Northern Cardinals

Male Cardinal on a tree branch against a bright blue sky.

Northern Cardinal ~Photography by Janet Sippel

The majority of Canadians would recognize our Northern Cardinal by the handsome red feathers of the male. The female only displays red on her crest, outer wing and tail feathers and is mainly greyish-brown. They prefer to live a solitary life and can do so for up to 16 years! These red birds have a wingspan of 30 cm and can grow as long as 22 cm.

Voice:

Their call is composed of bubbly chatters and a sharp, metallic tik. The Northern Cardinal sings a loud, sweet slurred whistle, tsee-ew-tsee-ew-whoit-whoit-whoit-whoit-whoit.

Watch the video below to hear the Northern Cardinal's voice:

Nesting:

Their nest is a loose cup of leaves, bark, and grass, in deciduous thicket. Cardinals lay 2 to 4 eggs in 1-3 broods from April to September.

Feeding:

Northern Cardinals prefer to eat insects (such as caterpillars and beetles) but also will eat fruit and buds.