We often admire the bright red male Northern Cardinals, but have you ever paused to watch the females? Their subtle colors, gentle movements, and unique behaviors make them just as captivating.

Today, let’s explore the hidden charm of female Northern Cardinals and discover what makes them so special in our backyards.

Subtle Beauty That Stands Out

Female Northern Cardinals might not flaunt the bright red plumage of males, but their coloring is uniquely elegant. Their back, chest, and sides are warm brown, while wings, tail, and crown show hints of red-orange. Their beaks are thick and bright red-orange, similar to males. When we watch a pair, it’s easy to distinguish them: males are vivid red, while females display a softer, earthy palette. On average, females are slightly smaller than males, though the difference is subtle.

Juvenile Cardinals: Learning the Colors

Young cardinals look very similar across genders. Both birds resemble dull versions of mature females, with gray or black beaks and shorter crests. Only as males develop red spots can we identify them clearly. Depending on where we live, seeing female cardinals is common—they are among the most widespread birds in North America, found in the U.S. East and Central regions, Southwest deserts, most of Mexico, and even northern Guatemala and Belize. Their range has also expanded north to southeastern Canada and has been introduced to Hawaii and Bermuda.

Teamwork in Nesting and Feeding

Male and female cardinals work closely together to select and defend their nesting territory. During courtship, they perform twists, wing flaps, and chest-puffing displays. While males help pick the nest location, females handle the building and incubation of eggs. Males feed females during courtship and while they incubate eggs. Females, in turn, beg like chicks—opening their beaks and flapping wings—to receive food when needed.

Singing: Both Sexes Have a Voice

Unlike the common belief that only males sing, female cardinals also use songs. Males sing louder, more frequently, and from higher perches, but both sexes sing to defend territory. Males may serenade females during courtship or while preparing the nest, while females may sing from the nest to signal food requests or warn of predators. Both genders sing similar short phrases, often repeating cheerful sequences like “cheer, cheer, cheer” or “birdie, birdie, birdie.”

Relationships: Bonds That Aren’t Always Lifelong

Northern Cardinals don’t always mate for life. Some pairs stay together for multiple seasons, but others switch partners. Research in Ohio shows about 20% of cardinals separate during the breeding season, and 10% during winter. Even so, their cooperative behavior during nesting and feeding remains strong and essential for raising young successfully.

Unusual Cardinals: White, Yellow, and Twin-Gender

Some cardinals defy the classic “brown female, red male” pattern. Leukistic birds have white patches or nearly all-white feathers with pinkish tints. Rare yellow males appear due to unique genetic mutations. Even more extraordinary are gynandromorphic cardinals—half male, half female. One side displays red male feathers, while the other shows brown female feathers.

Scientists believe this occurs either from embryo fusion or an egg carrying two gender chromosomes. While such birds are often infertile, males have been observed courting them, making any sighting a rare and exciting moment for us birdwatchers.

Population Trends and Conservation

Since 1970, Northern Cardinal populations have grown by over 15%, now numbering around 110 million in the U.S. and Canada. Their adaptability to human environments contributes to their success. However, many other bird species are facing declines due to habitat loss, window collisions, invasive species, and pesticides. Over the past 50 years, North American bird populations have dropped by nearly 2.9 billion, representing nearly 30% of all birds.

Backyard Wonders

Lykkers, female Northern Cardinals may not be as flashy as males, but their subtle beauty, songs, cooperative parenting, and rare genetic traits make them fascinating. Next time we spot one in our backyard, we can appreciate their charm and maybe even witness a rare twin-gender cardinal. Observing these birds reminds us that incredible natural wonders are often right outside our window.