Are you curious about what is the official Illinois state bird? The Northern Cardinal, known for its vibrant red plumage and melodic song, is the official state bird of Illinois.
This blog will serve as your guide to understanding why this beautiful medium-sized songbird was chosen by schoolchildren in 1929 and continues to represent the state with pride.
Key Takeaways
- The official state bird of Illinois is the Northern Cardinal, chosen by schoolchildren in 1929.
- Northern Cardinals can be found in various habitats throughout Illinois, including forests, gardens, parks, and suburban areas.
- Their diet consists of seeds, berries, fruits, and insects like beetles and grasshoppers.
- Northern Cardinals mate for life and build nests together using twigs and grasses. They typically have 2-3 broods per year.
- To attract Northern Cardinals to your yard or garden, create a bird – friendly environment with trees and shrubs for shelter,
The Official Illinois State Bird – Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is the official state bird of Illinois, chosen by schoolchildren in 1929.
History
School kids in Illinois chose the Northern Cardinal as their favorite bird. This happened in 1929. The law then made it the official state bird. Today, seven states use this proud red bird as their symbol too.
Appearance and Behavior
The Northern Cardinal, the official state bird of Illinois, is a medium-sized songbird that is known for its beautiful red plumage. It has a distinctive crest on its head and a strong beak.
Male cardinals are bright red in color, while females have more muted brown feathers with hints of red. These birds are often seen hopping or flying from tree to tree, using their wings and tail to help them balance.
They have a sweet melodious song that can be heard throughout the day as they communicate with each other and establish territory. Cardinals are known for being monogamous, with pairs staying together year-round and often feeding each other during courtship displays.
They build nests made of twigs and grasses in shrubs or trees where the female lays eggs and both parents take turns incubating them until they hatch. Cardinals are not migratory birds but may gather in flocks during colder months for better food availability.
Habitat and Distribution
The Northern Cardinal can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Illinois. It is commonly seen in forests, gardens, parks, and suburban areas. These birds are adaptable and can thrive in both rural and urban environments.
Their ability to live in different habitats has contributed to their widespread distribution across the state. From northern to southern Illinois, you have a good chance of spotting these beautiful redbirds wherever there are trees and shrubs for them to perch on.
Diet
The Northern Cardinal has a diverse diet that includes both plants and insects. They primarily feed on seeds, berries, and fruits, such as sunflower seeds and wild grapevines. In addition to plant matter, they also consume insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders.
During the breeding season, they may also feed their chicks with insects for added protein. The Northern Cardinal uses its strong beak to crack open seeds and crush insect exoskeletons.
They are known to visit bird feeders where they can enjoy a variety of seeds offered by humans. Overall, the Northern Cardinal’s diet is adaptable and allows them to thrive in different environments across Illinois.
Mating and Reproduction
The Northern Cardinal mates for life. During the breeding season, which usually starts in late winter or early spring, male cardinals will establish their territory and attract females by singing beautiful songs.
Once a pair has formed, they will build a nest together using twigs, grasses, and leaves. The female cardinal lays 3-4 eggs and incubates them for about two weeks while the male brings food to her.
After hatching, both parents take turns feeding the chicks until they can fly on their own in around 9-11 days. Cardinals typically have 2-3 broods per year, with the second brood occurring in late summer or early fall.
Bird Call
The Northern Cardinal is known for its distinctive bird call. The males have a loud, clear whistle that sounds like “cheer-cheer-cheer, birdie-birdie-birdie.” They use this call to establish territory and attract mates.
The females also make calls, which are softer and more musical. Their calls sound like a series of short chip notes. Listening to the bird call of the Northern Cardinal adds to the enjoyment of observing these beautiful birds in Illinois.
How to Attract Northern Cardinals
To attract Northern Cardinals to your yard or garden, consider the following tips:
- Create a bird – friendly environment by adding trees and shrubs that provide shelter and nesting sites for the cardinals.
- Offer a variety of bird feeders filled with seeds, particularly sunflower seeds. Northern Cardinals are known to be seed-eaters.
- Place the feeders in areas where cardinals can easily access them, such as near trees or bushes.
- Provide a fresh water source, like a birdbath or shallow dish, for the cardinals to drink from and bathe in.
- Avoid using pesticides on your lawn or garden, as this can harm not only the cardinals but also their food sources.
- Be patient and consistent in providing food and water throughout the year, as cardinals often stay in one area if their needs are met.
Did you know the cardinal is the state bird of seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia, making it the state bird with the highest number of designations.
List of U.S. state birds – Wikipedia
Protecting Cardinal’s Nests
The Northern Cardinal is a protective parent and takes steps to safeguard its nests. Here are ways Cardinals protect their nests:
- Selecting safe locations: Cardinals choose dense shrubs or trees to build their nests, ensuring they are hidden from predators.
- Building sturdy nests: They construct their nests using twigs, leaves, and grass, creating a secure structure that can withstand wind and rain.
- Camouflaging the nest: The female cardinal camouflages the nest with leaves and other materials to make it less visible to potential threats.
- Vigilant guard duty: Both male and female cardinals take turns guarding the nest, keeping watch for any predators or intruders.
- Warning calls: If any danger approaches, cardinals emit loud warning calls that alert nearby birds and discourage threats from getting too close.
- Defensive behavior: If an intruder gets too close to the nest, cardinals will exhibit aggressive behavior, including dive-bombing or chasing away the perceived threat.
- Parental teamwork: After the eggs hatch, both parents work together to feed and care for their fledglings while continuing to protect the nest.
Northern Cardinal Protection Status
The Northern Cardinal, the official state bird of Illinois, does not have a specific protection status. However, it is protected under federal law as part of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
This act prohibits harming or disturbing migratory birds, including the Northern Cardinal, without proper permits. Additionally, habitat conservation efforts and public awareness play important roles in protecting this beloved bird species.
It is essential to preserve their natural habitats and avoid activities that may disrupt their nesting or breeding habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Northern Cardinal designated as the state bird?
The Northern Cardinal was designated as the state bird of Illinois in 1929.
Where can I see Northern Cardinals in Illinois?
Northern Cardinals can be found throughout Illinois. They are common in backyards, parks, woodlands, and urban areas. Putting up a bird feeder with sunflower seeds is a good way to attract them to your yard.
How can I identify the Northern Cardinal’s song?
The Northern Cardinal has a variety of songs and calls. One of its most recognized songs is a loud, clear whistle that sounds like “whoit-whoit-whoit” or “cheer-cheer-cheer”. Males often sing to establish territory or attract a mate.
What do Northern Cardinals eat?
Northern Cardinals primarily eat seeds, fruits, and insects. They are commonly seen at bird feeders where they prefer sunflower seeds.