Cardinals are a type of bird that belong to the family Cardinalidae. There are 19 species of cardinal, found primarily in North and South America. The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is one of the most recognizable and popular birds in North America.
Cardinals are medium-sized songbirds with distinctive bright red plumage. The male Northern Cardinal has a bright red body, a black face mask, and a prominent red crest on top of its head. Females are mostly brown, with some red in their wings and tail feathers.
Cardinals live in a variety of semi-open and open habitats, including shrublands, woodland edges, gardens, and parks. They are non-migratory, staying year-round throughout their breeding range in the eastern and southern United States.
Many people wonder if cardinals can be found in the western United States, particularly in the state of California. In this article, we will explore whether there are any cardinal birds that are native to or can be found in California.
Native Cardinal Species in California
There are no cardinal species that are native to California. The Northern Cardinal has a breeding range in the eastern and central United States, as far west as eastern Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. However, it does not naturally occur anywhere along the west coast, including California.
The only cardinal species native to western North America are:
– Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) – native to the southwestern US and Mexico
– Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – native to southwestern US and Mexico
However, neither of these species have breeding populations that extend to California. The Pyrrhuloxia has a small native breeding range in southern Arizona and New Mexico. The Vermilion Flycatcher’s northernmost breeding range is southern Arizona and southern Texas.
So in summary, no cardinal species naturally occur or breed anywhere in the state of California. The climate and habitats of California are outside of the native ranges of all North American cardinal species.
Introduced Northern Cardinal Populations in California
Although the Northern Cardinal is not native to California, there are now small introduced populations across the state, mostly as a result of escaped caged birds.
According to the California Bird Records Committee, the first record of a possible wild Northern Cardinal in California dates back to 1899. However, regular sightings did not begin until the 1930s. The population began to grow in the 1940s and 1950s as more captive birds escaped or were released.
By the 1970s, a small breeding population of Northern Cardinals became established in Orange County and southern Los Angeles County. Since then, the Northern Cardinal population has continued to spread northward along coastal California.
As of the early 2000s, the Northern Cardinal’s non-native breeding range covers most coastal regions south of the San Francisco Bay Area, including:
– Orange County
– Los Angeles County
– San Diego County
– Western Riverside County
– San Bernardino County
Smaller numbers of breeding pairs have also been found in the Central Valley as far north as Sacramento. Isolated sightings have been recorded in Northern California, but there is no evidence of established breeding populations in these areas yet.
The Northern Cardinals found in California are not considered a separate subspecies. Genetic studies show they originate from captive birds introduced from eastern and midwestern U.S. populations.
Habitats in California
In California, introduced Northern Cardinals predominantly occupy urban and suburban habitats with trees and shrubbery, including:
– Residential areas and neighborhoods
– Parks and gardens
– Golf courses
– Riparian areas along creeks and waterways
They have successfully adapted to the mild Mediterranean climate along coastal California. The expanding population is likely supported by artificial food sources like backyard bird feeders.
Compared to their native range, Northern Cardinals in California tend to avoid dense forest and woodlands. They favor more open habitats with a mix of trees, shrubs, and grasslands in proximity to human development.
Breeding and Behaviors
The breeding ecology and behaviors of Northern Cardinals in California is similar to those in their native range.
Breeding season begins in early March, with males marking out breeding territories and attracting females with visual displays and vocalizations. Nests are constructed low in trees and dense shrubs. The female lays between 2-5 eggs which incubate for around 2 weeks. Both parents help feed the young birds which leave the nest about 2 weeks after hatching.
Northern Cardinals in California can produce multiple broods from March to August. Pairs will often stay together throughout the year and defend permanent territories.
As in their native range, Northern Cardinal males in California are aggressive and territorial. They will chase away other males entering their territory and may attack their own reflection thinking it is an intruder. Females are also aggressive towards each other when defending nesting sites.
Legal Status and Conservation
The small but expanding population of non-native Northern Cardinals in California has differing legal designations depending on the conservation organization:
– The IUCN Red List categorizes introduced Northern Cardinals in California as an invasive species with an extant population. This means it is non-native species that poses a medium threat to local ecosystems.
– The California Department of Fish and Wildlife does not list the Northern Cardinal as an invasive species. They consider it naturalized in areas south of the Tehachapi mountains.
– The Audubon Society does not consider Northern Cardinals to be established in California. They are considered a non-native species only found in isolated areas.
Regardless of exact designation, most experts agree Northern Cardinals pose minimal threat to native California habitats and wildlife. There are no major conservation efforts aimed at controlling the cardinal population.
They do not aggressively compete with native bird species for food and resources in urban and suburban areas. However, there is concern their range expansion may negatively impact rare native birds like the Yellow-billed Magpie and Nuttall’s Woodpecker in oak woodland habitats.
Overall, the Northern Cardinal is generally accepted as a new non-native species adding diversity to California’s avian population. Backyard birders and photographers often enjoy attracting cardinals to gardens in Southern California.
Range Expansion
The Northern Cardinal population will likely continue expanding its non-native range northward along coastal California in coming decades.
Further colonization may be limited by the relatively cooler climate of Northern California compared to their native southern range. Lack of dense vegetation, woodland habitat, and food availability during winter months may also limit permanent residency.
However, climate change resulting in warmer temperatures may support and accelerate Northern Cardinal expansion. Backyard bird feeding by residents will also supplement food during winter.
Conservationists will monitor any impacts if cardinals begin displacing native bird species dependent on oak woodlands and other threatened natural habitats. Otherwise, the presence of cardinals will add an exotic splash of red to neighborhoods along coastal California.
Table of Northern Cardinal Sightings in California
Year | County | Details of Sighting |
---|---|---|
1899 | Humboldt | One individual reported in Eureka |
1939 | Los Angeles | One individual reported in a Pasadena backyard |
1947 | Orange | Breeding pair reported nesting in Santa Ana |
1952 | San Diego | Small flock reported wintering in Balboa Park |
1963 | Monterey | One individual observed in Pacific Grove |
1972 | San Luis Obispo | Pair reported nesting in Arroyo Grande |
1983 | San Francisco | Single bird reported at backyard feeder |
1992 | Sacramento | Breeding pair spotted along American River |
2001 | Los Angeles | Study finds over 200 breeding pairs in metro area |
2012 | Santa Clara | Pair reported nesting in Los Gatos |
Conclusion
In conclusion, no cardinal species are native to California. However, an introduced population of non-native Northern Cardinals now breeds across coastal southern California. This population originated from escaped caged birds and has been expanding its range northward for the past 80 years.
Northern Cardinals occupy suburban habitats in California and pose little threat to native species. Climate change may support continued growth of the cardinal population. Birders and photographers often enjoy spotting these exotic red birds in neighborhoods where they weren’t found just decades ago.