Northern Cardinals are a familiar sight in backyards across North America, recognized by their striking coloration and distinctive songs. Understanding their nesting cycle reveals a fascinating aspect of their lives and reproductive habits. This complex journey spans from initial nest construction to the eventual independence of their offspring.
The Nesting Timeline
The nesting process for Northern Cardinals begins with nest construction, primarily undertaken by the female. This initial building phase typically spans 3 to 9 days, as she weaves together twigs, grass, and other plant materials to form a sturdy, cup-shaped nest. Once complete, the female lays her clutch of eggs, usually numbering between two and five.
Following egg-laying, the incubation period lasts approximately 11 to 13 days. During this time, the female remains on the nest, keeping the eggs warm until they hatch. After hatching, the young cardinals enter the nestling phase. These newly hatched chicks typically remain in the nest for about 7 to 13 days, with many fledging around 9 to 11 days after hatching.
What Happens During Nesting
During the nesting period, both male and female Northern Cardinals exhibit behaviors that ensure brood success. The female selects and constructs the nest, often in dense shrubs, small trees, or vine tangles, typically 3 to 10 feet above the ground. The male often brings nesting materials, though the female shapes the structure by pressing her body into it.
After the eggs are laid, the female primarily incubates them. The male brings food to the incubating female and defends the nesting territory. Once the eggs hatch, both parents feed the nestlings, providing a diet primarily consisting of insects. The young birds grow rapidly, leaving the nest even before they are strong fliers, often hopping and fluttering to nearby cover.
Multiple Broods and Post-Fledging Care
Northern Cardinals often have multiple broods within a single breeding season, which can extend from early spring through late summer. They typically raise two to three broods each year, and occasionally even four.
Once the young cardinals fledge, they are not immediately independent. The parents continue to provide care and feeding for 20 to 56 days after leaving the nest. During this post-fledging phase, the male cardinal often assumes primary responsibility for feeding and guiding the fledglings. This allows the female to begin building a new nest and lay a subsequent clutch of eggs, restarting the cycle. The fledglings gradually learn to forage for themselves and develop stronger flight skills under parental guidance before becoming fully independent.
Supporting Cardinal Nests
Individuals can support nesting Northern Cardinals by providing a suitable environment in their outdoor spaces. Planting dense shrubs, small trees, and vine tangles offers suitable locations for nest building, as cardinals prefer concealed nesting sites. Examples of preferred plants include dogwood, honeysuckle, hawthorn, and rose bushes. Ensuring a consistent supply of fresh water in a birdbath and offering appropriate food sources, such as black oil sunflower seeds, can also attract cardinals to a yard.
Minimizing disturbance around active nests is important. Avoid trimming bushes or trees during the breeding season to prevent accidental disruption. If a fledgling is found on the ground, it is best to observe from a distance rather than intervene, as the parents are usually nearby and continue to care for them. Intervene only if the fledgling is visibly injured or in immediate danger.