What Is the State Bird of North Carolina?

The state bird of North Carolina is the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), a vibrant red songbird known for its striking appearance and melodic calls. Officially 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 selection reflects both biological relevance and symbolic resonance, making the cardinal a fitting emblem for North Carolina. As one of the most widely recognized birds in the eastern United States, the Northern Cardinal has become synonymous with regional identity, frequently appearing in local art, sports team logos (such as the St. Louis Cardinals), and seasonal imagery—especially during winter, when its bright plumage contrasts vividly against snow-covered landscapes.

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

The designation of the Northern Cardinal as North Carolina's official state bird was formalized through legislative action in 1943, though public sentiment favoring the species had been growing for decades prior. Before this decision, several other birds were informally considered representative of the state, including the Mockingbird and the Bobwhite Quail. However, the cardinal’s consistent visibility, distinctive coloring, and pleasant vocalizations gave it a strong advantage in public opinion polls and school voting initiatives that often preceded such designations in the early 20th century.

North Carolina was not alone in choosing the cardinal; by 1943, several other states—including Virginia, West Virginia, and later Kentucky and Illinois—had already adopted the same bird as their symbol. This regional consensus reinforced the idea that the Northern Cardinal embodied characteristics valued across the American South: resilience, clarity of voice, and natural elegance. The legislative process in North Carolina followed standard procedures for adopting state symbols, involving recommendations from educational institutions, wildlife organizations, and citizen input.

Biological Profile of the Northern Cardinal

To understand why the Northern Cardinal thrives in North Carolina, it helps to examine its biological traits and ecological preferences. Cardinalis cardinalis belongs to the family Cardinalidae and is a non-migratory, resident bird throughout much of the eastern and central United States. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have distinctly different appearances:

• Male Northern Cardinals: Bright crimson-red feathers over most of the body, with a reddish crest and black face mask around the eyes and bill.
• Female Northern Cardinals: More subdued in coloration, featuring tan, olive-brown, or grayish tones with hints of red on the wings, tail, and crest. They retain the characteristic crest and facial markings but lack the bold red of the males.

Both sexes possess a short, powerful conical beak adapted for cracking seeds, which makes up a significant portion of their diet. Their average length ranges from 8 to 9 inches (20–23 cm), with a wingspan of about 10–12 inches (25–30 cm). These birds typically live between 3 and 5 years in the wild, although some individuals have been recorded living over 15 years under optimal conditions.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

Northern Cardinals are omnivorous, primarily consuming seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. In backyard settings, they show a strong preference for sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet. They are frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially those offering platform or hopper-style designs where they can perch comfortably while feeding.

During breeding season (typically March through September), cardinals increase their intake of protein-rich foods like beetles, grasshoppers, snails, and spiders to support chick development. This dietary flexibility contributes to their adaptability across various habitats, from suburban gardens to woodland edges and riparian zones.

Vocalizations and Mating Habits

One of the most distinguishing features of the Northern Cardinal is its rich, whistled song. Both males and females sing—a rarity among songbirds—and their duets play an important role in pair bonding and territory defense. Songs usually consist of clear, repetitive phrases such as “what-cheer, what-cheer” or “birdie-birdie-birdie,” often delivered from high perches.

Courtship behavior includes male cardinals feeding seeds directly to females, a gesture known as courtship feeding. Pairs are generally monogamous and may remain together for multiple seasons. Nests are built low in shrubs or dense vegetation, constructed from twigs, grasses, bark strips, and lined with softer materials like hair or fine roots.

Habitat and Distribution in North Carolina

The Northern Cardinal is found statewide in North Carolina, from the coastal plains to the Piedmont and into the lower elevations of the Appalachian Mountains. It favors edge habitats—areas where forests meet open fields or human developments—which are abundant due to the state’s mix of rural, suburban, and urban environments.

Key habitat components include:

• Dense shrubbery for nesting and cover
• Proximity to water sources
• Availability of seed-bearing plants and supplemental feeders
• Moderate climate with mild winters (which suits their non-migratory nature)

Urbanization has actually benefited the cardinal in many areas, as residential landscaping often provides ideal food and shelter resources. Unlike many native species negatively impacted by development, the Northern Cardinal has adapted well to human-altered landscapes.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beyond its official status, the Northern Cardinal holds deep cultural meaning for many residents of North Carolina. In folklore and spiritual traditions, seeing a cardinal is often interpreted as a sign of hope, renewal, or communication from loved ones who have passed away. This belief is particularly common in Southern Appalachian culture, where stories describe cardinals as messengers between worlds.

The bird’s association with vitality and endurance stems partly from its ability to remain active and visible even in winter months when many other birds have migrated south. Its red plumage is frequently linked to fire, passion, and energy—qualities that resonate with state pride and personal perseverance.

In addition to folk symbolism, the cardinal appears in institutional branding. For example, numerous schools, parks, and community groups incorporate the bird into their names or logos. While North Carolina’s major sports teams do not use the cardinal as a mascot (unlike St. Louis), the bird remains a popular symbol in local media and conservation campaigns.

How to Spot and Attract Northern Cardinals in North Carolina

For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, observing Northern Cardinals in the wild is both accessible and rewarding. Here are practical tips for spotting and attracting them:

Best Times and Locations for Observation

• Time of Day: Early morning and late afternoon are peak activity periods.
• Seasonality: Cardinals are present year-round, but more easily seen in winter when foliage is sparse.
• Preferred Habitats: Look along forest edges, hedgerows, backyards with mature shrubs, and near streams or wetlands.

Backyard Attraction Strategies

Feature	Recommendation for Attracting Cardinals
Feeder Type	Platform or large tray feeders; avoid narrow tube feeders
Preferred Seeds	Sunflower (black oil), safflower, cracked corn, white proso millet
Water Source	Birdbath with shallow depth (2–3 inches) and nearby cover
Nesting Plants	Pyracantha, holly, viburnum, dogwood, clematis
Shelter	Dense evergreen shrubs or small trees within 10–15 feet of feeders

Comparison of State Birds in Southeastern U.S. States

State	State Bird	Year Designated	Notable Features
North Carolina	Northern Cardinal	1943	Bright red male; sings year-round
Virginia	Northern Cardinal	1950	Same as NC; widespread in suburbs
South Carolina	Carolina Wren	1948	Small brown bird; loud singer
Georgia	Brown Thrasher	1970	Known for complex songs; ground forager
Tennessee	Northern Mockingbird	1933	Mimics other birds; aggressive defender

Common Misconceptions About the Northern Cardinal

Despite its popularity, there are several myths surrounding the Northern Cardinal in North Carolina:

• Misconception 1: Only males sing. Reality: Females sing regularly, especially before nesting begins, and their songs help coordinate breeding activities.
• Misconception 2: Cardinals migrate. Reality: They are permanent residents and rarely travel far from their established territories.
• Misconception 3: Seeing a cardinal brings guaranteed good luck. Reality: While culturally meaningful, this is a personal or spiritual interpretation rather than a biological fact.
• Misconception 4: They are tropical birds. Reality: Though related to tropical grosbeaks and buntings, cardinals are well-adapted to temperate climates.

Conservation Status and Environmental Considerations

The Northern Cardinal is currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Populations are stable or increasing across most of its range, including North Carolina. However, potential threats include habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, window collisions, and predation by domestic cats.

Local conservation efforts focus on promoting bird-friendly communities through native plant gardening, reducing chemical inputs, and encouraging safe building practices (e.g., using patterned glass to prevent fatal strikes). Citizen science projects like the Christmas Bird Count and Project FeederWatch also provide valuable data on cardinal distribution and abundance trends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

The Northern Cardinal was officially designated as the state bird of North Carolina in 1943.

Do female Northern Cardinals have red feathers?

Yes, female Northern Cardinals often display touches of red or rust on their wings, tails, and crests, though their overall plumage is much duller than males’.

Can you keep a Northern Cardinal as a pet?

No. It is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to capture, possess, or sell native wild birds like the Northern Cardinal without federal permits.

Why is the Northern Cardinal associated with winter and holidays?

Because it remains active and highly visible in cold months, its red color evokes festive imagery, leading to frequent use in holiday cards and decorations.

Are there any similar-looking birds that might be confused with the Northern Cardinal?

Immature males and certain tanager species (like the Summer Tanager) may resemble cardinals, but the cardinal’s crest, thick bill, and distinct song make identification reliable with practice.