Of our common backyard birds, Northern Cardinals stand out and are likely the very first bird we recognized as a child. According to the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, male cardinals are perhaps most responsible for getting folks to begin to want to learn more about birds. But what do we really know about this iconic bird?
Cardinals are certainly one of the brightest of our North American resident species. The bright red color of males and even the muted reds of females make them easy to spot. Both sexes sport prominent crests on the top of their heads, that can be raised in alarm or when excited, distinctive black face masks, and red bills.
And yet they are by nature on the shy side, preferring to stay in the shadows of woodland edges in our urban and agricultural landscapes, habitats that researchers have suggested has helped them increase in numbers because of the edge effect of open and wooded spaces. And because they do not migrate, they are ever present and easy to watch.
If you maintain bird feeders, you have cardinals, that if you watch, cautiously approach, often as pairs to snatch whatever you offer. They are fond of sunflower seeds. Beyond that, cardinals feed on a wide variety of small fruits, seeds and insects and spiders that share their habitat. Soft-bodied insects, like caterpillars and spiders, make up the bulk of what they offer to their young.
When not visiting feeders or sitting on a nest, both sexes fly about in the underbrush or in your trees seeking their next meal. Their song is melodious, most often consisting of the phrase “cheer, cheer, cheer” or “birdie, birdie, birdie” followed by a rapid trill. Both sexes sing, unlike other species. Their chip call, used to keep in touch with mates or young, is a distinctive metallic “tink”. They are a big part of the early morning cacophony of bird song in spring.
When nesting, however, they can be hard to spot. The female chooses dense underbrush to build a nest, consisting of varying sizes of twigs (for the base) and finer materials like leaves and grass that line the nest. The female builds the nest by weaving in twigs and placing materials delivered by the male. She is in charge and incubates the eggs. Her muted colors serve her well in this role – she blends in.
Incubation last between 11 and 13 days, followed by 7 to 13 days of rapid growth before the young fledge. Broods ranged from 2-5 eggs and mated pairs can have up to two broods a year. Once fledged, young cardinals are easy to spot as they follow their parents around, calling and begging constantly. They become shyer after their “teenage” period. They have a ragged appearance as their early down and first feathers are replaced as they grow.
Likely because of their bold appearance, Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven states in their U.S. range of eastern North America. They are also a common reference in folklore that infers many different meanings. The appearance of cardinals can represent good times or bad. In some cultures, cardinals represent a deceased loved one paying you a visit. Regardless, cardinals were one of my Mama’s favorite birds and I do think of her when I see them.
So, there you have it, a bit of trivia about one of our more common backyard birds. More to come about other common birds that we may not know much about.
Hope to see you in our great outdoors!
Photos courtesy of Doug Clarke