What Is the NC State Bird? The Northern Cardinal Explained

The official state bird of North Carolina is the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), a vibrant red songbird recognized for its striking appearance and melodic calls. Designated as the state bird in 1943, the Northern Cardinal stands out not only for its beauty but also for its cultural significance and year-round presence across the Tar Heel State. This choice reflects both the bird’s widespread visibility and its symbolic resonance with North Carolinians. Understanding what is the NC state bird leads naturally into exploring its history, ecological role, and importance in regional identity.

Historical Background: How the Northern Cardinal Became North Carolina’s Symbol

The designation of the Northern Cardinal as North Carolina’s official state bird occurred on June 22, 1943, through a legislative act passed by the General Assembly. At the time, there was a growing movement across the United States for states to adopt official symbols that reflected local pride and natural heritage. Birds were particularly popular choices due to their visibility, accessibility, and emotional appeal.

North Carolina joined several other Eastern and Midwestern states—including Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and North Dakota—in selecting the Northern Cardinal as its avian emblem. What sets this decision apart is that no formal vote or public referendum was required; instead, lawmakers recognized the bird’s popularity among residents and its consistent presence throughout the state’s diverse landscapes.

Before the cardinal’s adoption, various native birds were informally celebrated in local folklore and school projects. However, the push for an official symbol gained momentum during the early 20th century, influenced by national trends in civic education and conservation awareness. By choosing a non-migratory species like the Northern Cardinal, legislators emphasized continuity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of North Carolina.

Why the Northern Cardinal Was Chosen

Several factors contributed to the Northern Cardinal being selected over other candidates such as the mockingbird, bobwhite quail, or even the wild turkey. These include:

• Year-Round Visibility: Unlike many migratory birds, cardinals reside in North Carolina throughout all seasons, making them familiar to residents in both rural and urban settings.
• Striking Appearance: The male’s bright red plumage and distinctive crest make it one of the most easily identifiable birds in the region.
• Pleasant Song: Cardinals are known for their clear, whistling calls, often heard at dawn and dusk, adding to their popularity among birdwatchers and nature lovers.
• Cultural Symbolism: Red has long been associated with vitality, passion, and strength—qualities aligned with state pride.
• Lack of Controversy: Compared to more predatory or game birds, the cardinal posed no ethical dilemmas related to hunting or habitat conflict.

Interestingly, while some states held schoolchildren contests to choose their state birds, North Carolina’s process was more administrative. Still, educators quickly embraced the cardinal as a teaching tool in biology and civics classes, reinforcing its status in public consciousness.

Biological Profile of the Northern Cardinal

To fully appreciate what is the NC state bird, it's essential to understand its biological characteristics and ecological niche.

Feature	Description
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 average; up to 15+ years recorded
Diet	Seeds, fruits, insects, suet
Nesting Season	March–August
Habitat	Woodlands, gardens, shrublands, suburban areas

One notable trait of the Northern Cardinal is sexual dimorphism—the males and females look distinctly different. Males boast brilliant crimson feathers with a black face mask around the bill, while females display a softer tan or olive hue with reddish tinges on wings and tail. Both sexes share the same prominent crest and strong conical beak adapted for cracking seeds.

Cardinals are monogamous and often form long-term pair bonds. They are also among the few songbirds where females sing—typically from the nest—possibly to communicate with mates or defend territory. Their songs consist of a series of clear, slurred whistles, sometimes described as sounding like “what-cheer, what-cheer” or “birdie-birdie-birdie.”

Range and Distribution in North Carolina

The Northern Cardinal thrives across all three major geographic regions of North Carolina: the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Mountains. It is especially common in edge habitats—areas where forests meet open fields or residential neighborhoods. Backyards with bird feeders, dense hedges, and evergreen cover provide ideal conditions for nesting and foraging.

While cardinals do not migrate, their range has expanded northward over the past century due to milder winters and increased availability of food sources (such as sunflower seeds provided at feeders). In North Carolina, they can be seen year-round, though they may become less vocal during late summer molting periods.

Urbanization has had a mixed impact on cardinal populations. On one hand, suburban development creates favorable edge environments. On the other, habitat fragmentation and outdoor cats pose significant threats. Conservation efforts focus on preserving green corridors and promoting bird-safe window practices.

Symbolic and Cultural Significance

Beyond its biological attributes, the Northern Cardinal carries deep symbolic meaning in North Carolina culture. For many residents, seeing a cardinal is considered a sign of hope, renewal, or even spiritual connection. Some interpret sightings as messages from departed loved ones—a belief rooted in Native American traditions and later reinforced in Christian symbolism.

The bird appears frequently in local art, literature, and sports branding. Notably, Wake Forest University’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Demon Deacons, but the university uses a cardinal mascot named “The C-Dawg.” High schools across the state also use the cardinal as a team name, further embedding it in community identity.

In addition, the cardinal features prominently in holiday imagery, especially during winter months when its red plumage contrasts vividly against snow-covered landscapes. Greeting cards, ornaments, and garden statues often depict cardinals, contributing to their iconic status.

How to Spot the NC State Bird: Tips for Birdwatchers

Whether you're a beginner or experienced birder, observing the Northern Cardinal in North Carolina is both rewarding and accessible. Here are practical tips:

1. Visit Early Morning or Late Afternoon: Cardinals are most active during dawn and dusk when they forage and sing.
2. Look in Suburban Yards and Parks: They frequent areas with dense shrubs, thickets, and trees near human habitation.
3. Listen for Their Song: Learn to recognize their varied whistled phrases. Use apps like Merlin Bird ID or Audubon Bird Guide to help identify calls.
4. Set Up a Feeder: Offer black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, or cracked corn. Platform or hopper feeders work best.
5. Provide Water and Shelter: A shallow birdbath and native evergreens (like hollies or pines) attract cardinals and support nesting.

When photographing cardinals, patience is key. Use camouflage clothing, avoid sudden movements, and consider using a telephoto lens. Because males are brighter, they’re easier to spot, but don’t overlook the subtler beauty of the female.

Conservation Status and Environmental Role

The Northern Cardinal is currently listed as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), thanks to its large population and wide distribution. However, localized declines have been noted due to pesticide use, window collisions, predation by domestic cats, and brood parasitism by brown-headed cowbirds.

In North Carolina, citizen science initiatives like the Christmas Bird Count and eBird help track cardinal numbers and distribution patterns. Data collected by volunteers show stable or slightly increasing trends statewide, indicating successful adaptation to changing landscapes.

Ecologically, cardinals play important roles as seed dispersers and insect controllers. During breeding season, they feed protein-rich insects to their young, helping regulate pest populations. In return, they rely on native plants such as dogwood, sumac, and pokeweed for food and shelter.

Common Misconceptions About the NC State Bird

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

• Misconception 1: “Cardinals are only found in the South.”
  Reality: While abundant in the Southeast, their range extends as far north as Maine and Ontario.
• Misconception 2: “Only males sing.”
  Reality: Females sing regularly, especially during nesting, and their songs are just as complex.
• Misconception 3: “They’re protected because they’re endangered.”
  Reality: Cardinals are not endangered; they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits harming or capturing them without a permit.
• Misconception 4: “All red birds in NC are cardinals.”
  Reality: Juvenile males, scarlet tanagers, and house finches can be confused with cardinals. Look for the crest and facial markings to confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did North Carolina adopt the Northern Cardinal as its state bird?

North Carolina officially adopted the Northern Cardinal as its state bird on June 22, 1943.

Is the cardinal the state bird of any other states?

Yes, the Northern Cardinal is the state bird of six other U.S. states: Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.

Do female Northern Cardinals have red feathers?

Yes, although much less vivid than males, females exhibit warm reddish tones on their wings, tail, and crest.

Can I keep a Northern Cardinal as a pet?

No. It is illegal under federal law to capture, possess, or sell native wild birds, including cardinals, without special permits.

How can I attract cardinals to my backyard in North Carolina?

Provide sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, water sources, and dense shrubbery. Avoid using pesticides and place feeders near cover to make birds feel safe.

In summary, understanding what is the NC state bird reveals more than just a factoid—it opens a window into North Carolina’s natural heritage, cultural values, and ongoing relationship with the environment. The Northern Cardinal remains a beloved symbol of beauty, resilience, and everyday wonder, enriching the lives of those who take a moment to notice its song.