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Cardinal Bird Egg Care

Cardinals are among the most recognizable bird species in America. The male cardinal is covered with a bright red coat, a black mask around the eyes and a crest of feathers on the crown of the head. The female has a similar description, though the red coat is generally spotted with brown. The cardinal has an interesting nesting process. The female will often lay more than one clutch consecutively. The male and female parents work together to care for up to four broods each season.

  1. Nest Description

    • Similar to the habit of many species of birds, cardinal eggs are housed in a nest. After a successful mating period, the male cardinal gathers nest materials and brings them to the female cardinal. The female cardinal will generally choose the nesting spot and do most of the building, though the male cardinal does assist. The female will choose a hidden area surrounding by shrubbery to provide a measure of protection. A cardinal nest will often consist of crushed twigs entwined by grapevine tree bark. The floor of the nest is lined with leaves and grass to form a soft mat.

    Incubation Period

    • After the nest has been completed, the female cardinal will lay a clutch of eggs. The number of eggs the female lays ranges from one to five. A cardinal egg is smooth with a white base and is spotted with a wide range of colors, such as green, blue, brown, lavender and gray. The female incubates the egg approximately two weeks while the male gathers food and brings it back. Incubation is often the female's responsibility, though the male will take over for a short period to time to allow the female to gather food.

    Hatchling Care

    • Once cardinal hatchlings are born, care of the brood becomes the sole responsibility of the male. The male cardinal gathers food and feeds the young hatchlings, while the female cardinal lays another clutch of eggs. Cardinal hatchlings develop feathers and leave the nest approximately 10 days after birth, just before the birth of the second clutch.

    Cardinal Care Laws

    • Cardinals are found in almost every habitat in North America. If you live anywhere near woodlands and swamps, it's likely that you have a few cardinal families within a square mile of your back yard. As tempting to these song birds may be to care for, it's illegal in the United States to house a cardinal unless you're a licensed game warden. If you find an injured cardinal or hatchling that has fallen out of the nest, leave it alone. Call local animal control and seek assistance from a licensed professional.

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Lawn Basics
  1. How to Care for Bird Bath Water
  2. Bird Bath Care
  3. Lawn Care Complaints
  4. Giant Liriope Care
  5. The Feeding Height of a Bird Feeder for a Cardinal
  6. Easy Lawn Care
  7. Bird Food Fruit
  8. Lawn Care & Droughts
  9. Lawn and Grass Care
  10. Care of Zoysia Grass
  11. Proper Bird Feeders
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