Northern Cardinal




Male and Female Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal
(Cardinalis cardinalis)

Order:  Passeriformes
Family:  Cardinalidae





Photo © Steve Byland

Northern Cardinal Information

Length:  7.5 - 9"

Habitat:  Forest edges; thickets; shrubby swamps; residential areas with dense shrubbery. Dense underbrush is a habitat requirement.

Diet:  Weed seeds; waste grain; insects and spiders; snails and slugs; wild fruits and berries.

  Songs and calls of the Northern Cardinal

  Photo of Northern Cardinal at Nest


Additional Information

Northern Cardinal
Photos, range, habitat, description, reproduction, lifespan, behavior, communication, food habits, predation, and conservation status. (From Animal Diversity Web)


Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal

© R. Hambley


  More Winter Feeder Birds

Northern Cardinal
Identification Tips

General Information

  • Large, conical bill
  • Crest
  • Long tail

    • Adult male

  • Bright red plumage, dullest on back and wings
  • Black around base of bill
  • Red bill

    • Adult female

  • Reddish crest, wings and tail
  • Brownish-gray upperparts
  • Buffy underparts
  • Red bill

    • (Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)


    Northern Cardinal
    Breeding Bird Survey Map,
    2011-2015

    Northern Cardinal BBS Map

    (Image credit: USGS)


    Northern Cardinal
     Range Maps from Cornell

    Northern Cardinal year-round range

    Includes separate map of sightings.


    Northern Cardinal
    Christmas Bird Count Map

    Historical CBC Map from USGS