Things You'll Need:
- Binocular
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Step 1
Listen for the call of the Cardinal. These birds emit sustained whistles that resonate louder than most bird calls in North America.
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Step 2
Note any tan birds in the area. The dull tan and brown of the female cardinal contrasts with the bright red plummage of the male cardinal for mating purposes.
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Step 3
Look for a crest at the top of a bird's head. One of the best known characteristics of a cardinal is a small crest of feathers emerging from the top of its head.
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Step 4
Watch the bird's beak. Cardinals have a cone-shaped beak with a red hue that is unique among North American birds.
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Step 5
View the wing span in flight to determine the age of the bird. Adult cardinals in flight have a wing span up to 12 inches.
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Step 6
Focus on the bird's face. Cardinals have a black face mixed with red or tan.
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Step 7
Explore small trees and shrubs to find cardinals. Cardinals nest in isolated areas with many branches to ensure protection against competing birds.
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Step 8
Note the number of juvenile cardinals in your area by looking at the color and size of their beaks. Young cardinals have a black beak that matches their black face, which changes into a red beak over time.
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Step 9
Investigate the nest to confirm your identification. Cardinals typically lay five eggs at a time, although older female cardinals produce smaller broods.
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Step 10
Note behavior to determine gender. Male cardinals will aggressively defend the nest and the area surrounding baby cardinals.
