The Northern Cardinal, with its striking plumage and distinctive song, is a familiar sight across much of North America, often bringing a vibrant splash of red to winter landscapes. Many observers notice a perceived decline in their presence during the warmer months, leading to questions about their whereabouts. While it might seem as though these beloved birds vanish, their summer activities are simply less conspicuous, involving a shift in focus and behavior that keeps them largely out of sight.
Understanding Cardinal Residency
Northern Cardinals are largely non-migratory, remaining in the same geographic area year-round across most of their range, from southeastern Canada through the eastern and central United States, and into parts of Mexico. This distinguishes them from migratory birds that travel south for winter.
While they do not undertake extensive seasonal migrations, cardinals may make short, localized movements in response to food availability or breeding needs. These movements are generally confined to a small area, often within a mile of where they were born. Their ability to adapt their diet and forage for various food sources allows them to remain in their territories.
Summer Behaviors and Habitat Use
During summer, Northern Cardinals focus on breeding and raising their young. Their breeding season extends from early spring through late summer, often involving multiple broods. Females build cup-shaped nests in dense shrubs, thickets, or vine tangles, usually 3 to 10 feet above the ground, providing cover for their eggs and nestlings.
Both parents forage for food and feed their rapidly growing chicks, which primarily consume protein-rich insects like caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. Adult cardinals also supplement their diet with summer food sources such as berries and seeds. The male often feeds fledglings from an earlier brood while the female prepares for the next nesting attempt.
Later in summer, cardinals undergo a complete annual molt, shedding old feathers and growing new ones. This energetically demanding process begins in July and continues through September. During this period, their feathers can appear patchy or disheveled as new ones emerge.
Reasons for Reduced Visibility
The perceived disappearance of Northern Cardinals in summer is due to several behavioral and environmental factors. Denser summer foliage provides ample cover, making these birds harder to spot. Nests are also strategically hidden within this dense vegetation to protect their young.
During the breeding season, parents exhibit more discreet behavior to avoid drawing attention to their nests and vulnerable young. This includes reduced vocalization by males, who sing less frequently than in spring once nesting is underway.
The abundance of natural food sources, such as insects, berries, and seeds, reduces their reliance on backyard bird feeders. Cardinals spend more time foraging in natural habitats rather than visiting visible feeding stations. The molting process also causes cardinals to become less active, spending more time resting and preening, further contributing to their lower visibility.