Northern Cardinals are a familiar and vibrant presence across Florida, known for their striking appearance and cheerful songs. These non-migratory birds bring a splash of color to diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to suburban gardens. Their year-round presence allows for continuous observation of their behaviors, including their reproductive cycle.
Florida’s Cardinal Breeding Season
Northern Cardinals in Florida begin breeding activities as early as February or March, extending through September. The mild Florida climate allows for an extended nesting period compared to cooler regions. Cardinals often raise multiple broods within a single season, producing two to four clutches of eggs. A pair may start a new nesting attempt even while the male is still caring for the fledglings from a previous brood.
The timing of this breeding season is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and the availability of food. As spring progresses, increasing temperatures and abundant insect populations provide the necessary resources for successful reproduction. Males become notably territorial during this time, actively defending their nesting areas through song and displays.
Nesting and Egg Characteristics
Female Northern Cardinals are primarily responsible for nest construction, though the male may bring materials. Nests are typically cup-shaped and well-hidden within dense shrubs, vines, or low trees, usually positioned between 3 to 10 feet above the ground. They are crafted from a variety of natural elements, including twigs, bark strips, leaves, and grass, often lined with finer materials like rootlets, pine needles, or animal fur for softness. Nests are approximately 2-3 inches tall and 4 inches across, with an inner diameter of about 3 inches, taking 3 to 9 days to build.
A female cardinal typically lays between two to five eggs per clutch, with three or four being common. These eggs are smooth and slightly glossy, displaying colors that range from whitish to pale bluish or greenish-white, sometimes with a tint of brown. They are marked with brown, gray, or reddish speckles, which are often more concentrated at the larger end of the egg. Each egg measures approximately 0.9 to 1.1 inches in length and 0.7 to 0.8 inches in width.
From Egg to Fledgling
Once the eggs are laid, the female cardinal undertakes most of the incubation, a period that typically lasts between 11 to 13 days. During this time, the male often brings food to the incubating female. Upon hatching, the nestlings are blind, mostly naked, and covered with sparse grayish down. Their skin may have a yellowish tint, and their beaks are initially grayish-black.
Both parents participate in feeding the hatchlings, primarily providing insects and spiders, which offer essential protein and hydration. The young birds grow rapidly, and they typically leave the nest, or fledge, within 9 to 11 days after hatching. After fledging, the young cardinals continue to be fed by their parents, particularly the male, for several weeks as they learn to forage independently.