Northern Cardinal Eggs: How to Identify, and Protect Them

One of the most recognized and beloved backyard birds in North America is the Northern Cardinal, scientifically known as Cardinalis cardinalis. Bright red plumage and melodic songs make this species a favorite among bird enthusiasts. If you’ve seen a Northern Cardinal nest in your backyard or local park, you may ask how to identify, recognize, and protect their eggs. This is a great concern for any bird enthusiast or conservationist. In this guide, we will cover Northern Cardinal eggs, their appearance, nesting habits, and how you can help protect these beautiful birds.

Table of Contents

How to Identify Northern Cardinal Eggs

Size and Shape: Northern Cardinal eggs are relatively small, about 0.9 to 1.1 inches (2.2 to 2.7 cm) in length and 0.6 to 0.8 inches (1.5 to 2 cm) in width. They are oval or slightly elongated, like most songbird eggs.
Color and Markings: A Northern Cardinal’s eggs have a light gray, white, or greenish hue. These eggs have a spotty color with brown, reddish, or grayish marks to allow them to be masked with the surrounding and hence prevent being noticed by the predator.
Texture and Shell: The Northern Cardinal egg shell is smooth but firm, and it provides sufficient protection to the developing embryo inside. The eggs have varying markings in intensity; some are heavily spotted, while others have light speckling.

Northern Cardinal Nesting Behavior

Where Do Northern Cardinals Build Their Nests?

Northern Cardinals like to build their nests in dense shrubs, low tree branches, or thick vines, typically 3 to 10 feet (0.9 to 3 meters) above the ground. They prefer locations that provide shelter and protection from predators and harsh weather.

Nest Construction

The female Northern Cardinal is the primary builder of the nest. She uses a combination of twigs, grass, leaves, bark strips, and rootlets, lining the interior with soft materials like feathers and animal fur. The whole process of building the nest takes about 3 to 9 days.

When Do Northern Cardinals Lay Eggs?

Northern Cardinals’ breeding season generally falls in the period between March and September. In a given season, one pair may produce 2 to 4 broods with a clutch size of 2 to 5 eggs.

Incubation Period

The Northern Cardinal eggs will be incubated, mostly by the female, for about 11 to 13 days. The male provides food and protection at this time. Once the young ones have hatched, it is a combination of both parents feeding and protecting them.

How to Recognize a Northern Cardinal Nest

The Northern Cardinal nest can be identified while out in the wild. However, it should be approached with caution since spotting a bird’s nest is always exciting. Here are some suggestions on how to identify them:

Location : Found in dense shrubs, thickets, or trees; they usually live near human developments.
Structure: Nested structure shaped like a cup, made from twigs, bark, and leaves, and lined with soft material.
Height : Normally 3 to 10 feet above the ground.
Flying presence of adult cardinals – If you can see male and female cardinals visiting a particular area more often, that may mean the setting of a nest.

If you discover a Northern Cardinal nest, do not touch the nest or its surroundings; this will stress out the birds or even attract some predators.

How to Protect Northern Cardinal Eggs

Do Not Disturb the Nest: Northern Cardinals are very cautious about their nest, and repeated human interaction results in nest desertion. Stay away from observing a nest without disturbing it further.
Natural Shelter Offered: Invite thick vegetation and shrubs to your backyard because Northern Cardinals do not like clear open spaces of small trees around them. Keep pruning to minimal levels during breeding season.
Reduce Risk of Predators: Northern Cardinal eggs and chicks are preyed upon by snakes, raccoons, cats, and larger birds. Keep pet cats indoors or install cat-proof fences. Install baffles on trees and feeders to prevent predators from attacking them. Don’t leave out leftover food to attract raccoons and other wildlife.
Provide a Safe Food Supply: Providing seeds, berries, and insects in the bird feeders can help sustain adult Northern Cardinals during the breeding season. It will provide them with the much-needed energy to take care of their young ones.
Reduce Pesticide Use: Pesticides can kill insects that Northern Cardinals need to feed their chicks. Instead, choose organic gardening to keep your environment bird-friendly.

What to Do If You Find Abandoned Northern Cardinal Eggs?

If you stumble upon a nest of Northern Cardinals with eggs unattended, it does not mean they have been abandoned. There could be the parents sitting across from the nest, watching at a safe distance. However, if the eggs remain untouched for more than 4 hours, then consider this:

Observe From a Distance – The parents may return when the area gets quiet.
Check for Nearby Threats – Loud noises, predators, or disturbances might have scared the parents away temporarily.
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator– If the nest appears truly abandoned, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice before taking any action.
Contact a Wildlife Expert – Never attempt to move or incubate the eggs yourself as this is forbidden in most areas due to the laws on the protection of birds.

Never attempt to move or incubate the eggs yourself as this is forbidden in most areas due to the laws on the protection of birds.

Fascinating Facts About Northern Cardinal Eggs

Female cardinals sing from their nests, a rare characteristic of female songbirds.
She often eats her own eggshells, consumed after hatching, for calcium.
Both parents feed their chicks for up to 9 to 11 days before abandoning the nest.
The male cardinals bring food to the female while she incubates the eggs.

Conclusion

A rewarding experience for every bird lover is the recognition and protection of Northern Cardinal eggs. By understanding their appearance, as well as their habit of nesting and the challenges they face, you can support these beautiful birds in your backyard.

Therefore, by planting the right shrubs and keeping predators away from them, as well as respecting their nesting space, you contribute to the conservation of Northern Cardinals and ensure future generations enjoy their presence.

So, next time you see a very delicate speckled egg in a hidden nest, take the time to appreciate nature’s wonders and be part of its protection efforts over the feathered friend!