What Is the State Bird of North Carolina? The Northern Cardinal

The state bird of North Carolina is the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). Officially designated in 1943, this vibrant red songbird has long been a beloved symbol across the southeastern United States, and its adoption as North Carolina’s state bird reflects both its widespread presence and cultural significance. Known for its striking plumage and melodic call, the Northern Cardinal is not only a favorite among backyard birdwatchers but also a powerful emblem of resilience, vitality, and regional pride. As one of the most frequently searched topics in ornithological symbolism, understanding what is the state bird of North Carolina opens the door to deeper insights into local ecology, avian behavior, and the intersection between nature and civic identity.

History and Official Designation

The Northern Cardinal was officially named the state bird of North Carolina on June 22, 1943, through a legislative act passed by the General Assembly. This decision came after years of informal recognition and growing public affection for the species. Unlike some states that selected birds based on historical events or political symbolism, North Carolina's choice was largely driven by popularity and visibility. The cardinal is a year-round resident throughout the state, making it a familiar sight in forests, suburban gardens, and urban parks alike.

Prior to 1943, there was no official state bird, though various organizations and schoolchildren had campaigned for formal recognition of native species. The Audubon Society and other conservation groups played an influential role in advocating for the cardinal, emphasizing its non-migratory habits, distinctive appearance, and pleasant vocalizations. Its selection also aligned with broader regional trends—by the mid-20th century, several neighboring states, including Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, had already adopted the Northern Cardinal as their own state bird.

Why the Northern Cardinal?

Several factors contributed to the Northern Cardinal becoming North Carolina’s state bird. First and foremost is its visual appeal. Male cardinals display brilliant crimson feathers, a crest atop their heads, and a bold black face mask, making them instantly recognizable even to casual observers. Females, while more subdued in coloration—showing tan to olive hues with reddish tinges on wings and tail—are equally graceful and often spotted feeding alongside males.

Beyond aesthetics, the Northern Cardinal embodies qualities many associate with strength and endurance. It does not migrate, meaning it can withstand cold winters and continues to sing throughout the year—a trait symbolic of perseverance. In folklore and spiritual traditions, cardinals are often seen as messengers from loved ones who have passed, adding emotional depth to their presence in backyards and woodlands.

From a biological standpoint, the Northern Cardinal is well adapted to human-modified environments. It thrives in edge habitats—areas where forests meet open spaces—and readily visits bird feeders, especially those offering sunflower seeds. This adaptability made it a natural candidate for statewide representation, reflecting harmony between nature and community life.

Biological Profile: Understanding the Species

To fully appreciate why the Northern Cardinal was chosen as North Carolina’s state bird, it helps to understand its scientific characteristics:

• Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
• Family: Cardinalidae
• Length: 8–9 inches (21–23 cm)
• Wingspan: 10–12 inches (25–31 cm)
• Lifespan: Average 3 years in the wild; up to 15 years in captivity
• Diet: Primarily seeds, fruits, and insects
• Vocalization: Loud, clear whistled phrases such as "what-cheer, what-cheer" or "birdie-birdie-birdie"

One notable feature of the Northern Cardinal is sexual dimorphism—males and females look markedly different. However, both sexes share the same strong conical bill, ideal for cracking seeds, and the prominent head crest used in communication and display. They are monogamous during breeding seasons and sometimes maintain pair bonds across multiple years.

Nesting typically occurs in dense shrubs or small trees, with the female constructing a cup-shaped nest from twigs, grass, and bark fibers. She lays 2–5 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about 12–13 days. Both parents participate in feeding the young, a behavior that enhances survival rates in suburban landscapes.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

The Northern Cardinal holds deep cultural resonance beyond its official status. In Native American traditions, red birds were often associated with energy, passion, and the life force. Some tribes believed seeing a cardinal brought good fortune or signaled important messages from the spirit world.

In modern times, the cardinal has become a popular motif in art, jewelry, greeting cards, and sports branding. The St. Louis Cardinals baseball team shares its name and logo with the bird, further amplifying its iconic status. In North Carolina, schools, businesses, and civic organizations frequently incorporate the cardinal into logos and emblems, reinforcing its symbolic value.

Many people report feeling comforted when spotting a cardinal, particularly after the loss of a family member. Though not scientifically proven, this belief persists widely and contributes to the bird’s revered place in personal and communal memory.

Where and When to See the State Bird

Because the Northern Cardinal is non-migratory, it can be observed in North Carolina all year round. However, certain seasons offer better viewing opportunities:

• Winter: With fewer leaves on trees and increased reliance on feeders, cardinals are easier to spot.
• Spring: Males sing frequently to establish territory and attract mates, making auditory detection common.
• Summer: Look for pairs nesting in thickets or hedges, especially near water sources.
• Fall: Juvenile birds begin appearing, identifiable by their grayish bills and lack of crest definition.

Prime locations for observing cardinals include national forests like Pisgah and Nantahala, state parks such as Jordan Lake and Umstead, and even residential neighborhoods with mature landscaping. Installing a seed feeder with black oil sunflower seeds significantly increases the chances of attracting these birds to private yards.

Season	Best Time to Observe	Tips for Spotting
Winter	Early morning to midday	Visit feeders; listen for calls in quiet woods
Spring	Dawn chorus (5–7 AM)	Follow singing males near forest edges
Summer	Late afternoon	Scan dense shrubbery near streams or gardens
Fall	Morning and evening	Watch for family groups moving through underbrush

Common Misconceptions About the State Bird

Despite its fame, several myths surround the Northern Cardinal in North Carolina:

• Misconception: The cardinal was chosen because it appears in early colonial records.
  Reality: There is no historical documentation linking cardinals to colonial-era symbolism in North Carolina.
• Misconception: Only male cardinals sing.
  Reality: Female cardinals also sing, particularly during nesting season, often from the nest to communicate with their mate.
• Misconception: Cardinals are rare or protected species.
  Reality: While respected as the state bird, they are abundant and not listed as threatened or endangered.
• Misconception: The cardinal represents mourning exclusively.
  Reality: While some interpret sightings spiritually, the official designation is based on ecological and aesthetic reasons, not religious or funerary symbolism.

Tips for Birdwatchers and Educators

For those interested in learning more about North Carolina’s state bird, here are practical recommendations:

1. Use binoculars with at least 8x magnification to observe field marks such as crest shape, bill color, and wing patterns.
2. Download birding apps like Merlin Bird ID or eBird to record sightings and contribute to citizen science efforts.
3. Participate in local Audubon chapter events, including guided walks and Christmas bird counts.
4. Teach children using interactive tools, such as coloring pages featuring male and female cardinals, to highlight differences in plumage.
5. Avoid using pesticides in your yard, as cardinals rely on insects to feed their young during spring and summer.

Comparison With Other State Birds

North Carolina is one of seven U.S. states to adopt the Northern Cardinal as its official bird, joining Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. This regional consensus underscores the bird’s prominence in eastern woodland ecosystems. In contrast, other states chose rarer or more geographically specific species—for example:

• California – California Quail
• Hawaii – Nene (Hawaiian Goose)
• Maine – Black-capped Chickadee
• Texas – Northern Mockingbird

While some state birds are elusive or localized, the cardinal’s broad range and adaptability make it uniquely accessible, enhancing its educational and symbolic utility.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Northern Cardinal was officially designated as the state bird on June 22, 1943.

Is the Northern Cardinal found only in North Carolina?

No, it is native to much of the eastern and central United States, extending into parts of Mexico and Arizona.

Do female Northern Cardinals have red feathers?

Yes, females show reddish tints on their wings, tail, and crest, though overall plumage is more muted than males.

Can I attract cardinals to my backyard?

Yes, provide sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, dense shrubs for cover, and a reliable water source.

Are there legal protections for the state bird?

All native birds, including cardinals, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits harming, capturing, or possessing them without a permit.

In conclusion, the question what is the state bird of North Carolina leads to a rich exploration of biology, culture, and environmental awareness. The Northern Cardinal stands not just as a symbol of the Tar Heel State, but as a living representative of the beauty and resilience inherent in the natural world. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious learner, taking time to observe and understand this remarkable bird deepens our connection to the ecosystems we share.