Where are Cardinal found in the wild?

Cardinals thrive in a variety of habitats across North America, including forests, gardens, and suburban areas. They love places with dense shrubs and trees where they can easily find seeds and fruits, making your backyard a perfect spot to listen to their cheerful songs!

Cardinal

Brighten your day with the cheerful songs of colorful birds!

The Basics

Scientific Name

Cardinalis cardinalis

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Location

North America

Average size

8 to 9 inches long

diet

Seeds, fruits, insects

lifespan

3 to 15 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

The cardinal is a striking bird known for its bright red feathers, especially the males. With an average size of 20 to 23 centimeters (8 to 9 inches), it adds a splash of color to gardens and backyards across North America.
Cardinals belong to the family Cardinalidae and are classified in the order Passeriformes. They are songbirds, which means they have beautiful voices that can fill the air with cheerful melodies and sweet tweets.
These birds have a varied diet that mainly consists of seeds, fruits, and insects. Their strong, conical beaks help them crack open seeds like true birdbrain foodies!
Cardinals are not just pretty faces; they can live a long time too! Ranging from 3 to 15 years in lifespan, they make memorable feathered friends in the wild.
When you spot a cardinal, look out for their distinctive crest on top of their head and their black mask around the eyes. This mask makes them stand out even more, giving them a classy, suave appearance!

Where can you find a Cardinal in the wild?

What does a Cardinal eat?

How big can a Cardinal grow?

How long does a Cardinal typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Cardinal?

What are the main threats to the Cardinal?

wowzerful facts

Male cardinals are not just pretty; they are fashion-forward singers! They belt out a variety of songs that can sound like cheerful whistles, helping them claim their territory and attract mates.

Cardinals are great parents! Both male and female share the responsibility of looking after their young, taking turns feeding the babies and keeping them warm.

These colorful birds can be quite bold. They often visit feeders in people's backyards and have been known to playfully chase away larger birds to claim their favorite snacks!

Cardinals have a special way of communicating. They use different calls and songs to warn other cardinals about predators or to let their mates know they are nearby, making them excellent communicators!

A cardinal's bright red color comes from the food they eat! They gain their stunning hue from a diet rich in carotenoids, found in berries and seeds.

When it comes to nesting, cardinals are picky decorators. They choose dense shrubs and trees to build their nests, making them cozy and hidden from hungry predators!

During the winter, cardinals often form flocks to stay warm and find food together. They enjoy the company of others while sharing their cheerful tunes!

Cardinals can see colors that humans cannot! This helps them spot ripe fruits and seeds, making them excellent food hunters in nature.

If cardinals feel threatened, they can make quick escapes by flying low and fast through dense bushes, using their agility to dodge trouble!

Cardinals are one of the few bird species that do not migrate. They stick around during the winter, brightening up cold, gloomy days with their vibrant colors and delightful songs!