Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Photo: GeorgeB2 · Pixabay · Pixabay Content License (licence)
Call and song
Recording 1
Recording 2
Recording 3
About the Northern Cardinal
Striking and familiar backyard bird throughout most of eastern North America; also occurs in the southwestern U.S. and fairly extensively in Mexico. Crest, large red bill, and long tail render this species distinctive even with a poor view. Male is entirely red with a black face. Female is brownish overall with redder wings and tail. Usually seen in pairs or small groups near dense cover, especially thickets near forest edges. Frequently visits bird feeders. Listen for high-pitched metallic chips and series of loud, sweet whistles.
Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made
Where it has been recorded
Recorded in 14 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.
