What Is the Indiana State Bird?

The official state bird of Indiana is the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Chosen for its vibrant red plumage, melodious song, and year-round presence across the state, the Northern Cardinal has been a symbol of Indiana's natural heritage since 1933. This iconic bird, known for its striking appearance and bold personality, is one of the most easily recognized species in North America and serves as the state bird not only in Indiana but in six other U.S. states, making it the most popular state bird in the nation. For anyone curious about what is the Indiana state bird, the answer lies in both biological significance and cultural pride.

History and Official Designation

The Northern Cardinal was officially adopted as Indiana’s state bird on March 25, 1933, when the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation to designate it as such. This decision came after a broader national movement in the early 20th century to select official state symbols that reflected regional identity and natural beauty. At the time, many states were choosing birds that were native, visually distinctive, and commonly seen by residents. The cardinal fit all these criteria perfectly.

Prior to its formal adoption, the cardinal had already gained popularity among Hoosiers. Its bright red feathers made it stand out during winter months, and its presence in backyards, woodlands, and suburban areas made it a familiar sight. Unlike migratory species, the cardinal remains in Indiana throughout the year, reinforcing its symbolic value as a constant and resilient part of the local ecosystem.

Why the Northern Cardinal Was Chosen

Several factors contributed to the selection of the Northern Cardinal as Indiana’s state bird:

• Year-round residency: Unlike many songbirds that migrate south for the winter, cardinals are non-migratory and can be observed in every season.
• Distinctive appearance: Male cardinals boast brilliant crimson feathers and a prominent crest, making them instantly recognizable.
• Pleasant vocalizations: Both males and females sing complex songs, with females often singing while incubating eggs—a rare trait among songbirds.
\li>Widespread distribution: Found in nearly every county in Indiana, from rural forests to urban parks.
• Cultural resonance: The bird’s color echoes the red of autumn leaves and holiday seasons, linking it to seasonal traditions.

These qualities made the Northern Cardinal a natural choice over other contenders like the American Robin or the Eastern Bluebird, which, while beloved, do not possess the same visual impact or consistent visibility.

Biological Profile of the Northern Cardinal

To fully understand what makes the Indiana state bird so special, it helps to examine its biological traits and ecological role.

Key Biological Facts About the Northern Cardinal

Scientific Name	Cardinalis cardinalis
Average Length	8–9 inches (21–23 cm)
Wingspan	10–12 inches (25–31 cm)
Weight	1.5–1.7 ounces (42–48 g)
Lifespan (wild)	3–5 years (up to 15 years recorded)
Diet	Seeds, fruits, insects
Habitat	Woodland edges, shrublands, gardens, suburban areas
Nesting Season	March–August
Eggs per Brood	2–5
Clutches per Year	1–4

The male Northern Cardinal is unmistakable with its vivid red body, black face mask, and pointed crest. Females, though less flashy, are equally elegant, displaying warm tan-brown feathers accented with reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest. Juveniles resemble females but lack the crest until maturity.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this species is that both males and females sing. Female cardinals use their songs to communicate with mates, often signaling when they need food while nesting. Their calls include clear whistles like “what-cheer, what-cheer” or “purdy, purdy, purdy,” which are especially common in spring and early summer.

Habitat and Distribution in Indiana

The Northern Cardinal thrives in a variety of habitats across Indiana. It prefers dense shrubs and thickets where it can nest safely and find cover from predators. Common locations include:

• Backyard gardens with bird feeders
• Forest edges and riparian zones
• Parks and golf courses
• Hedgerows and abandoned farmland
• Urban green spaces

Cardinals have adapted well to human-modified environments, benefiting from supplemental feeding and landscaping that provides shelter. They are now more abundant than they were a century ago due to habitat expansion and milder winters linked to climate change.

In Indiana, cardinals can be found in all 92 counties. While they are most numerous in central and southern regions, they have steadily expanded northward over the past few decades. This range shift reflects broader ecological trends affecting many bird species.

How to Spot the Indiana State Bird

If you're interested in observing the Northern Cardinal in its natural environment, here are some practical tips:

1. Visit at dawn or dusk: Cardinals are most active during early morning and late afternoon hours.
2. Listen for their song: Their clear, repetitive whistling is often the first clue to their presence.
3. Look near bird feeders: Cardinals favor sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. Tube or hopper feeders placed near trees or shrubs attract them regularly.
4. Scan dense vegetation: They tend to stay low in thickets rather than high in tree canopies.
5. Watch for flash of red: In winter, the male’s bright plumage stands out against snow-covered landscapes.

Binoculars and a regional field guide—such as the Sibley Guide to Birds or the Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America—can enhance your birdwatching experience. Mobile apps like Merlin Bird ID by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology also help identify cardinals by sight or sound.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

Beyond its biological attributes, the Northern Cardinal carries deep symbolic meaning in Indiana and across the United States. In Native American traditions, cardinals were seen as messengers between the living and the spirit world. Some believed that seeing a cardinal brought good luck or signaled a visit from a departed loved one.

In modern culture, the cardinal is associated with vitality, hope, and endurance. Its bright red feathers evoke passion and energy, while its ability to sing through cold winters symbolizes resilience. These themes resonate strongly in Indiana, where harsh weather and agricultural cycles shape daily life.

The cardinal also appears in local sports and institutions. For example, Indiana State University’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Sycamores, but nearby Ball State University uses the cardinal as its mascot. Additionally, the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team enjoys a strong fan base in southern Indiana, further embedding the bird in regional identity.

Conservation Status and Threats

The Northern Cardinal is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, this does not mean it faces no threats. Key challenges include:

• Habitat loss: Urban development reduces available nesting sites and food sources.
• Window collisions: Cardinals frequently fly into glass windows, mistaking reflections for open space.
• Climate change: While warming temperatures may expand their range, extreme weather events can disrupt breeding cycles.
• Predation: Domestic cats, hawks, and snakes pose risks, especially to young birds and eggs.
• Disease: Outbreaks of avian conjunctivitis and salmonella at feeders can spread quickly among congregating birds.

To support cardinal populations, consider these conservation actions:

• Keep outdoor cats indoors.
• Clean bird feeders regularly with a 10% bleach solution.
• Use window decals to prevent collisions.
• Plant native shrubs like dogwood, sumac, and viburnum for natural cover and food.
• Provide fresh water in birdbaths.

Common Misconceptions About the Indiana State Bird

Despite its fame, several myths persist about the Northern Cardinal:

• Misconception: Cardinals migrate south in winter.
  Reality: They are permanent residents in Indiana and do not migrate.
• Misconception: Only male cardinals sing.
  Reality: Females sing frequently, particularly during nesting season.
• Misconception: Seeing a cardinal always means good luck.
  Reality: While culturally significant, there is no scientific basis for supernatural interpretations.
• Misconception: Cardinals are rare.
  Reality: They are among the most commonly reported backyard birds in the eastern U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Indiana adopt the Northern Cardinal as its state bird?

Indiana officially designated the Northern Cardinal as its state bird on March 25, 1933.

Is the Northern Cardinal found only in Indiana?

No, the Northern Cardinal is native to much of the eastern and central United States, including Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee. It is also the state bird of Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Do female Northern Cardinals have red feathers?

Yes, though less vividly than males. Female cardinals display reddish highlights on their wings, tail, and crest, set against a buff-brown body.

What should I feed Northern Cardinals in my backyard?

Cardinals prefer sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, and white proso millet. Use platform or large hopper feeders for best results.

Can I attract cardinals to my yard in Indiana?

Yes. Provide dense shrubbery for cover, install a reliable seed feeder, and maintain a clean birdbath. Avoid using pesticides that reduce insect availability, an important food source for nestlings.

In summary, understanding what is the Indiana state bird goes beyond simply naming the Northern Cardinal. It involves appreciating its historical designation, biological uniqueness, ecological adaptability, and enduring cultural symbolism. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a casual observer, spotting this vibrant red songster in Indiana’s woodlands or your own backyard connects you to a shared natural legacy that continues to inspire wonder and stewardship.