The short answer is yes, there are cardinals in New York City. While not as commonly seen as some other backyard birds, the bright red Northern Cardinal can be spotted year-round across the five boroughs of NYC.
Overview of Cardinals
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a mid-sized songbird native to North America. Males have bright red plumage and a distinctive crest, while females are tan with reddish highlights. Cardinals live in a variety of semi-open habitats and are a popular visitor to backyard bird feeders. They primarily eat seeds and fruit.
Cardinals are non-migratory, meaning they typically do not migrate long distances between breeding and wintering grounds. Instead, they maintain a year-round territory. Pairs form strong bonds and often mate for life. Cardinals are prolific breeders, raising multiple broods per year. They build cup-shaped nests in dense shrubs and lay clutches of 3-4 eggs.
Cardinals in New York City
New York City provides suitable habitat for cardinals in its parks and green spaces. Mature trees, dense bushes, and shrubby edge habitats offer cover and nesting sites. Cardinal numbers increase along forest edges and suburban areas, which are found even within NYC limits.
Here are some locations where you may spot cardinals in New York City:
- Central Park – Cardinals forage and nest in semi-open areas like the Ramble and North Woods.
- Prospect Park – This Brooklyn park has ample shrubbery and forested sections for cardinals.
- Botanical Garden – Dense vegetation provides habitat across this Bronx oasis.
- Pelham Bay Park – One of the city’s largest green spaces, cardinals inhabit scrubby edges.
- Green-Wood Cemetery – Historic trees and landscaping support cardinals in this Brooklyn cemetery.
- Van Cortlandt Park – Forests in this Bronx park provide cardinals with breeding and shelter sites.
- Woodlawn Cemetery – Another expansive cemetery habitat for cardinals in the Bronx.
- Gateway National Recreation Area – Natural areas and scrubby habitat can be found in this national park spanning Brooklyn and Queens.
In addition to parks, residential neighborhoods provide habitat as well. Backyards with mature trees, thickets, and bird feeders may attract cardinals. Even single trees along city sidewalks or street medians can provide food sources for the adaptable birds.
Cardinal Seasons in New York City
As year-round residents, cardinals can be found in New York City during every season. Here is an overview of what to expect when looking for cardinals throughout the year:
Winter
Cardinals maintain their bright color even in the drab winter landscape. Their feathers provide insulation, while fat reserves allow them to make it through cold weather and periods of scarcer food. Cardinals frequently visit backyard feeders for seeds and suet.
Spring
As breeding season ramps up, watch for courtship displays like males feeding females. Listen for melodious cardinal calls as pairs stake out nesting territories. Nests may be spotted in tangles of vines, shrubs, and small trees.
Summer
Cardinals raise multiple broods during the summer, so newly fledged young may be seen learning to forage. Adults work hard to find enough seeds and insects to feed their hungry young. Isolated young birds may wander into unusual locations.
Fall
In fall, small flocks may form briefly as juveniles disperse and adults switch territories. But most cardinals remain solitary or in pairs. Their bright plumage stands out as leaves drop. They forage actively to build fat stores for winter.
Attracting Cardinals
Here are some tips for attracting cardinals to your NYC-area yard:
- Provide a source of water like a birdbath, fountain, or small pond.
- Plant native trees, shrubs, and vines to create thickets and natural food sources.
- Add berry-producing plants like dogwoods, viburnum, and holly.
- Leave dead standing trees and fallen leaves to provide shelter spots.
- Supply a variety of bird feeders with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, and fruit.
- Offer suet feeders to provide winter fat and protein sources.
- Let some areas grow naturally with grasses, weeds, and brush to support insects.
Avoid pruned, manicured landscapes without much cover or food. Allowing some natural tangles and native plants will create better cardinal habitat.
Fun Facts About NYC Cardinals
Here are some interesting tidbits about Northern Cardinals in New York City:
- The bright red pigments come from carotenoids found in seeds and fruit, not synthetic dyes.
- Only the adult males are brilliant red; young males start out with brownish plumage.
- Cardinals do not migrate, but some may relocate short distances seasonally.
- Males are strongly territorial and defend their areas aggressively from other males.
- Cardinals molt and grow new feathers gradually, so they can still fly while molting.
- They sometimes sing at night, especially in the breeding season.
- Cardinals live 8-15 years on average in the wild.
- They have unique vocalizations described as a “cheer cheer” or “purdy purdy” call.
- Cardinals are the state bird of 7 different states.
Threats
Even adaptable cardinals face some threats in an urban environment like New York City:
- Predators like cats, raccoons, and hawks
- Collisions with buildings, windows, cars, etc.
- Pesticides reducing insect food sources
- Climate change and severe weather
- Habitat loss
- Competition for resources with other birds
Luckily, NYC Parks and green space advocates work to protect and improve bird habitats across the city despite the urban challenges.
Conclusion
The Northern Cardinal is a fixture across New York City’s parks and neighborhoods. These striking songbirds bring color and vitality with their red plumage and varied songs. Though not as abundant as pigeons or sparrows, cardinals find plentiful food and shelter across the five boroughs. Their ability to adapt and take advantage of urban habitats allows them to brighten even the most developed parts of NYC. Keep an eye out for a flash of red in the treetops, and listen for the unique vocalizations of cardinals gracing your local patch of nature.