How to Know If You See a Female Cardinal
Many people love watching the bright red male cardinal, but what about the female cardinal? She’s not as colorful as the male, but she is still very pretty and special. In this guide, we will help you learn how to recognize female cardinals, understand what makes them different, and find out some cool things they do. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to know to spot and enjoy these lovely birds when they come to your feeder.
What Does a Female Cardinal Look Like?
Female cardinals look different from male cardinals. Here’s what to look for:
Key Features of a Female Cardinal:
| Feature | What It Looks Like on a Female Cardinal |
|---|---|
| Body Color | Tan or light brown with red on wings, tail, and top of the head |
| Face Mask | A black or gray color around the eyes and beak, but lighter than the male’s |
| Crest | A pointy bunch of feathers on top of the head, often with red in it |
| Beak | Thick, orange-red beak, just like the male’s |
| Size | About 8-9 inches long, with a wingspan (how far the wings spread) of 9-12 inches |
Males are all red, but females have brown feathers, which help them blend into trees and bushes. Their red spots, like on the wings or tail, make them easy to spot once you know what to look for.
Why Are Female Cardinals Brown Instead of Red?
The reason female cardinals are brown is to help them stay safe. Their brown feathers make it easier for them to hide, especially when they are sitting on a nest.
Male cardinals are bright red because they need to stand out. The red feathers help them find a mate and tell other birds to stay away from their space. The brighter a male cardinal is, the healthier he is, which makes females want to choose him as a mate.
How to Tell the Difference Between Male and Female Cardinals
The easiest way to tell if a cardinal is male or female is by looking at their colors. But if you see both together, here are some other clues:
| Characteristic | Male Cardinal | Female Cardinal |
|---|---|---|
| Plumage (Feathers) | Bright red all over | Brownish-tan with red spots on wings, crest, and tail |
| Face Mask | Bold black mask around eyes and beak | Lighter black or gray mask around eyes and beak |
| Behavior | More aggressive, especially about keeping territory | Quieter and more relaxed, especially when nesting |
| Singing | Both males and females sing, but males sing more | Females also sing, but mostly when sitting on the nest |
What is a female cardinal bird?
A female cardinal is a bird that is part of the cardinal species. Unlike the bright red male cardinal, the female has soft brown feathers with some red on her wings, tail, and head. She has a thick, orange-red beak and a black or gray mask around her eyes. Female cardinals are beautiful in their own way, even though their colors are more muted than the male’s.
What Do Young Cardinals Look Like?
Baby cardinals, called juveniles, look different from the grown-up birds. Whether they’re male or female, young cardinals look more like the female birds when they’re little, with brown feathers and no bright red color.
- Young Male Cardinals: Young males look like females at first, but as they grow, they start getting their red feathers.
- Young Female Cardinals: Young females look a lot like adult females, but their colors are even lighter, and their beaks might be black or gray before turning orange-red as they grow up.
Why Do Male Cardinals Sing More Than Female Cardinals?
Male cardinals sing more often because they use their song to mark their territory and attract a mate. Females sing too, but they sing more quietly and usually while sitting on their nest to communicate with their mate. Singing is important for cardinals to help them work together and protect their area.
Do Cardinals Stay Together for Life?
Many people believe that cardinals stay with one partner for life, but that’s not always true. Research shows that some pairs may stay together for years, but 20% of pairs split up during the breeding season, and 10% more separate during winter.
Even if they break up, cardinals usually stay in the same area and find a new mate quickly. Still, lots of pairs do stay together year after year and raise baby birds together.
How Male and Female Cardinals Work as a Team
One of the cool things about cardinals is how males and females work together, especially when it’s time to make a nest and raise their babies. They share the work in taking care of their young.
How Cardinals Take Care of Their Nest:
| Role | What the Male Cardinal Does | What the Female Cardinal Does |
|---|---|---|
| Building the Nest | Helps pick the location and might help a little | Builds the nest using twigs, leaves, and other soft things |
| Sitting on the Eggs | Feeds the female while she stays on the eggs | Sits on the eggs to keep them warm for 11-13 days |
| Feeding the Babies | Both parents help feed the babies once they hatch | Stays in the nest to keep the babies warm and fed |
Can a Cardinal Be Both Male and Female?
Sometimes, a cardinal can be both male and female. This is called bilateral gynandromorphism, which means the bird has red feathers on one side of its body (male) and brown feathers on the other side (female). This happens because of a special genetic mix-up when the bird is growing inside the egg. It’s very rare, but if you ever see one, it’s a pretty amazing sight!
Birds That Look Like Female Cardinals
Some birds can look a little like female cardinals. Here’s how you can tell the difference between them.
Birds That Look Like Female Cardinals:
| Bird Species | How It Looks Like a Female Cardinal | How It’s Different |
|---|---|---|
| Pyrrhuloxia | Same shape and size, with a crest | More gray in color, with a shorter crest |
| California Towhee | Brown body, similar size | No red spots or crest |
| Cedar Waxwing | Brown color on the body | Sleeker feathers, with yellow on the tail and no crest |
How to Attract Female Cardinals to Your Yard
Want to see more female cardinals at your feeder? Here are some easy tips to bring them to your yard:
1. Give Them Their Favorite Food
Cardinals love seeds, especially sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. Use a sturdy bird feeder that has a big perch, so they can sit comfortably while eating.
2. Give Them Water
Birds need water to drink and take baths. Putting a bird bath in your yard is a great way to attract cardinals. Keep it clean and full of fresh water so they keep coming back.
3. Plant Trees and Shrubs
Cardinals love places with bushes and trees where they can hide and build nests. Plant native shrubs and trees like dogwood, holly, or mulberry to make your yard a safe and cozy home for cardinals.
Fun Facts About Female Cardinals
Here are some fun facts that make female cardinals even more interesting:
- They Stay Year-Round: Cardinals don’t fly away in winter, so you can see them at your feeder all year.
- They Sing: Both males and females sing. Males sing more, but you can hear both early in the morning with their happy, whistling songs.
- They’re Social: Cardinals like to hang out in pairs or with family groups, especially when they’re not nesting.
Common Questions About Female Cardinals
1. Do Female Cardinals Have Red Feathers?
Yes! Female cardinals have red feathers, but only on parts of their wings, tail, and head. Most of their body is brown to help them blend in.
2. How Can You Tell a Female Cardinal from a Male?
The best way to tell them apart is by their color. Males are all red, and females are brown with some red accents.
3. Are Female Cardinals Aggressive?
Female cardinals are less aggressive than males, but they can be protective of their nests, especially when they’re raising babies.
4. Do Female Cardinals Sing?
Yes, female cardinals do sing. While males sing more often, females usually sing quietly while on the nest to talk to their mate.
5. Why Do Female Cardinals Visit Bird Feeders?
Female cardinals come to feeders to find food, just like the males. They especially love sunflower seeds, so providing those will keep them coming back.
6. What’s the difference between a male and female cardinal?
The biggest difference is their color. Male cardinals are bright red all over, while female cardinals are mostly brown with some red accents. Males also tend to be more aggressive and sing more to defend their territory, while females are quieter, especially when nesting. Both have a black mask on their face, but the male’s is darker.
7. Is a cardinal bird both male and female?
Most cardinals are either male or female, but there are rare cases where a cardinal can be both. This condition is called bilateral gynandromorphism, where one side of the bird is male (red feathers) and the other side is female (brown feathers). It happens because of a genetic mix-up while the bird is developing.
8.Can cardinals be intersex?
Cardinals can sometimes be intersex, but this is extremely rare. In these cases, the bird shows both male and female traits, like having red feathers on one side and brown on the other. This happens because of genetic differences that occur during development in the egg.
Conclusion
Male cardinals may be famous for their bright red feathers, but female cardinals are just as special. With their soft brown feathers and pretty red accents, they’re a joy to watch. By learning how to identify female cardinals and knowing their behaviors, you’ll enjoy watching them even more when they visit your feeder.
With a few simple changes to your yard—like offering the right food and a safe place to nest—you can attract more cardinals and enjoy their company all year long!