The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is one of the most widely recognized and beloved birds across eastern North America, known for the male’s vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest. This common resident bird is a frequent visitor to backyard feeders. Understanding the precise timeline of the cardinal’s nesting process, particularly how long it takes for the young to leave the nest, provides insight into this species’ successful breeding strategy.
Laying the Clutch and Incubation Time
The breeding cycle begins with the female cardinal constructing a cup-shaped nest, typically hidden within dense shrubs, vine tangles, or low trees, usually between three and ten feet off the ground. She primarily builds this structure over three to nine days using coarse twigs, grass, and bark strips, lining the interior with finer materials. The male cardinal may assist by bringing materials to her, but the female is the main architect and builder of the nest. Once the nest is complete, the female lays a clutch of two to five eggs, usually three or four. The eggs are a pale green, bluish, or whitish color, marked with speckles. The female takes on almost all incubation duty, remaining on the nest while the male defends the territory and brings her food. The incubation period lasts approximately 12 to 13 days until the chicks hatch.
The Critical Nestling Period
The moment young cardinals hatch, they are completely helpless (altricial), born naked and with their eyes closed. This nestling phase is a period of incredibly rapid development designed to get the young birds out of the vulnerable nest quickly. Both parents share the demanding task of feeding the nestlings, delivering protein-rich insects and spiders to fuel their growth. This intense growth phase lasts a mere 9 to 11 days, although it can occasionally extend to 13 days depending on food availability or disturbance. During this brief time, the nestlings grow into fully feathered young birds, developing the necessary flight feathers. The physical exit is known as fledging, but it does not mean they are fully capable of flight or independence. They often leave the nest before they are proficient flyers, fluttering to a nearby branch or dropping to the ground.
First Days as Fledglings
After leaving the nest, young cardinals enter the fledgling stage, characterized by continued reliance on their parents for food and protection. These newly fledged birds, with their short tails and imperfect flight, spend their first days hiding in dense, low-level vegetation and shrubbery. The parents continue to feed the fledglings, often responding to their insistent, high-pitched begging calls. The male cardinal typically assumes primary responsibility for feeding and guiding the newly fledged young for three to five weeks. This allows the female to begin preparing for the next clutch, often building a new nest for a second or even third brood of the season. The sight of a fledgling hopping on the ground should not be mistaken for abandonment. The total process, from egg laying to the young cardinal achieving full independence, lasts approximately six to eight weeks.