How to Identify a Cardinal

Cardinals live in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest regions of the United States, and remain stationary all year round. You can identify a cardinal by comparing the characteristics of this bird against other birds in the area.

Things You'll Need

• Binocular

Instructions

1. Listen for the call of the Cardinal. These birds emit sustained whistles that resonate louder than most bird calls in North America.

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.

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.

4. Watch the bird's beak. Cardinals have a cone-shaped beak with a red hue that is unique among North American birds.

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.

6. Focus on the bird's face. Cardinals have a black face mixed with red or tan.

7. Explore small trees and shrubs to find cardinals. Cardinals nest in isolated areas with many branches to ensure protection against competing birds.

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.

9. Investigate the nest to confirm your identification. Cardinals typically lay five eggs at a time, although older female cardinals produce smaller broods.

10. Note behavior to determine gender. Male cardinals will aggressively defend the nest and the area surrounding baby cardinals.