The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a familiar and striking presence across backyards and woodlands throughout eastern North America, instantly recognizable by the male’s bright red plumage. This non-migratory songbird is a favorite among birdwatchers. Observing the cardinal’s reproductive cycle offers a detailed look into parental care, from initial nest construction to the moment the eggs hatch.
Egg Laying and Clutch Size
Nesting activity for Northern Cardinals typically begins early, often starting in late winter or early spring, with the first clutch of eggs appearing around March or April. The female undertakes the majority of the nest construction, carefully weaving a cup-shaped structure over three to nine days using twigs, grasses, and bark strips. Nests are generally well-hidden in dense shrubs or low trees, usually positioned between three and ten feet off the ground.
A female lays one egg per day until the clutch is complete. The typical clutch size ranges from three to four eggs, though a pair may lay two to five eggs. Since cardinals do not migrate, they often raise multiple broods within a single breeding season, having two to four clutches between early spring and late summer. The female generally waits until the last egg is laid before beginning incubation.
The Incubation Period: The Hatching Timeline
The incubation period for Northern Cardinal eggs lasts 11 to 13 days, with 12 days considered the average. The female performs nearly all incubation duties, sitting on the eggs almost continuously to maintain the necessary temperature for embryonic development.
The male plays a supportive role by bringing food directly to the female and vigorously defending the territory. This feeding behavior allows the female to remain on the eggs for extended periods. Hatching is synchronized because the female waits to begin consistent incubation until the full clutch is present, ensuring all chicks emerge around the same time. Environmental factors, such as cold weather or nest disturbance, can sometimes slightly extend the timeline.
Post-Hatch Development: From Chick to Fledgling
Once incubation is complete, the altricial chicks emerge from the eggs, completely helpless, naked except for sparse down, and with their eyes closed. Both parents immediately begin feeding the nestlings a demanding diet of protein-rich insects and spiders to fuel rapid growth. The female broods the young for the first couple of days, keeping them warm until they can regulate their own body temperature.
The young cardinals spend a short amount of time in the nest before they fledge, which occurs only 9 to 11 days after hatching. This quick exit is a survival mechanism to reduce the risk of predation. After the young leave, the male often takes on the primary responsibility of feeding the fledglings for several weeks. This allows the female to begin constructing a new nest and lay her next clutch of eggs, maximizing reproductive success for the season.