Northern Cardinals are a familiar sight in backyards across North America, recognized for their vibrant plumage and distinctive songs. Many people observe these birds and become curious about their life cycles, especially the early stages of their young. Understanding the development of baby cardinals, from their time in the nest to their first ventures into the world, provides insight into avian growth.
The Nestling Period
Northern Cardinal hatchlings spend a short but intensive period within their nests. After eggs hatch, typically 11 to 13 days after incubation, the tiny, helpless chicks emerge with their eyes closed, primarily capable only of opening their mouths for food. This initial phase sees rapid development; within days, their eyes open, and sparse, grayish down gives way to pin feathers, which are tube-like structures that develop into true feathers.
Baby cardinals are covered in soft, rust-brown feathers, showing a short tail and a hint of their characteristic crest by the time they are ready to leave the nest. This growth is fueled by both parent cardinals. They continuously bring insects and spiders to the nest, feeding their young frequently, sometimes as often as 11 times in an hour. The male often assists the female by bringing food to her during the initial days, and both parents actively feed the growing nestlings. This parental care ensures the nestlings receive the nutrition for swift development, allowing them to fledge, or leave the nest, approximately 9 to 11 days after hatching.
Life After the Nest
After departing the nest, baby cardinals enter the fledgling stage, a period where they are no longer confined but not yet fully independent. Fledglings typically leave the nest before they can fly proficiently, relying on their ability to hop, flit, and grip with their feet to navigate their surroundings. While they may appear clumsy or vulnerable on the ground or in low vegetation, this is a normal part of their development as they build strength and coordination.
Parent cardinals continue their dedicated care during this time, feeding their young and guiding them as they learn essential survival skills. They teach fledglings how to forage for food and improve their flight capabilities, often for several weeks after leaving the nest. This post-fledging parental care can extend from 25 days up to eight weeks, with the young birds gradually becoming more self-sufficient. During the first couple of weeks outside the nest, fledglings often remain hidden in dense vegetation while perfecting their flying skills.
When Baby Birds Need Help
Encountering a baby bird out of its nest requires distinguishing between one that needs assistance and one undergoing a normal developmental stage. Most baby birds found outside the nest do not require human intervention and have the best chance of survival when left with their parents. The first step is to determine if the bird is a nestling or a fledgling.
Nestling
A nestling is a very young bird, characterized by having few or no feathers, sparse down, or only pin feathers, and its eyes may be closed or partly closed. Nestlings are unable to hop or fly and are entirely dependent on their nest for warmth and safety. If you find an uninjured nestling on the ground, locate its nest in a nearby tree or bush and gently return the chick. It is a common misconception that parent birds will abandon their young if touched by humans; this is not true. If the nest cannot be found or is destroyed, a makeshift nest can be created using a small container with drainage holes and placed as close to the original site as possible.
Fledgling
A fledgling is a more developed young bird, fully or mostly feathered, capable of hopping, flitting, and gripping with its feet, and it may attempt short, wobbly flights. Fledglings are meant to be out of the nest, learning to fly and forage under the watchful eyes of their parents, who are usually nearby even if not immediately visible. In most cases, a fledgling found on the ground does not need help; simply observe from a distance and keep pets and children away from the area to avoid scaring the parents.
Intervention becomes necessary if the baby bird shows signs of injury, such as bleeding, broken bones, a drooping wing, or if it appears cold, listless, or unresponsive. A bird attacked by a cat or dog, even without visible wounds, requires immediate professional attention due to potential internal injuries. If you find a nestling whose parents are confirmed absent or deceased, or if the bird is in immediate danger (e.g., in a roadway), it needs help. In these situations, avoid attempting to feed or care for the bird yourself, as this can cause more harm. Instead, contact a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance and assistance.