The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a familiar and striking presence across North America, recognizable by the male’s vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest. As a non-migratory species, their presence is captivating during the breeding season. Many observers are curious about the timeline of their secretive nesting process, especially the relatively short duration a parent spends sitting on its eggs. Understanding this reproductive cycle offers a glimpse into the dedicated parenting strategies of this beloved songbird.
The Incubation Period
The period during which the cardinal sits on the nest to warm the eggs is brief, typically lasting between 11 and 13 days. This phase, known as incubation, requires the parent to maintain a consistent temperature for the developing embryos. The most common duration is 12 to 13 days, starting from when the last egg is laid until the young begin to hatch.
This short window minimizes the time the eggs are vulnerable to predators in the open, cup-shaped nest. The parent uses a specialized featherless area of skin, called a brood patch, to transfer body heat directly to the eggs. Maintaining consistent warmth is important, and the parent periodically shifts position and turns the eggs to ensure even development. While the two-week mark is a reliable general estimate, incubation can occasionally last up to 14 days.
Roles in Incubation and Clutch Size
The responsibility for incubation falls to the female cardinal. Her subdued, reddish-brown plumage helps her blend into the dense foliage surrounding the nest, offering protection while she remains stationary. She starts sitting on the eggs only after the entire clutch has been laid, which ensures the young hatch simultaneously.
The male cardinal plays a supporting role necessary for the female’s success. He is primarily responsible for bringing food to the female, feeding her directly on the nest. This dedication allows the female to maintain the required temperature without interruption. A typical clutch contains between two and five eggs, with three or four being the most common number.
From Hatching to Fledging
Once the eggs hatch, a new phase of parental care begins. The nestlings remain in the nest for an additional short period, generally lasting only 9 to 11 days. This rapid development is an adaptation to reduce the vulnerability of the young to nest predation.
During this nestling phase, both the male and female are involved in feeding the young, bringing them a diet mainly of protein-rich insects. Once the fledglings leave the nest, they remain dependent on their parents for food and protection for several weeks. The male often takes on the primary responsibility of feeding these young, allowing the female to begin building a new nest and lay a second or third clutch of eggs.