The Northern Cardinal is a familiar and cherished bird across North America, recognized for its vibrant plumage and cheerful song. This article clarifies whether Northern Cardinals are facing threats or if their populations remain robust.
Current Conservation Status
Northern Cardinals are not endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, they are categorized as a species of “Least Concern.” This designation indicates the species has been evaluated and does not meet criteria for categories like Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened.
The Northern Cardinal population remains large and stable across its extensive geographic range. Estimates suggest a global breeding population of around 130 million individuals. Their numbers have shown a slight increase over recent decades, demonstrating a remarkable ability to thrive alongside human development.
Why Cardinals Thrive
Northern Cardinals exhibit a high degree of adaptability. They inhabit diverse environments, including woodlands, forest edges, suburban gardens, parks, and shrublands. This flexibility allows them to benefit from human-altered landscapes, such as the creation of edge habitats that provide both cover and foraging opportunities.
Their diet is varied, consisting of seeds, fruits, and insects. Northern Cardinals possess a strong, cone-shaped bill specifically adapted for cracking open seeds, a primary food source, especially in winter. During breeding season, they feed their nestlings primarily insects, which are rich in protein. This omnivorous diet and specialized bill enable them to find food throughout the year.
Northern Cardinals also demonstrate strong reproductive success. Females typically build well-hidden, cup-shaped nests in dense shrubs or low trees. They can raise two to three broods annually, with each brood containing up to five eggs. Their use of backyard bird feeders, often stocked with sunflower seeds, has further supported their population growth and northward expansion.
Supporting Common Bird Species
While Northern Cardinals are thriving, many other bird species face ongoing threats. Individuals can contribute to the well-being of local bird populations through several actions. Providing reliable food and water sources is beneficial, including maintaining clean bird feeders with fresh seed and offering bird baths with clean water.
Creating bird-friendly habitats in outdoor spaces is also impactful. Planting native trees, shrubs, and perennials provides natural food sources like insects, berries, and seeds, along with essential shelter and nesting sites. Minimizing lawn areas and allowing for diverse plant layers can enhance habitat quality. Leaving brush piles and dead tree snags can offer additional refuge and nesting opportunities.
Reducing common threats is another important step. To prevent window collisions, which are a significant cause of bird mortality, make glass visible by applying decals, tape, or films to the outside of windows, spaced no more than two to four inches apart. Turning off unnecessary lights at night, especially during migration periods, can also help. Keeping domestic cats indoors protects birds from predation. Limiting the use of pesticides ensures a healthy insect population, which is a fundamental food source for many birds.