The Northern Cardinal, with its striking red plumage and distinctive crest, is a familiar bird across North America. Many people wonder if these vibrant birds are rare. While their presence can seem inconsistent to an individual observer, Northern Cardinals are actually quite common and widely distributed throughout much of the continent. They are a non-migratory species, remaining in their chosen habitats year-round, offering consistent opportunities for observation.
Understanding Cardinal Abundance
Northern Cardinals are among the most abundant bird species in North America, with an estimated global breeding population of 110 to 130 million individuals. Their numbers have shown a stable to slightly increasing trend, rising approximately 0.3% annually since 1966. This success is partly due to their adaptability to various environments.
They thrive in various habitats, including woodlands, forest edges, suburban gardens, parks, and urban areas. Unlike some bird species that decline with human development, Northern Cardinals have benefited from the expansion of suburban landscapes and the availability of bird feeders. Their range extends across the eastern and central United States, reaching into southern Canada, and south through Mexico and parts of Central America.
Factors Influencing Sightings
Despite their widespread abundance, individual sightings of Northern Cardinals can vary, leading some to perceive them as rare. Their behavior plays a role; cardinals often forage on the ground or in low bushes and prefer areas with dense cover, making them less visible in open spaces as they seek the safety of nearby trees and shrubs.
Cardinals are best observed feeding and singing during early morning and late afternoon. During the midday heat, they may retreat to shaded, secluded areas to rest, reducing their visibility. While male cardinals maintain their bright red plumage year-round, their presence can feel more striking against a snowy winter backdrop, making them seem more prevalent in colder months. Local environmental conditions, such as the availability of dense foliage for cover and food sources, influence how often these birds are seen.
Attracting Cardinals to Your Space
Creating an inviting habitat can significantly increase your chances of attracting Northern Cardinals. They are primarily granivorous, with strong, conical beaks suited for cracking large seeds. Black oil sunflower seeds and safflower seeds are particular favorites, often preferred over other types. Supplementing with crushed peanuts, cracked corn, berries, and suet during winter can also be effective.
When offering food, use platform, tray, or hopper feeders that provide ample space for them to perch comfortably. Placing feeders near dense shrubbery or trees provides cardinals with protective cover while feeding. A fresh water source, like a bird bath, is beneficial for drinking and bathing. Cardinals prefer deeper baths, and ground-level options can be especially appealing. A heated bird bath can offer a reliable water source during colder months.
For shelter and nesting, cardinals prefer dense shrubs, vines, or low trees, typically building their nests 3 to 10 feet above the ground. They do not use birdhouses or nesting boxes. Planting native species such as dogwoods, honeysuckles, hawthorns, grapevines, and evergreen shrubs can provide suitable nesting and roosting sites. These plants offer the dense foliage cardinals seek for protection and also provide natural food sources. Leaving out nesting materials like pine needles, small twigs, and grass clippings can further encourage them to settle in your yard.