Kentucky State Bird: Northern Cardinal
Fact-checked • Updated November 25, 2025
Kentucky State Bird – Northern Cardinal
Kentucky designated the Northern Cardinal as its official state bird in 1926. Residents see the species in every season. Adults show red plumage that stands out in wooded areas and towns. Kentucky shares this choice with six other states. Widespread selection reflects the bird’s broad range across eastern North America.
Why Kentucky Chose the Northern Cardinal as State Bird
Kentucky made the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) its official state bird in 1926. The legislature selected the species after considering its year-round presence across the state.
Seven states now share the Northern Cardinal. Illinois adopted it in 1929. Indiana and Ohio followed in 1933, North Carolina in 1943, West Virginia in 1949, and Virginia in 1950.
Bright red plumage contrasts with bare trees and snow during winter months. Year-round residents see cardinals in every season. Backyards, parks, and forest edges provide habitat.
Males and females both sing clear whistled phrases. You hear them in forests and suburban areas. These vocalizations helped residents identify the species easily.
Cardinals eat beetles, caterpillars, and other insects. Garden owners valued this pest control. Farmers also benefited from reduced crop damage.
History of Adoption: How the Cardinal Became Kentucky's Symbol
-
Early Recognition
Cardinals became increasingly common in the early 1900s. Garden clubs, nature organizations, and birdwatchers supported the idea of making it the state bird.
-
Community Support
Teachers introduced lessons about state symbols, and students frequently selected the cardinal as their favorite bird. Its striking color and clear song made it a popular choice.
-
Legislative Momentum
By the mid-1920s, lawmakers across the state backed the idea. The bird united rural and urban communities, and support for the cardinal grew quickly.
-
1926 — Official Selection
Kentucky formally recognized the Northern Cardinal as its state bird in 1926. The decision reflected its widespread presence and strong cultural connection.
-
Later Recodification
Kentucky later recodified its state bird law, but the designation remained unchanged. The cardinal has continued to serve as a symbol of the state for generations.
-
Today
The Northern Cardinal remains a familiar sight throughout the state and appears in tourism materials, artwork, and local culture.
What the Northern Cardinal Means to Kentucky
Year-Round Color
Cardinals stay year-round, adding bright color to winter landscapes. Their constant presence symbolizes loyalty and stability.
Voice of the Region
Clear whistles carry through forests, parks, and neighborhoods. The bird’s song reflects the state’s strong musical traditions.
Family and Partnership
Cardinal pairs often stay together for life. Their shared parenting and long-term bonds symbolically echo community and family values.
Resilience
Cardinals remain during cold winters and adapt to many habitats. Their toughness reflects the resilience often associated with the state.
Connection to Nature
By feeding on insects and seeds, cardinals help gardens and farmlands thrive. The bird represents balance between natural and human environments.
Physical Characteristics of the Northern Cardinal
Male Appearance
Males display brilliant red plumage, a black face mask, and a pointed crest. An orange-red bill adds contrast, making them easy to spot.
Female Appearance
Females are warm brown with red accents on the wings, tail, and crest. They share the same bill shape but appear more camouflaged while nesting.
Size and Build
Northern Cardinals measure 8–9 inches long with a 10–12-inch wingspan. They have sturdy bodies, rounded wings, and strong legs for ground feeding.
Bill Shape
A thick, cone-shaped bill efficiently cracks seeds. Adults have bright orange-red bills, while juveniles begin with darker tones.
Crest and Signaling
Cardinals raise and lower their crests to signal alertness, excitement, or aggression. The crest plays a role in communication.
Juvenile Plumage
Juveniles resemble adult females, with males gaining red coloring after their first molt. Bill color also transitions as they mature.
Behavior & Habits of the Northern Cardinal
Signature Song
Cardinals sing clear whistled phrases such as 'cheer-cheer-cheer' or 'birdy-birdy-birdy'. Both sexes sing, which is unusual among songbirds.
Year-Round Singing
Cardinals vocalize throughout winters as well as breeding seasons, brightening quiet months with their calls.
Territorial Defense
Males defend territories vigorously and often react to their own reflection in windows, mistaking it for a rival.
Feeding Habits
Cardinals hop along the ground searching for seeds and insects. They scratch leaves and forage in shrubs, fields, and backyards.
Nesting
Females build cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation. Clutches typically contain 2–5 eggs, and both parents feed nestlings.
Diet
Seeds form the bulk of their diet, especially sunflower seeds. In summer, they add insects like beetles and caterpillars. Berries provide seasonal variety.
Social Structure
Cardinals often form long-term pairs and may join small flocks in winter. Groups gather around feeders, then disperse in spring.
Daily Rhythm
They feed most actively at dawn and dusk and roost in thick shrubs or evergreens at night.
Habitat & Conservation in Kentucky
Where They Live
Northern Cardinals live statewide in forests, parks, suburban yards, farmland edges, and any habitat with dense shrubs.
Habitat Needs
They require thick vegetation for nesting, access to seeds or feeders, and a reliable water source. Edge habitats suit them well.
Conservation Status
Cardinals rate as Least Concern globally. Populations remain strong and continue to expand northward.
Population Trends
Numbers increased over past decades thanks to bird feeders, milder winters, and expanding suburban habitats.
Threats
Window collisions, predators like outdoor cats, and habitat loss affect local populations. Insecticides can reduce food sources.
How to Help
- Provide sunflower seeds in feeders
- Plant native shrubs for nesting
- Use window decals to reduce collisions
- Keep cats indoors
- Avoid garden pesticides
- Maintain fresh water sources
- Preserve dense vegetation and hedges
- Participate in community bird counts
Interesting Facts About the Northern Cardinal
Fact 1 of 11
Kentucky recognized the Northern Cardinal as its state bird in 1926
Northern Cardinal Songs & Calls
Hear the clear whistles and sharp calls of the Northern Cardinal. These field recordings capture their distinctive voice in natural habitat.
Audio licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Also the State Bird of:
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and scientific databases.
Scientific details on Northern Cardinal identification, behavior, and ecology. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Species profile with maps, photos, and conservation information. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Encyclopedia entry with species facts and state bird adoption history. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Accuracy Commitment: We strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information. If you notice any errors or outdated information, please contact us.