Cardinals are beautiful red songbirds found throughout much of North America. As their bright red plumage lights up backyard feeders, many bird enthusiasts enjoy watching the antics of these active and vocal birds. Cardinals are non-migratory, staying put throughout the year, so providing proper nesting habitat is crucial for their survival. But what trees do cardinals prefer for nesting?
Cardinal Nesting Preferences
Cardinals typically choose to build their nests in the branches of dense trees and shrubs. This helps conceal the nest from predators. They often favor evergreen trees and shrubs which provide cover year-round. Some specific trees favored by nesting cardinals include:
Conifers
– Spruces
– Firs
– Junipers
– Cedars
– Pines
The dense, layered branches of conifers provide ideal concealment for cardinal nests. The needle-like leaves also help create a sturdy base to anchor the nest.
Broadleaf Evergreens
– Hollies
– Magnolias
– Live oaks
Broadleaf evergreens like hollies keep their leaves year-round, allowing cardinals to nest in the same tree during winter. The horizontal branching patterns many broadleaf evergreens exhibit also suit the cup-shaped cardinal nests.
Other Trees and Shrubs
– Dogwoods
– Rhododendrons
– Lilacs
– Backberry bushes
In addition to conifers and broadleaf evergreens, cardinals will also nest in deciduous trees and shrubs. Dense cover is still the main factor driving nest site selection.
Nest Height Preferences
Cardinals typically build their nests 5-15 feet off the ground. This provides some protection from predators while still being low enough for easy access.
Some key factors influencing cardinal nest height include:
– Density of concealing foliage/branches
– Proximity to feeding areas
– Availability of building materials
If suitable nesting sites higher up are unavailable, cardinals may nest as low as 3 feet above ground. But nests closer to the upper end of their typical height range tend to have greater success avoiding predators.
Nest Construction
The female cardinal builds the nest over a period of 3-9 days using a variety of materials. Here are some details on cardinal nest construction:
– Made of twigs, bark strips, grasses, and other plant fibers
– Cup shaped structure 2-3 inches tall, 4-5 inches across
– Anchored to branches with spider silk and pine needles
– Lined with softer grass, leaves, rootlets
The sturdy outer shell of the nest provides structure and concealment. The softer interior materials help insulate the eggs and nestlings.
Both the male and female cardinal may visit potential nest sites before building. The male may accompany the female as she gathers nesting materials. But the female performs most of the actual construction.
Ideal Landscapes for Nesting
To attract nesting cardinals, focus on providing suitable trees and shrubs. Ideal cardinal nesting habitat includes:
– Mature conifers like pines, spruces, firs, and cedars
– Native broadleaf evergreen trees and shrubs
– Deciduous trees and shrubs with dense structure
– Varied height layers – trees, shrubs, bushes
– Adjacent open areas for foraging
Landscapes that mimic natural forests or woodland edges suit cardinals best. If you lack suitable trees presently, consider planting some conifer seedlings which will gradually fill out. Favor native species when possible.
Tree Type | Specific Examples | Benefits for Nesting |
---|---|---|
Conifers | Pines, firs, spruces, cedars, junipers | Year-round dense cover, sturdy branches, needle duff for nest materials |
Broadleaf Evergreens | Live oak, hollies, magnolias | Keep leaves in winter, have sturdy horizontal branching |
Other deciduous trees/shrubs | Dogwood, lilac, blackberry | Provide dense cover during spring/summer nesting season |
When do Cardinals Nest?
Most cardinals raise 2-3 broods per year. The timing of their nesting season is as follows:
– First brood: Late March to mid-May
– Second brood: Late May to mid-July
– Third brood: Mid-July to late September
Each brood is raised separately. The female builds a new nest for each clutch of eggs.
Geography plays a role in timing as well. Cardinals start and end their nesting seasons earlier in the southern parts of their range and later in the north.
Food availability also impacts timing. Access to abundant feeders may encourage earlier first broods. Harsh winters and spring storms can delay initial nesting attempts.
Egg and Nestling Phase
Once the nest is complete, the female lays a clutch of 3 or 4 eggs. She incubates them for 11-13 days. The male feeds her during this time.
Both parents feed the nestlings once they hatch. The young cardinals fledge from the nest around 9-11 days after hatching. The parents continue feeding them for another 1-2 weeks while they learn to fly competently and forage on their own.
Cardinals are devoted parents, actively defending their nests from threats. However, only 25% of cardinal nests successfully fledge young. Predators and severe weather take a heavy toll.
Threats to Eggs and Nestlings
– Squirrels, chipmunks, and snakes may raid nests
– Crows, jays, and hawks prey on adults and nestlings
– High winds, hail, and rainstorms can damage nests and knock out eggs/nestlings
– House cats kill millions of fledglings and adult cardinals annually
Habitat loss also contributes to dwindling clutch success rates in many areas.
How to Help Cardinals Nest Successfully
Here are some tips for improving cardinal nesting success in your yard:
– Provide suitable nesting trees/shrubs
– Avoid pruning branches or removing nesting habitat during spring/summer
– Place predator guards around trunks of nest trees
– Keep pet cats indoors
– Install nest boxes if additional sites are needed
– Supply supplemental feeders to help parents meet increased energy demands
– Limit use of pesticides which may build up in nestlings
With some careful planning, you can turn your property into a safe nesting oasis for cardinals and enjoy their presence year-round. The pair bonding and family life of cardinals adds a special charm to backyard birdwatching. By understanding their nesting ecology and needs, you can play an active role in the efforts to preserve these beloved songbirds for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year do cardinals nest?
Cardinals nest in spring and summer, with most activity occurring between late March and late September. They often raise 2-3 broods each season.
How long does it take cardinals to build a nest?
The female cardinal builds the nest over 3-9 days. She uses twigs, bark, grasses, and other plant fibers to construct a sturdy cup-shaped structure.
Do cardinals use the same nest twice?
No, cardinals do not reuse nests. The female builds a new nest for each brood raised during a breeding season.
How can I attract nesting cardinals to my yard?
Provide conifers, evergreen shrubs, dense deciduous trees, and adjacent open foraging areas. Avoid pruning or removing nest sites during spring and summer.
What predators threaten cardinal nests?
Squirrels, snakes, crows, jays, hawks, and house cats are common cardinal nest predators. High winds and storms can also damage nests.
Conclusion
Cardinals are selective when choosing nesting sites, favoring dense evergreen trees and shrubs. Conifers like pines, spruces, and firs provide ideal year-round cover. Broadleaf evergreens such as hollies also appeal to nesting cardinals. They build compact, sturdy cup nests 5-15 feet up in the branches.
While devoted parents, many cardinal nests fail each year due to predators and weather. Backyard bird enthusiasts can help by landscaping for nesting habitat and minimizing threats. With proper nest sites and care, we can ensure cardinals continue brightening our gardens for years to come.