Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) lives in woodlands across Southern Canada, eastern United States, Mexico. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
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A lone cardinal can live almost 16 years in the wild. 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. Annual survival rates for adult northern cardinals have been estimated at 60-65%.
The plumage color of the males is produced from carotenoid pigments in the diet. Northern cardinal males metabolize carotenoid pigments to create plumage pigmentation of a color different from the ingested pigment. When fed only yellow pigments, males become a pale red color, and a few rare "yellow morph" cardinals lack the enzyme to convert carotenoids into red pigments, showing how genetics and food shape their iconic look.
Cardinals can lower their body temperature by up to 6 °F to survive harsh winter chills. Cardinals have the ability to drop their body temperature 3 to 6 °F (1.7 to 3.3 °C) if needed in order to survive cold temperatures. During winter, cardinals will fluff up their down feathers in order to retain warm air next to their body, and they shiver and tense breast muscles to generate heat, combining behavioral and metabolic strategies for cold endurance.
A single breeding pair can raise up to four clutches a year, each with three to four eggs, The northern cardinal's clutch typically contains three to four eggs, with two to four clutches produced each year. Eggs measure approximately 26 mm × 19 mm (1.02 in × 0.75 in) in size, incubation takes 12 or 13 days, and fledging occurs 10 or 11 days after hatching, meaning a full reproductive cycle can be completed in just a few weeks.
Backyard feeders have helped the cardinal expand its range to over 5.8 million km² and support an estimated 100 million individuals. An increase in backyard feeding by humans has increased the range of this species, with an estimated global range of 5,800,000 km2 (2,200,000 sq mi) and a global population of some 100 million. Populations appear to remain stable or increasing.
Sources
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RangeSouthern Canada, eastern United States, Mexico
HabitatWoodlands
DietSeeds and insects
About the Northern Cardinal
In the lush tapestry of North America's woodlands, the Northern Cardinal flits and flutters, a vibrant splash of crimson against the muted tones of its surroundings, its melodic song ringing out like a joyous declaration of life. As it darts between branches, its wings beat with a rapid, whirring motion, propelling it through the underbrush with an effortless ease that belies the intricate complexity of its movements. With its crest raised high, the Northern Cardinal surveys its domain, a proud and unapologetic embodiment of the beauty and wonder that thrives in these temperate climes.
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