The State Bird of Illinois is the Northern Cardinal

The state bird for Illinois is the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). This vibrant red songbird was officially designated as Illinois’ state bird in 1929, making it one of the earliest states to adopt the cardinal as a symbol. Known for its striking appearance and melodic call, the Northern Cardinal is not only a favorite among birdwatchers but also a culturally significant species across the Midwest. As a year-round resident of Illinois, the cardinal thrives in woodlands, suburban backyards, and urban parks, embodying resilience and natural beauty—qualities that resonated with state legislators nearly a century ago.

Historical Background: Why the Northern Cardinal Was Chosen

The decision to name the Northern Cardinal as Illinois’ official state bird emerged from a broader early 20th-century movement to celebrate native wildlife through symbolic representation. In 1928, schoolchildren across Illinois participated in a statewide vote organized by the Illinois Audubon Society and various educational institutions to select a representative bird. Thousands of students cast ballots, and the Northern Cardinal received the highest number of votes.

This grassroots campaign highlighted both public affection for the bird and growing environmental awareness during the Progressive Era. On August 1, 1929, Governor Len Small signed the legislation formally adopting the Northern Cardinal as the official state bird of Illinois—making Illinois the first state to enshrine the cardinal in this role, preceding other Midwestern states like Indiana and Ohio.

The timing was significant. The 1920s saw increasing concern over habitat loss and unregulated hunting, which had decimated many bird populations. By choosing a non-migratory, widely seen species like the cardinal, Illinois sent a message about conservation and civic pride. Unlike more elusive or seasonal birds, the cardinal's consistent presence made it an accessible emblem for residents of all ages.

Biological Profile of the Northern Cardinal

To fully appreciate why the Northern Cardinal is such a fitting symbol for Illinois, it’s important to understand its biological characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
• Family: Cardinalidae
• Average Length: 8–9 inches (21–23 cm)
• Wingspan: 10–12 inches (25–31 cm)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years in the wild; up to 15 years in captivity
• Diet: Seeds, fruits, insects
• Habitat: Woodland edges, shrublands, gardens, urban areas

Male cardinals are unmistakable due to their brilliant crimson plumage and black facial mask around the bill. Females, while less flashy, display warm tan-brown feathers accented with reddish tinges on wings, tail, and crest. Both sexes possess a prominent crest and a strong, cone-shaped beak ideal for cracking seeds—a common sight at backyard feeders.

One unique trait of the Northern Cardinal is its vocal behavior. Males sing complex songs throughout the year to defend territory and attract mates. Interestingly, females also sing—often while on the nest—which is relatively rare among North American songbirds. Their calls include clear whistles like “what-cheer, what-cheer” or “purty, purty, purty,” making them easily identifiable even when hidden in foliage.

Range and Distribution Across Illinois

The Northern Cardinal is a permanent resident throughout Illinois, found in every county. It does not migrate, allowing residents to enjoy its presence in all seasons. However, local abundance varies based on habitat quality and food availability.

In northern Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area, cardinals are commonly spotted in forest preserves, cemeteries, and residential neighborhoods with mature trees and dense shrubs. Central Illinois, dominated by agricultural land, still supports healthy populations where hedgerows, fencerows, and riparian corridors provide shelter. Southern Illinois, with its mix of deciduous forests and wetlands, offers particularly favorable conditions, especially in regions like the Shawnee National Forest.

Urbanization has generally benefited the cardinal, as human-altered landscapes often mimic its preferred edge habitats. Suburban developments with ornamental plantings, bird feeders, and evergreen cover have expanded suitable living space for this adaptable species.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beyond its biological attributes, the Northern Cardinal carries deep cultural resonance in Illinois and beyond. Its bright red color has long been associated with vitality, passion, and spiritual renewal. In Native American traditions, red birds were sometimes viewed as messengers between worlds. While no specific tribal legend from the Illiniwek Confederacy directly references the cardinal (as they historically inhabited areas where cardinals were rare), modern interpretations often embrace the bird as a symbol of hope and perseverance.

In contemporary culture, the cardinal appears frequently in art, literature, and sports. The St. Louis Cardinals MLB team—though based just across the river in Missouri—has influenced regional identity, reinforcing the bird’s association with strength and tradition. Locally, schools, parks, and community organizations in Illinois often use the cardinal in logos and emblems.

Many people report seeing cardinals during emotionally significant moments—after the loss of a loved one, during periods of personal transition, or in times of reflection. Though these experiences are subjective, they underscore the bird’s psychological impact and enduring place in collective consciousness.

How to Attract Northern Cardinals to Your Yard

If you live in Illinois and wish to observe the state bird up close, there are several proven strategies to make your yard more attractive to Northern Cardinals:

1. Provide Food Sources: Use platform feeders or large hopper feeders filled with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet. Cardinals prefer feeding on the ground or on broad platforms rather than clinging to tube feeders.
2. Offer Shelter: Plant native shrubs and small trees such as dogwood, hawthorn, viburnum, and eastern red cedar. These provide nesting sites and protection from predators.
3. Install Water Features: A shallow birdbath with gently sloping sides encourages drinking and bathing. Heated baths can be especially effective in winter months.
4. Maintain Year-Round Habitat: Avoid excessive pruning in late spring and summer when cardinals are nesting. Leave leaf litter and brush piles in quiet corners of the yard.
5. Limit Chemical Use: Pesticides reduce insect populations that cardinals rely on to feed their young. Opt for organic gardening practices whenever possible.

Patience is key. Once cardinals discover a reliable food and water source, they tend to return regularly and may even establish breeding territories nearby.

Common Misconceptions About the Northern Cardinal

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

• Misconception 1: Cardinals are only found in rural areas. False. They thrive in cities and suburbs, provided basic needs are met.
• Misconception 2: All red birds in Illinois are male cardinals. Incorrect. Other species like House Finches and Purple Finches also exhibit red coloring, though usually duller and without the cardinal’s distinct crest.
• Misconception 3: Cardinals migrate south in winter. No. The Northern Cardinal is non-migratory and remains in Illinois year-round.
• Misconception 4: The cardinal was chosen because it appears in Illinois folklore. While culturally meaningful today, historical records show the selection was primarily driven by popularity and visibility, not mythological significance.

State Symbols and Conservation Implications

Designating the Northern Cardinal as the state bird has helped raise awareness about avian conservation in Illinois. While the species itself is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, broader threats such as window collisions, cat predation, and habitat fragmentation affect cardinal populations nationwide.

Illinois participates in national monitoring programs like the North American Breeding Bird Survey and Christmas Bird Count, which track cardinal numbers over time. Data indicate stable or slightly increasing trends within the state, suggesting that current conservation efforts—including urban greening and native landscaping—are having a positive effect.

Moreover, the cardinal’s status as a state symbol encourages citizens to engage with nature. Schools incorporate lessons about the bird into science curricula, and wildlife refuges offer guided bird walks focused on identifying cardinals and understanding their ecology.

Feature	Northern Cardinal	Comparison Species (American Robin)
Coloration	Male: Bright red; Female: Tan with red accents	Gray-brown upperparts, orange breast
Migration Pattern	Non-migratory	Partially migratory
Primary Diet	Seeds, fruits, insects	Earthworms, insects, berries
Vocalization	Clear whistled phrases; both sexes sing	Repeated caroling phrases; mostly males sing
Illinois State Symbol?	Yes – Official State Bird since 1929	No

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Illinois choose the Northern Cardinal as its state bird?
A: Illinois officially adopted the Northern Cardinal as its state bird on August 1, 1929.

Q: Is the Northern Cardinal found in all parts of Illinois?
A: Yes, the Northern Cardinal is present year-round in every county of Illinois, from urban centers to rural farmlands and forested regions.

Q: Can female Northern Cardinals sing?
A: Yes, unlike many songbird species, female Northern Cardinals frequently sing, particularly during nesting season, often communicating with their mates.

Q: How can I tell a Northern Cardinal apart from similar-looking birds?
A: Look for the cardinal’s distinctive crest, thick red bill, and overall shape. Males are uniformly red; females are tan with reddish wings and tail. The absence of streaking (unlike sparrows) helps distinguish it from other brown birds.

Q: Does any other state share the same state bird?
A: Yes. The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of six U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia—more than any other bird species.