How to identify the Northern Cardinal

To correctly identify the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

21-23 cm (8.3-9.1 in)

Wingspan

25-31 cm (9.8-12.2 in)

Weight

33-65 g (1.2-2.3 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Male: Brilliant crimson red over most of the body, with a black mask around the bill extending to the eyes. Wings and tail are slightly duller red. Female: Dull reddish-brown overall, with reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest. The face mask is grayish to blackish. Both sexes have a prominent crest and a thick, conical bill.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Thick, conical, and bright coral-red to orange-red in both sexes.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark pinkish-brown to grayish-brown.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Prominent crest on the head, thick conical bill, and a black mask around the bill (more extensive in males).

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are dull brown overall, with a dusky bill and a shorter crest. They gradually acquire adult plumage, with males showing patches of red as they mature.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes; they retain their coloration year-round.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Highly sexually dimorphic. Males are almost entirely bright red, while females are predominantly reddish-brown with red accents.

Key field marks

• Coloration (Male). Look for the unmistakable brilliant crimson red plumage covering almost the entire body, including the crest.
• Coloration (Female). Observe the reddish-brown body with reddish highlights on the wings, tail, and crest. The overall impression is warm brown with red accents.
• Crest. Both sexes possess a prominent, pointed crest on their head, which can be raised or lowered depending on their mood.
• Bill. Note the thick, conical, and bright coral-red to orange-red bill, adapted for cracking seeds. This is a key feature for both sexes.
• Facial Mask. Identify the black mask around the bill and eyes, more extensive and contrasting in males, and grayish to blackish in females.
• Song. Listen for the loud, clear, whistling song, often described with phrases like 'cheer-cheer-cheer' or 'birdie-birdie-birdie'.

Explore the Northern Cardinal