If you’ve ever seen a small bird with a bright red cap on its head, you may have wondered what kind of bird it is. There are a few different small birds that can have red caps, but one of the most common and widespread is the northern cardinal.
Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is a songbird native to North America. Cardinals are easily identified by the bright red feathers on the head of the males. This red cap stands out against the rest of the bird’s plumage, which is mostly gray and brown. The females of the species have reddish feathers on their heads as well, though they are a more muted, brownish-red color.
Cardinals are common across much of the eastern United States and parts of Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. They live in open woodlands, thickets, gardens, and parks. Cardinals mostly eat seeds and fruit, supplementing their diet with insects when feeding their young. They build cup-shaped nests in dense shrubs and lay between 3-4 eggs at a time.
Some key facts about the northern cardinal:
- Length: 8.3-9.1 inches
- Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 inches
- Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
- Male has bright red plumage, female is brownish-red
- Found across eastern and central North America
- Eats seeds, fruit, insects
- State bird of 7 U.S. states
Identifying Cardinals
The male northern cardinal is one of the most recognizable backyard birds, but there are a few similar-looking species that could potentially be confused with a cardinal:
Pyrrhuloxia
The pyrrhuloxia is a related songbird found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Males have a red head and breast like a cardinal, but their wings and tails are gray rather than red. Females are grayish overall.
Vermilion Flycatcher
This species has a red cap and underparts but is much smaller than a cardinal. It has brown wings and a slender build. Found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
Scarlet Tanager
While scarlet tanagers have vivid red plumage, they lack the distinctive head crest shape of cardinals. Tanagers have darker wings than cardinals and are found in eastern North American forests during summer.
So while other birds may have some red plumage, no other common species shares the cardinal’s unique red cap and crest combined with its red wings, tail, and strong conical bill.
Cardinal Behavior
Northern cardinals exhibit some interesting behaviors:
- Cardinals are territorial – males will aggressively defend their territory from other males.
- They are non-migratory, mostly remaining in their territory year-round.
- Cardinals have a variety of vocalizations used to communicate, including alarm calls and songs.
- Their songs are loud, melodious whistles. Males sing throughout the year to defend their territory.
- Cardinals can be easily drawn to bird feeders with sunflower seeds, peanuts, and other foods.
In addition to their recognizable appearance, northern cardinals also stand out through their behavior. Their loud songs and energetic defense of their breeding territories make them hard to miss.
Cardinal Habitat
Northern cardinals live in a range of semi-open habitats across much of North America:
- Woodland edges
- Forest openings
- Thickets
- Shrublands
- Gardens
- Parks
- Backyards
They prefer areas with dense cover interspersed with open space for foraging. Cardinals particularly thrive in habitat mosaics that provide brushy areas for nesting combined with open areas like lawns, fields, and yards for feeding.
Cardinals have adapted well to human landscapes and are a common sight at backyard bird feeders across their range. They mostly avoid dense forests, preferring scrubby edge habitats.
Range Map
The northern cardinal has a wide range across central and eastern North America:
As this range map shows, cardinals can be found across the eastern U.S. as far north as Maine and southern Canada, and as far west as the Great Plains. They are widespread and common within their broad range.
Cardinal Conservation Status
The northern cardinal is categorized as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means they are not considered at risk of extinction.
The global population of northern cardinals is estimated to be over 100 million. Cardinals are widespread and their numbers are actually increasing in many regions as they adapt to human-altered habitats.
Population Trends
| Year | Population Estimate (millions) |
|---|---|
| 1966 | 84 |
| 2015 | 117 |
Data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey shows that northern cardinal numbers increased in the U.S. and Canada by over 30% between 1966 and 2015. The species has clearly thrived over the past half century.
Fun Facts About Cardinals
- Northern cardinals molt all their head feathers each year after breeding season. For a short time they may look bald!
- A group of cardinals is called a “college”, “conclave”, or “deck”.
- Cardinals can live over 15 years in the wild.
- They have been named the official state bird of 7 U.S. states.
- Cardinal chicks hatch without any red feathers—they are light grey or brown and develop their coloration later.
Conclusion
The northern cardinal is one of the most eye-catching and recognized songbirds in North America. With the male’s brilliant red plumage and unique crest, cardinals stand out in both appearance and behavior. They are common across eastern forests, parks, and backyards, where bird enthusiasts can easily spot them at feeders or hear their loud, melodious songs.
So if you notice a small bird with a bright red cap, there’s a good chance it’s a northern cardinal. This iconic species has adapted well to human landscapes and brings delightful color to our gardens and neighborhoods.
