Virginia State Bird: Northern Cardinal
Fact-checked • Updated January 15, 2025
Virginia State Bird – Northern Cardinal
Virginia adopted the Northern Cardinal as its official state bird on January 25, 1950. The General Assembly selected this songbird for its bright plumage and distinctive song. Males display brilliant red feathers. Females show olive-brown coloring with red accents. Both sexes sing year-round. Six other states share the Northern Cardinal as their symbol. Eighteenth-century English colonists called it the Virginia nightingale.
Why Virginia Chose This Bird
The General Assembly voted on January 25, 1950. Bright red plumage caught attention across Virginia. Cardinals lived in the state year-round. Males sang from backyards and parks. Most other states had selected official birds by 1950, making Virginia one of the last to act.
Cardinals produce loud whistled phrases that carry across neighborhoods. Both males and females sing, unlike most North American songbirds. Residents encountered these birds daily throughout Virginia. Forest edges, suburban yards, and dense shrubs all provided habitat. The species adapted well to human-altered landscapes.
Legislative History
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Historical Nickname
Eighteenth-century England knew this bird as the Virginia nightingale. The nickname reflected the species' vocal abilities and Virginia connection. Romans named the cardinal after red robes worn by Catholic cardinals. The scientific name changed several times before settling on Cardinalis cardinalis in 1983.
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Official Designation
The General Assembly passed the designation on January 25, 1950. This action placed Virginia among seven states selecting the Northern Cardinal. Kentucky adopted it first in 1926. Virginia's adoption came during a period when state symbols gained legislative attention nationwide.
What This Bird Represents
Year-Round Presence
Cardinals never migrate. Winter brings their red color into sharp contrast against snow. Residents see them at feeders when other species have departed south. This reliability connected the bird to Virginia's landscape across all seasons.
Shared Symbol
Seven states chose the Northern Cardinal as their official bird. Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia all made this selection. No other species claims as many states. The popularity reflects widespread distribution and public recognition across eastern North America.
Physical Characteristics
Size and Structure
Adults measure 8.3 to 9.3 inches long. Wingspan reaches 9.8 to 12.2 inches. Weight ranges from 1.5 to 1.7 ounces. Males average slightly larger than females. The prominent crest gives cardinals distinctive silhouettes. Short, thick beaks crack seeds efficiently.
Plumage and Color
Males display brilliant red feathers across their entire bodies. Black masks cover faces around eyes and bills. Females show olive-brown coloring with reddish accents on wings, tail, and crest. Both sexes have coral-red beaks and black facial masks. Juvenile birds resemble females but carry gray-black bills until maturity.
Behavior and Song
Vocal Characteristics
Cardinals sing loud, clear whistles. Males perform from high perches to defend territories. Phrases repeat in patterns before becoming varied. Songs sound like 'cheer cheer cheer' or 'birdie birdie birdie.' Males can produce up to 28 different songs. Females also sing throughout the year, which distinguishes them from most songbirds.
Territorial Behavior
Males aggressively defend four-acre territories during breeding season. Reflection attacks occur when males see themselves in windows or mirrors. The bird mistakes its reflection for an intruder. Hours may pass as males fight imaginary rivals. Both sexes use chip calls for contact and alarm signals.
Habitat and Range
Virginia Distribution
Cardinals inhabit forest edges and dense shrubs across Virginia. Suburban backyards provide ideal habitat. Parks, hedgerows, and woodland clearings support populations. Dense tangles of shrubs and vines offer nesting sites. The species adapted well to human-modified landscapes since the 1800s.
Range Expansion
Original range centered in southern states during the early 1900s. Rising temperatures made northern climates suitable. Range now extends from southeastern Canada to Mexico. Virginia sits within the core eastern distribution. Cardinals do not migrate and remain year-round residents throughout their range.
Diet and Feeding
Food Sources
Seeds dominate the diet at about 90 percent. Winter brings heavy seed consumption. Summer includes more insects like beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, and flies. Berries and fruits provide seasonal nutrition. Cardinals favor easily husked seeds but become less selective when food grows scarce.
Foraging Behavior
Ground foraging occurs frequently. Cardinals hop through low branches searching for food. Bird feeders attract them, especially those stocked with sunflower seeds. Brief visits happen in early morning and late afternoon. Both sexes forage together in pairs during breeding season. Winter flocks may include other species.
Reproduction
Courtship and Pairing
Breeding season runs from March through September. Males feed females during courtship. Pairs often stay together for multiple seasons. Males raise crests and sway while singing softly. Courtship displays show off bright red plumage. Pairs form in early spring, though some select different mates each season.
Nesting and Young
Females build cup-shaped nests from twigs, bark strips, grass, and leaves. Nests sit 3 to 10 feet above ground in dense shrubs or vines. Clutches contain three to four eggs. Eggs are whitish with brown, purple, or gray markings. Incubation lasts 12 to 13 days. Chicks fledge at 9 to 11 days old. Parents feed young for 25 to 56 days after fledging.
Conservation Status
Population Trends
The species holds Least Concern status. Global breeding population reaches approximately 130 million birds. Numbers remain stable or show slight increases. Partners in Flight tracks population trends. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 provides legal protection. Keeping captive cardinals is illegal in the United States and Canada.
Habitat Requirements
Dense shrubby areas support cardinal populations. Forest edges and overgrown fields provide essential cover. Suburban development created new habitat in many regions. Bird feeders supplement natural food sources. Protection of brushy thickets helps maintain healthy populations across Virginia.
Interesting Facts
Fact 1 of 6
The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven states, more than any other species in the United States
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.
Comprehensive identification guide with detailed information on appearance, behavior, and vocalizations • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Scientific information on physical characteristics, reproduction, habitat, and diet • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Field guide information on habitat, range, nesting, and conservation status • Accessed: November 30, 2025
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