The northern cardinal is one of the most recognizable and common songbirds in North America. The bright red plumage of the male cardinal against the snowy winter landscape is a classic image. Female cardinals, however, often go unnoticed due to their more subdued coloring. Here we will explore what sets female cardinals apart and how to identify them.
Size and Shape
Male and female cardinals have the same distinctive shape and silhouette. Cardinals have a thick, cone-shaped bill that is perfect for cracking open seeds and nuts. Their heads appear large and rounded due to a crest that frequently lies flat. Cardinals have a long tail that they often flick open and closed.
Cardinals are medium-sized songbirds, measuring 21–23 cm (8.3–9 in) in length and weighing 45–53 grams (1.6–1.9 oz). Male and female cardinals are similar sizes, with males averaging slightly larger. The wingspan of cardinals measures 25–31 cm (9.8–12.2 in).
Plumage Color
While male cardinals sport bright red feathers covering most of their body, female cardinals have pale brown to olive-gray plumage. The soft, muted tones of the female cardinal’s feathers provide camouflage as she sits on the nest. While not as brilliantly colored as the males, female cardinals do have touches of sharp color in their plumage.
Female cardinals have a reddish-orange bill, which contrasts with the male’s bright red bill. The area around the base of their bill, called the loral area, is pink-orange. Their wings and tails are fringed with reddish accents. Female cardinals also have some reddish feathers on the crest, chin, and face.
Plumage Variations
Some female cardinals can have plumage that is more colorful than others. While most females are grayish-brown, some females can have tan, ochre, brick red, or even salmon-colored feathers. The degree of redness and brightness can vary significantly between individual females.
Young cardinals of both sexes resemble adult females. As they mature, males molt into their bright red adult plumage at around 1 year old. Females retain their subdued colors for life.
Identifying Markings
Besides subtle reddish hues, female cardinals have two prominent identification markings:
- Bright red triangle on the face: Adult females have a vivid red triangular patch on the face below the beak. This triangle stands out against the grayish feathers.
- Red accent patches on wings: When perched or flying, look for small neat triangular patches of red at the shoulders. These red epaulets are present on males and females.
Behaviors
Northern cardinals are active, noisy birds often seen visiting bird feeders. Males sing loudly and frequently to declare their territory and attract mates. Females sing as well, but more softly.
Female cardinals are harder to spot than males because of their coloring. However, during the breeding season you may catch a glimpse of a female cardinal gathering twigs for a nest or ferrying food to nestlings.
Cardinals form monogamous pair bonds that can last for many seasons. Male and female pairs often travel together. If you spot a grayish cardinal accompaned by a bright red mate, you’ve likely found a female northern cardinal.
Range and Habitat
The northern cardinal is abundant across eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Its range has expanded westward and northward in recent decades. Cardinals occupy a wide variety of habitats including gardens, parks, woodlands, swamps, and shrublands.
Similar Species
No other common backyard birds in its range look exactly like a cardinal. However, a few species may cause confusion with female cardinals at first glance:
- Female house finch – Smaller size with a shorter tail. Beak is more slender and pointed. Lacks the facial triangle.
- Female purple finch – Stockier shape and thicker bill. More coarse streaking on the underparts.
- Northern mockingbird – Slender shape. Long tail that is frequently flashed open and closed. Black wings lack red patches.
Fun Facts
Here are a few intriguing tidbits about female northern cardinals:
- Northern cardinals get their red color from pigments in their food, not from feathers. Carotenoids from berries, seeds, and insects are transformed into red pigments.
- Only the female builds the nest. She constructs a sturdy bowl-shaped nest from twigs, bark strips, vines, and grasses.
- A clutch contains 3 or 4 pale blue eggs with reddish-brown splotches.
- The male feeds the female while she incubates the eggs over a 12-13 day period.
- Both parents feed the young nestlings regurgitated seeds and insects.
Conclusion
While the male northern cardinal grabs your attention, observant birdwatchers will notice the subtler beauty of the female. Despite her plain plumage, she shares the same stocky shape, brilliant red accents, enthusiastic song, and active habits. Watch for her red facial triangle and wing patches to distinguish her from other backyard birds.