Cardinals are known for their bright red plumage and beautiful songs. The males in particular are prolific singers, belting out a variety of whistles, chirps, and elaborate songs throughout the year. But why do they sing so much? Here are some of the main reasons male cardinals vocalize.
Territory Defense
One of the primary reasons male cardinals sing is to defend their breeding and nesting territories. Cardinals are highly territorial, with males defending areas of around 1-3 acres depending on food availability. Singing loudly advertises that a male cardinal has claimed an area and serves as a warning to trespassing males.
Cardinal songs and calls carry for significant distances, allowing males to communicate territorial boundaries without needing direct confrontations. The songs remind other males that the area is occupied and not up for grabs. Females are also made aware of territorial males that are ready to breed.
Attracting a Mate
Bright plumage and complex songs make male cardinals more attractive to females. Unmated males will sing vigorously in late winter and early spring to catch the attention of females and demonstrate their suitability as a mate. The quality and variety of songs indicates the overall health and fitness of the male.
Males must learn their songs, and better singers tend to be older birds that have more experience and success mating. After a pair bond has formed, the male continues singing to strengthen the bond, synchronize reproductive conditions, and inform his mate of any threats.
All-Purpose Communication
Cardinal songs and calls serve a variety of communication purposes beyond territorial defense and mate attraction. Specific sounds and songs convey different messages and meanings between birds.
Chirps and short notes communicate the location of a bird and help keep pairs and families together. Special songs are used when delivering food to signal that a male is arriving with a treat for its mate or chicks. Slight variations in songs alert other cardinals to specific hazards or predators in the area.
Soft high-pitched notes called “quirks” act as contact calls between mated pairs. Loud alarm calls alert other cardinals in the vicinity to danger and signal them to take cover.
Seasonal Reasons for Singing
The frequency and types of songs male cardinals perform change throughout the seasons as mating, nesting, and territorial needs shift.
Late Winter and Early Spring
Singing activity increases dramatically in late winter and early spring as cardinals prepare to breed. Unmated males sing vigorously to establish breeding territories and attract females. The wide variety and complexity of songs demonstrates their suitability as a high quality mate.
Spring and Summer
Once a male attracts a mate, singing continues but becomes less frequent. The male uses specific songs to strengthen pair bonds, coordinate breeding conditions, and communicate while feeding its incubating mate. Soft chip notes help keep the pair in contact when out of sight.
Late Summer and Fall
As nesting duties wind down in late summer, singing picks up again. Males return to singing frequently to re-establish territorial boundaries that may have been encroached upon by younger birds. Autumn brings another peak as males defend winter food sources within territories.
Winter
Singing drops off significantly in winter but doesn’t cease entirely. Soft contact notes help pairs and families keep in touch around food sources. On warmer winter days, songs may increase briefly as males consider getting an early start on breeding.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions impact how vocal and energetic cardinal singing becomes. Some patterns include:
- More singing on warmer, sunny days
- Increased activity on calm days vs. windy days
- Higher song output in the morning and evening
- Subdued singing in the heat of mid-day
- Very active singing before and after rainstorms
Cooler temperatures and storms may suppress singing activity for a short time, but don’t silence cardinals for long. The breeding instinct and need to communicate keeps males singing through most conditions.
Age and Experience
Younger male cardinals have a weaker, more basic song repertoire compared to mature adults. As males get older and more experienced, they become better singers able to perform a wider variety of sounds, phrases, and song types.
Cardinals learn songs by first listening to and mimicking their father or other males near their nest as fledglings. Over time, they expand their vocabulary by copying songs heard in their surroundings.
Older males know more songs and sing with greater confidence and skill. Their songs are louder, livelier, and contain more flourishes compared to younger males. Females pay more attention to the complex songs of mature males.
Diet Affects Singing
A cardinal’s diet impacts its ability to sing strongly. Cardinals get most of their water from their food sources. A good supply of fruits, seeds, grains and insects provides necessary hydration for singing.
Cardinals occasionally drink from bird baths or other open water sources. But going too long without adequate food-based hydration can impact vocal abilities. Cardinals may stop singing as strong if dehydrated or nutritionally deficient.
Conclusion
Northern cardinals are talented songbirds. Male cardinals sing for many important reasons related to breeding, defending territories, and overall communication. Their songs change based on seasons, weather, age, and hydration status.
The variety, complexity, and volume of a male’s songs impacts his ability to attract a mate and defend the resources critical to success. Understanding why cardinals sing provides deeper insight into the daily life and behavior of these popular red backyard birds.
