The northern cardinal is a common songbird found throughout North America. The male cardinal is known for its bright red plumage and melodious song. But what exactly does a cardinal sound like? Here we will explore the different calls and songs of the northern cardinal.
Cardinal Song
The most recognized sound of the northern cardinal is its loud, melodious song. Male cardinals sing to advertise their territory and attract a mate. Their songs are comprised of a series of clear whistled phrases, often described as “cheer, cheer, cheer” or “birdie, birdie, birdie.” The song typically lasts 2-3 seconds and is repeated every few minutes. Cardinals have a large repertoire of song varieties, with as many as two dozen different phrases. This allows them to sing for hours on end without repeating the same tune.
Here are some key features of the cardinal song:
- Loud and melodious
- Series of 2-3 second whistled phrases
- Phrases often sound like “cheer” or “birdie”
- Large repertoire allowing constant variation
- Sung repeatedly to advertise territory and attract mates
Below is an audio clip of a cardinal’s song:
Chip Call
Cardinals also have simpler contact calls that they use year-round. One common call is a metallic “chip” note, often sounding like “tink.” They make this chip call to stay in contact with their mate or flock members, especially when sight lines are blocked. It is a single note lasting about 0.15 seconds in duration. Both males and females make the chip call throughout the year.
Here are some key features of the cardinal chip call:
- Short and metallic sounding
- Single “chip” or “tink” note
- Only 0.15 seconds in duration
- Used for staying in contact, especially when out of sight
- Made by both males and females
- Heard year-round
Below is an audio clip of the cardinal chip call:
Flight Call
Cardinals also make distinct vocalizations when they are in flight. Their flight call is a short “parit parit” phrase. It is thought this call allows the flock to stay in contact while flying. The flight call is often made just before landing as well. It is higher-pitched and faster than their regular song. Both sexes make the flight call.
Here are some key features of the cardinal flight call:
- “Parit parit” sounding phrase
- Short and high-pitched
- Used during flight to maintain flock contact
- Often given before landing
- Made by both males and females
Below is an audio clip of the cardinal flight call:
Calls of Females and Young
Female northern cardinals also have their own distinct vocalizations. Females often make a sharp “tick” call to signal alarm or get their mate’s attention. Females may also chip more rapidly when perched near a nest. Hungry nestlings give rapid, whistled calls from the nest when begging for food.
Here are some key features of female and young cardinal calls:
- Females make a sharp “tick” alarm call
- Females use rapid chip calls when perched near nest
- Nestlings give loud, whistled begging calls
Regional Dialects
Interestingly, populations of northern cardinals in different regions sing with distinct regional dialects. Cardinals learn their songs locally, developing the regional accents. Those in the eastern U.S. tend to sing with buzzy, slurred whistles. Midwestern birds have slower, raspier songs. West coast cardinals have quicker, more clipped phrases.
Below are audio clips comparing regional cardinal dialects:
Eastern cardinal:
Midwestern cardinal:
Western cardinal:
Young cardinals likely pick up local dialects from adult birds in their first few months of life. Interestingly, females appear to be the main drivers of these regional dialect differences.
Why Do Cardinals Sing?
Male northern cardinals sing for the following key reasons:
- To advertise their territory – singing proclaims ownership of an area
- To attract a mate – unpaired males sing to court females
- To strengthen pair bonds – mated males sing to bond with their mate
- To signal alarm – abrupt changes in singing can signal threats
Constant singing ensures the male cardinal’s territory and mate are protected against rivals. It also allows females to easily find and assess potential suitors. Male cardinals will often shift their singing perches throughout the day to maximize coverage of their territory.
When Do Cardinals Sing?
The singing patterns of northern cardinals vary over the course of the year:
- Early spring – Increased song signaling the start of breeding season
- April to August – Most active singing during breeding and nesting
- Late summer – Decreased singing after nesting is done
- Fall and winter – Sporadic song to maintain territories
Singing is heaviest in spring and summer during the peak breeding season. Unmated males will sing persistently throughout the day at this time of year. Paired males sing often to strengthen the bond with their mate and advertise an occupied territory.
Cardinal singing wanes after the nesting period in late summer. Cooler fall and winter temperatures bring lower hormone levels and less vigorous singing. But males will still vocalize sporadically through winter to proclaim ownership of winter territories.
How to Attract Cardinals
Here are some tips to attract northern cardinals to your backyard:
- Provide bird feeders – offer sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn
- Supply a water source – a bird bath or water fountain
- Plant native shrubs and trees – provides food, shelter and nest sites
- Avoid pesticides – cardinals are sensitive to chemicals
- Install nest boxes or platforms – helps provide nesting sites
- Limit mowing – allows growth of native plants they use
Providing key sources of food, water and shelter will help convince cardinals to take up residence. They prefer habitats interspersed with trees, shrubs and brushy undergrowth. Minimizing the use of pesticides and herbicides is also important, as cardinals are sensitive to chemicals in the environment.
Interesting Cardinal Facts
- Northern cardinals do not migrate, remaining in their territory year-round
- Bright red plumage comes from carotenoids in their diet
- Males feed females beak-to-beak during courtship
- Both parents feed the young nestlings
- Oldest known wild cardinal was 15 years, 9 months old
The northern cardinal is the state bird of no less than 7 U.S. states. This iconic songbird is a backyard favorite thanks to its bright colors and melodious songs. Now that you know what a cardinal sounds like, enjoy listening and watching for these musical birds throughout the year.
Conclusion
The northern cardinal is easily identified by its loud, melodious songs and bright red plumage. By understanding the cardinal’s diverse vocalizations, from exuberant songs to metallic chip calls, we gain insight into their behavior and habits. Northern cardinals develop unique regional dialects, with young birds learning the local songs and calls. Attracting cardinals to your backyard allows you to observe first-hand how these birds use their voices to attract mates, defend territories and sound the alarm if danger is near.
