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Feeder birds
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
The northern cardinal, also commonly known as the common cardinal, red cardinal, or simply cardinal, is a bird in the genus Cardinalis. It can be found in southeastern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Minnesota to Texas, New Mexico, southern Arizona, southern California and south through Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.
Crested; males are bright red with a black face, females tan with red tinges and a red-orange bill.
- Scientific name
- Cardinalis cardinalis
- Group
- Feeder birds
- Main color
- Red
- Conservation (IUCN)
- Least concern
Size and shape
The northern cardinal is a mid-sized songbird with a body length of 21–23.5 cm (8.3–9.3 in) and a wingspan of 25–31 cm (9.8–12.2 in).
Diet
The diet of the adult northern cardinal consists mainly (up to 90%) of weed seeds, grains, and fruits.
Range and habitat
Its range also extends south through Mexico to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, northern Guatemala, and northern Belize.
Lifespan
The oldest wild cardinal banded by researchers lived at least 15 years and 9 months, although 28.5 years was achieved by a captive bird.
Voice
Both sexes sing clear, whistled song patterns, which are repeated several times, then varied.
More photos
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Northern Cardinal FAQ
How big is the Northern Cardinal?
The northern cardinal is a mid-sized songbird with a body length of 21–23.5 cm (8.3–9.3 in) and a wingspan of 25–31 cm (9.8–12.2 in).
What does the Northern Cardinal eat?
The diet of the adult northern cardinal consists mainly (up to 90%) of weed seeds, grains, and fruits.
How long does the Northern Cardinal live?
The oldest wild cardinal banded by researchers lived at least 15 years and 9 months, although 28.5 years was achieved by a captive bird.
How do I identify a Northern Cardinal?
Crested; males are bright red with a black face, females tan with red tinges and a red-orange bill.
Where does the Northern Cardinal live?
Its range also extends south through Mexico to the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, northern Guatemala, and northern Belize.
Is the Northern Cardinal endangered?
No. The IUCN Red List rates the Northern Cardinal as least concern (status read from Wikidata).
Facts on this page are summarized from the Wikipedia article on the Northern Cardinal (read October 27, 2026) and conservation status from Wikidata. Quick ID notes are Birdstagram's own summary.