The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a common backyard bird found throughout much of eastern North America. Its bright red plumage and distinctive crest make it easy to identify. But where exactly does this popular songbird make its home?
Range
The Northern Cardinal has a large range that extends across central and eastern North America. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the cardinal’s breeding range stretches from southeastern Canada down through the eastern United States and along the Gulf Coast into Mexico. Some key details about the cardinal’s range include:
- Its range extends from southern Quebec and Ontario down through New England and the Mid-Atlantic states.
- It is found across the southeastern U.S. from Florida up through the Carolinas and westward into eastern Texas.
- The range covers the Midwest from Minnesota and Iowa east to Ohio.
- There are also isolated populations in New Mexico, Arizona and southern California.
So in summary, the core range of the Northern Cardinal encompasses central and eastern North America, roughly east of the Rocky Mountains. The species has been expanding its range northward in recent decades as winter temperatures have warmed across the continent. But its historical stronghold remains across the eastern half of the United States.
Favored Habitats
Within its broad range, the Northern Cardinal occupies a variety of habitats. Here are some of the cardinal’s favored hangouts:
- Backyards – Cardinals are a common sight at backyard feeders throughout their range. They often visit feeders for seeds and fruits.
- Thickets – Cardinals rely on dense, low tangles of shrubs and young trees for nesting and shelter. They favor sites near water.
- Forest edges – Cardinals thrive along the borders between forests and open areas like meadows or backyards.
- Parks and gardens – Cardinals inhabit parks, gardens and other semi-open areas with trees and shrubs.
- Riparian areas – River and stream corridors provide good nesting and foraging habitat.
The cardinal’s ability to adapt to wooded areas as well as semi-open spaces allows it to thrive across many different landscapes. Anywhere there is a mixture of trees, shrubs, and edge habitat, Northern Cardinals are likely to be found either as year-round residents or seasonal visitors.
Backyard Habitat
The Northern Cardinal is well-known for being a common backyard visitor. Here are some tips for attracting cardinals to your yard:
- Plant dense, thorny shrubs and small trees like hollies, dogwoods, and sumacs to provide nesting and shelter sites.
- Allow dead trees or snags to remain standing – cardinals often sing from high perches.
- Supply a bird feeder stocked with sunflower seeds, raisins, cracked corn, and fruit.
- Provide a water source like a birdbath, fountain, or stream.
- Limit pesticide use – cardinals feed insects to their young.
By landscaping your yard with a mixture of trees, shrubs, edges, and open space, you can create an attractive backyard habitat for Northern Cardinals and other wildlife.
Ideal Climate
The Northern Cardinal is well adapted to living across a variety of climates within its range. Here is some information about climate conditions where cardinals are found:
- Temperature – Cardinals tolerate hot southern climates as well as cold northern winters. They do best in areas with average summer highs of 65-90°F and winter lows of 30-50°F.
- Precipitation – Cardinals inhabit areas with annual rainfall totals ranging from 30-60 inches per year. Abundant rain supports the lush vegetation cardinals favor.
- Snow – Cardinals can withstand heavy snowfall provided they have access to ample food sources. They sometimes excavate tunnels through snow to find seeds.
- Elevation – Cardinals are found from sea level up to around 10,000 feet in mountainous areas, mostly residing below 5,000 feet elevation.
From hot and humid southeastern swamps to snowy northern forests, cardinals demonstrate a wide climatic tolerance – one factor that contributes to their widespread distribution across eastern and central North America.
Population and Conservation Status
Thanks to its extremely large range and stable population trends, the Northern Cardinal is considered a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Here are some key population details:
- Global population estimate is over 100 million individuals.
- Population considered stable with increase in some regions like New England.
- Has expanded its range northward in recent decades.
- Sometimes becomes locally endangered in isolated southwestern locations.
The cardinal’s nesting habits make it vulnerable to predators like snakes, cats, raccoons, and chipmunks. Habitat loss is a threat in isolated regions. But over most of its range, the Northern Cardinal remains common and its population secure thanks to its adaptability. Backyard bird enthusiasts can provide helpful habitat by landscaping appropriately and limiting pesticide usage.
Fun Facts
Here are a few interesting tidbits about the Northern Cardinal:
- The cardinal is the official state bird of 7 U.S. states including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- A cardinal’s crest can be raised or lowered depending on mood or aggression levels.
- Cardinals molt and replace all their feathers each year after breeding season.
- Males feed females beak-to-beak during courtship but not when feeding young.
- Cardinal pairs often remain bonded for life and may reuse the same nest site for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the Northern Cardinal:
Why do I only see male cardinals at my feeder?
In many cases, the less flashy female cardinals remain hidden in dense shrubs while the bright red males perch prominently on feeders. However, females do visit feeders routinely as well. Try using feeders near shrub cover or improve shrub habitat to better attract shy female cardinals.
Do cardinals migrate or stay put year-round?
Cardinals are primarily non-migratory permanent residents throughout their range. However, northern populations may migrate short distances and the species expands it range northward in summer. In most regions, you can spot cardinals year-round.
How long do cardinals live?
The typical lifespan of a Northern Cardinal is 1 to 2 years. However, banded birds have lived up to 15 years in the wild. With so many predators and hazards, relatively few cardinals achieve maximum longevity. Provision of feeders, nest sites and protection from cats helps support longevity.
Why are cardinals territorial at my feeder?
Cardinals are highly territorial birds that defend feeding areas against intrusion by other cardinals. Males in particular aggressively chase other males from feeders. Providing multiple dispersed feeders allows more birds to access seed while reducing competition.
What time of year do cardinals nest and lay eggs?
The peak breeding season for cardinals runs from March through September, with some seasonal variation across their range. Cardinals may raise 2-3 broods per year, with females laying 2-5 eggs per clutch. Eggs hatch after 11-13 days.
Conclusion
With its recognizable red plumage, crest and distinctive songs, the Northern Cardinal is a beloved backyard bird across much of central and eastern North America. Cardinals inhabit a variety of semi-open habitats with dense, low vegetation interspersed with trees and shrubs. They feed on seeds, fruits and insects. While territorial, they can be attracted to backyard habitats with a little care and planning. By understanding the cardinal’s range, habitat, behavior and life history, bird enthusiasts can better provide for the needs of this common songbird. With appropriate food, shelter, nesting sites and protection, backyard birders can help support Northern Cardinal populations across their range.
