What Is the North Carolina State Bird?

The official state bird of North Carolina is the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Designated in 1943, this vibrant red songbird has become a beloved symbol across the Tar Heel State, frequently appearing in regional art, sports team emblems, and backyard birdwatching lists. Known for its striking plumage and melodious call, the Northern Cardinal stands out not only as a cultural icon but also as a common and ecologically significant species throughout North Carolina’s diverse habitats. This makes what is NC state bird a question that bridges natural history, civic pride, and ornithological interest.

Historical Background: How the Cardinal Became North Carolina’s State Bird

The journey to selecting the Northern Cardinal as North Carolina’s official state bird began in the early 20th century, during a broader national movement to adopt state symbols. States were choosing floral emblems, birds, trees, and songs to reflect regional identity and natural heritage. In North Carolina, several birds were considered, including the mockingbird and the bobwhite quail, both of which had strong support due to their prevalence and cultural resonance.

However, the Northern Cardinal gained favor for several reasons. First, it is a year-round resident, meaning it does not migrate and can be observed in every season. Second, its bright red feathers—especially in males—are visually striking and easily recognizable, making it ideal for symbolic representation. Third, its pleasant, whistling song adds an auditory dimension to its appeal.

In 1943, after years of advocacy by schoolchildren, birdwatching clubs, and conservation organizations, the North Carolina General Assembly officially adopted the Northern Cardinal as the state bird through House Bill 825. The decision aligned with similar choices in other states; today, the Northern Cardinal holds the distinction of being the state bird of seven U.S. states—the most of any single species—including Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois.

Biological Profile of the Northern Cardinal

To fully understand why the Northern Cardinal was chosen—and why it remains such a prominent figure in North Carolina culture—it's important to examine its biological characteristics.

Physical Traits

Male Northern Cardinals are known for their brilliant crimson plumage, black face mask, and prominent crest. Females, while less flamboyant, display warm tan or olive tones with reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest. Both sexes share a distinctive cone-shaped, coral-red bill adapted for cracking seeds—a key part of their diet.

Size-wise, cardinals measure between 8 to 9 inches in length with a wingspan of about 10 to 12 inches. They typically weigh between 1.4 to 1.7 ounces (40–48 grams), placing them in the mid-size range among songbirds.

Habitat and Distribution in North Carolina

Northern Cardinals thrive in a variety of environments, including woodland edges, suburban gardens, shrublands, and riparian zones. In North Carolina, they are found statewide—from the coastal plains and Piedmont region to the lower elevations of the Appalachian Mountains. Their adaptability to human-modified landscapes has contributed to population stability and even growth over recent decades.

Unlike many bird species that retreat from urbanization, cardinals often flourish near homes, especially where native shrubs, bird feeders, and water sources are available. This coexistence enhances public visibility and emotional connection, reinforcing their status as a state symbol.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Cardinals are primarily granivorous, meaning they eat seeds. Sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn are among their favorites. They will also consume fruits, berries, and insects, particularly when feeding young during breeding season.

For birdwatchers and homeowners hoping to attract cardinals, offering food in platform or hopper feeders works best, as these birds prefer open feeding spaces over tube-style feeders. Placing feeders near dense cover like holly bushes or evergreen trees gives cardinals a sense of safety from predators such as hawks and domestic cats.

Vocalizations and Mating Habits

One of the most distinctive features of the Northern Cardinal is its complex song. Males sing loudly from high perches to defend territory and attract mates. Songs consist of a series of clear, whistled notes—often described as sounding like “cheer-cheer-cheer” or “what-cheer, what-cheer.”

Interestingly, female cardinals also sing, which is relatively rare among songbirds. Their songs tend to be longer and more variable than those of males and are often performed from the nest, possibly to communicate with their mate or signal needs such as food delivery.

Cardinals form monogamous pairs that may stay together for multiple seasons. Nesting occurs in dense shrubs or small trees, usually within 1 to 15 feet off the ground. The female builds the cup-shaped nest using twigs, bark strips, grasses, and leaves, then lays 2 to 5 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts about 12 to 13 days, and both parents feed the hatchlings until they fledge at around 9 to 11 days old.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beyond its biological traits, the Northern Cardinal carries deep cultural meaning in North Carolina and across the United States. It is often associated with vitality, hope, and spiritual presence. Many people interpret seeing a cardinal as a sign from a loved one who has passed away—a belief rooted in Native American folklore and perpetuated through modern storytelling.

In sports, the cardinal motif appears prominently. While not directly tied to the state bird, the University of Louisville’s athletic teams are named the Cardinals, and their logo influences regional visual culture. Within North Carolina, local high schools, parks, and community events frequently use the cardinal image to represent energy, resilience, and local pride.

The bird also plays a role in seasonal celebrations. Because it retains its red plumage year-round—even in winter snow—it is often featured in Christmas cards and holiday decorations, symbolizing joy and continuity amid cold months.

How to Spot the Northern Cardinal in North Carolina

Observing the Northern Cardinal in the wild is accessible to beginners and experienced birders alike. Here are practical tips for increasing your chances:

• Visit at dawn or dusk: Cardinals are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours when they forage for food.
• Listen for their song: Their loud, repetitive whistles are easier to detect than sight, especially in wooded areas.
• Look in backyards and parks: Suburban neighborhoods with mature landscaping offer ideal habitat.
• Use binoculars: A good pair (8x42 magnification recommended) helps distinguish field marks like the crest and facial pattern.
• Install a bird feeder: As mentioned, sunflower seeds in platform feeders attract cardinals reliably.

Popular birding locations in North Carolina where cardinals are commonly seen include:

• Joyner Park in Wake Forest
• Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve
• Duke Forest in Durham
• Umstead State Park
• Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Common Misconceptions About the NC State Bird

Despite its popularity, several myths surround the Northern Cardinal. Clarifying these helps ensure accurate understanding:

Misconception	Fact
The cardinal migrates south for winter.	No, cardinals are non-migratory and remain in North Carolina all year.
All cardinals are red.	Only males have bright red feathers; females are tan with reddish highlights.
Cardinals are rare or endangered.	They are common and widespread, with stable populations.
The cardinal was always North Carolina’s state bird.	It was officially adopted in 1943—earlier proposals favored other species.