The Northern Cardinal is recognized for its distinctive vocalizations, a familiar sound in many North American landscapes. This article explores the specific qualities of the male cardinal’s song, its purposes, and the best times and places to hear it.
The Male Cardinal’s Signature Song
The male Northern Cardinal produces a loud, clear, and whistling song that can carry across considerable distances. This song often consists of a string of down-slurred or two-parted whistles. It may also speed up towards the end, sometimes concluding with a slow trill. The duration of these songs typically ranges from two to three seconds.
Listeners often associate these distinct patterns with various mnemonic phrases. Common interpretations include sounds like “cheer, cheer, cheer,” “birdie, birdie, birdie,” or “purty, purty, purty.” Other recognized phrases are “what chew… what chew… what chew… chuchuchuchuchuchuchu” and “chewuh, chewuh, chewuh, chewuh, chewuh, chewuh.” The song’s pure tone and consistent whistling quality make it one of the more easily recognizable bird songs.
The Purpose Behind the Melody
Male cardinals sing primarily to attract a mate and to defend their territory. Their loud, clear whistles act as an advertisement, signaling their presence and strength to potential mates and rivals. A strong, vibrant song indicates a robust individual, establishing fitness and communicating availability to nearby females.
Singing also plays a significant role in territorial defense. The male’s song serves as an auditory boundary marker, warning other male cardinals to stay away from an already claimed area. While males are the more frequent and louder singers, female cardinals also sing, a behavior uncommon among many songbird species. Female songs are often softer and used for communication with their mate, particularly during courtship, pair bonding, and coordinating activities around the nest.
When and Where to Listen
The male cardinal’s song is most frequently heard during the spring and early summer, which is their primary breeding season. However, males can sing throughout the year, especially in areas with suitable habitat. Peak singing times occur early in the morning and later in the afternoon, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Cardinals can be found in various habitats, including backyards, parks, woodlands, and areas with dense shrubs and and bushes. They often sing from prominent perches, such as treetops or power lines, allowing their melodies to carry further. Cardinals also produce other sounds, such as a loud, metallic “chip” call, used for alarm or to communicate with their mate.