The Northern Cardinal is known for its distinct and far-reaching voice. Both the male and female of the species sing, which is an unusual trait among North American songbirds. The male’s vocalizations are important for communication and survival, ranging from complex, melodic songs to simple, sharp calls.
Description of the Male Cardinal’s Signature Song
The signature song of the male cardinal is a loud, clear whistle that carries a surprising distance. Ornithologists describe the quality of the sound as rich, clean, and metallic, lacking the buzzy or rough texture found in the songs of many other birds. The song is a complex series of phrases, typically lasting about two to three seconds in total.
The song involves the rapid repetition of a single, distinct element. Common phonetic interpretations include “cheer, cheer, cheer,” “birdie, birdie, birdie,” or “purty, purty, purty.” A single male cardinal may have a repertoire of several distinct song types, which he sings in bouts, repeating one type multiple times before switching to another.
The phrases often have a distinctive, slurred quality. They can accelerate toward the end, sometimes finishing with a slight trill or a rapid sequence of notes.
Understanding Cardinal Calls and Alarm Sounds
Separate from the melodic song, cardinals utilize a variety of functional calls for daily communication. The Northern Cardinal is known to have a repertoire of approximately 16 distinct calls, each serving a specific purpose. The most common is a sharp, metallic chip or tick note, used primarily as a contact call between mates to keep track of each other within dense cover.
Cardinals also use the chip note to signal a mild level of alarm or agitation. The urgency is conveyed by the speed of repetition; a single, spaced-out chip is a contact note, while a rapid series signals increased concern. For a more serious threat, such as a hawk flying overhead, a cardinal may emit a thin, whispery seet call. This call is difficult for predators to pinpoint but effective at alerting other nearby birds.
Seasonal and Contextual Singing Patterns
The male cardinal’s singing is directly tied to the breeding season, beginning in early spring and continuing through mid-summer. The primary functions of this vocalization are to establish and defend a breeding territory from rival males. The song also serves as a crucial signal to attract a mate, communicating the male’s fitness and availability.
Singing activity is most intense during the courtship phase and early nesting. The male often chooses a high, exposed perch to ensure maximum broadcast range. Cardinals are among the earliest birds to begin their chorus, often singing before sunrise and continuing their vocalizations late into the evening near sunset.
While the male is the primary singer, the female cardinal also sings. Female singing typically occurs during the spring before nesting begins, and sometimes while she is sitting on the nest. This vocalization is believed to help communicate with her mate, potentially encouraging him to bring food or remain nearby.