorial, marking their territory through song. They can be aggressive toward intruders.
- Courtship: During courtship, the male will feed the female beak-to-beak, a charming display of affection.
- Flocking: Outside the breeding season, young cardinals often join flocks of other juveniles.
- Predator Response: When predators approach their nests, both parents emit a short alarm call and attempt to scare away the intruder.
Vocalization
Northern Cardinals are known for their distinct songs and calls. Males use songs to establish and defend their territory and attract mates. Their songs consist of clear, rich whistles that sound like “birdie, birdie, birdie” or “cheer, cheer, cheer”.
They have many variations, but they typically follow the “birdie” or “cheer” structure. Unusually, female Northern Cardinals also sing, which is not common among North American songbirds. In addition to their songs, cardinals make a metallic “chip” sound, used as a warning call.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Northern Cardinals breed between March and September, often raising two broods each year.
- Nesting: The female builds a cup-shaped nest in dense shrubs or small trees, typically 3 to 8 feet above the ground. The nests consist of twigs, bark, grass, moss, and other soft materials.
- Eggs: The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, which are white to greenish with brown spots, each about one inch in length and one-half inch in diameter.
- Incubation: Incubation lasts for 11 to 13 days and is performed solely by the female, while the male brings her food.
- Chicks: The chicks leave the nest 9 to 10 days after hatching and start flying within 20 days. Both parents feed the chicks insects and remove fecal sacs from the nest. The parents continue to feed the fledglings for 25 to 56 days. Young cardinals may begin breeding the next spring.
Conservation Status
The Northern Cardinal is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, indicating a stable and widespread population. They are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which prohibits their sale as pets.
While they face threats such as habitat loss and climate change, their numbers remain robust. Audubon’s scientists have used 140 million bird observations and sophisticated climate models to project how climate change will affect the range of the Northern Cardinal.
Cultural Significance
The Northern Cardinal holds a special place in North American culture:
- State Bird: It is the state bird of seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- Mascot: Many sports teams and organizations use the Northern Cardinal as a mascot.
- Symbolism: Cardinals are associated with various folklore, legends, and spiritual beliefs, often seen as symbols of love, hope, and renewal.
Attracting Northern Cardinals to Your Backyard
Attracting Northern Cardinals to your backyard can be a rewarding experience. Here are a few tips:
- Provide Food: Offer sunflower seeds, peanuts, cracked corn, and berries in feeders.
- Plant Native Vegetation: Plant native trees, shrubs, and vines that provide food and shelter.
- Offer Water: Provide a bird bath or shallow dish with fresh water.
- Create Shelter: Ensure dense shrubs and trees are available for nesting and protection from predators.
- Avoid Pesticides: Refrain from using pesticides that can harm birds and their food sources.
Threats
Despite their healthy population, Northern Cardinals face several threats:
- Habitat Loss: Urban development and deforestation reduce their natural habitats.
- Climate Change: Changing climate patterns can affect their range and food availability.
- Predators: Cats, hawks, and other predators can pose a threat, especially to young birds.
- Window Collisions: Birds can collide with windows, resulting in injury or death.
Conclusion
The Northern Cardinal is more than just a beautiful bird; it is a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and beauty.
Whether you are an experienced birder or a novice enthusiast, understanding and appreciating the Northern Cardinal enriches our connection with the natural world.
By providing suitable habitats and protecting their environment, we can ensure that these vibrant birds continue to brighten our landscapes for generations to come.
Sources:
