The rich, melodic song of a cardinal is a familiar sound, often associated with the vibrant red male. Many assume only male birds sing, a common misconception. However, female Northern Cardinals defy this expectation by also producing complex vocalizations. This challenges typical perceptions of bird song, highlighting diverse communication strategies.
The Unique Song of Female Cardinals
Female cardinals possess a rich and varied song repertoire, often characterized by whistles, chips, and trills. Their songs can be as intricate and diverse as those of their male counterparts. While male cardinals are known for their loud and clear whistles, female songs can be more subtle, sometimes described as quieter and more complex. Both sexes can have a repertoire of several distinct songs, and they can even share song phrases.
Female cardinals often sing from within the cover of shrubs, contrasting with males who typically sing loudly from higher perches. This difference in singing location may contribute to the perception that female songs are less frequent or prominent. Despite this, their vocalizations are a significant part of their communication.
Reasons Female Cardinals Sing
Female cardinals sing for a variety of biological and behavioral functions. One primary reason is to communicate with their partner, especially during courtship, nest building, and incubation. They may sing from the nest to signal the male about the need for food or to indicate when it is safe for him to approach. This cooperative vocalization strengthens the pair bond, and studies suggest that pairs that sing together more often tend to have better coordination and higher chick survival rates.
Female singing also plays a role in pair-bond maintenance. While less common than in males, female cardinals may also sing to defend their territory, warning off other females. Vocalizations from females can even serve to communicate with their offspring, contributing to family-group maintenance.
Comparing Male and Female Cardinal Songs
While both male and female Northern Cardinals sing, there are subtle differences in their vocalizations and how they are used. Male songs are often more frequent and are primarily associated with attracting mates and defending territory from other males. They tend to sing more loudly and from more exposed positions. In contrast, female songs are typically softer and less frequent.
The primary distinction between male and female cardinal songs is often in their context and frequency. For example, males might sing 30-35 times per hour, while females might sing 1-5 times per hour, with most female singing occurring from March to April. Both sexes can engage in duets, where the male sings a short phrase and the female responds, strengthening their connection. These differences can be subtle, making it challenging for an untrained ear to differentiate between the two.