Northern Cardinals are a familiar sight across backyards in North America, recognized for their vibrant plumage and cheerful songs. These birds are common residents in various habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and suburban areas. Their widespread presence often sparks curiosity about their nesting behaviors and reproductive cycles.
Typical Clutch Size
A female Northern Cardinal typically lays a clutch of two to five eggs. Most often, a brood consists of three or four. These eggs are relatively small, measuring approximately 0.9 to 1.1 inches long and 0.7 to 0.8 inches wide.
Cardinal eggs display a range of colors, from off-white and pale bluish to greenish-white, buff, or ivory. They are usually marked with speckles or blotches of brown, gray, reddish, or purplish hues. These markings are often more concentrated around the larger end of the egg. The shell itself is smooth and may have a slightly glossy appearance.
Nesting Season and Frequency
The nesting season for Northern Cardinals typically spans from early spring (March or April) through late summer (August). A pair can raise multiple broods, and they commonly produce two to three per year, occasionally a fourth.
The incubation period usually lasts between 11 and 13 days. The female cardinal is primarily responsible for incubating the eggs, though the male will often bring her food. After hatching, the young cardinal chicks remain in the nest for about 9 to 11 days before they fledge, meaning they are ready to leave. The male parent often takes over feeding the fledglings, allowing the female to begin preparations for the next brood.
Nest Construction and Location
Northern Cardinals construct cup-shaped nests, typically well-hidden within dense vegetation like dense shrubs, small trees, or tangles of vines. Nests are usually placed 3 to 10 feet off the ground.
The female cardinal undertakes most of the nest building, though the male may assist by bringing materials. Construction takes three to nine days. The nest is crafted from materials like coarse twigs, grass, leaves, and strips of bark for the outer structure. The interior is then lined with finer materials such as rootlets, fine grasses, pine needles, and sometimes animal fur for comfort. The female shapes the nest by pressing her body against the materials, creating its distinctive cup form.