Northeast · Atlantic Flyway

Northern Cardinal in New Jersey

Cardinalis cardinalisCardinalidae

CommonAbundance
Year-round residentSeasonal status
12Active months

About Northern Cardinal in New Jersey

Northern Cardinals are familiar, non-migratory songbirds that favor dense shrubs and low woodland edges. A sturdy feeder, fresh seed, berry-producing plants, water, and protective cover make a yard more useful to them.

In New Jersey, this species is classified as common. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months. The best months to observe this bird are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

Monthly Activity — Northern Cardinal in New Jersey

Relative frequency of observations by month. Higher bars indicate peak periods for this species.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
RegularSeasonalRare

Identification

Colorscrimson red, warm brown, black
Size21–23.5 cm
Habitatwoodland edge, thicket, garden
FamilyCardinalidae

Best Time to See Northern Cardinal in New Jersey

January
Active
February
Active
March
Active
April
Active
May
Active
June
Active
July
Active
August
Active
September
Active
October
Active
November
Active
December
Active

Other birds in New Jersey

Birds you might also encounter in New Jersey.

Northern Cardinal in other states

Northern Cardinal in New Jersey: Quick Facts

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a common bird in New Jersey. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the Northeast region and the Atlantic Flyway migration corridor.

Preferred habitats include woodland edge, thicket, garden. The best months to spot this species in New Jersey are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. For birders in Newark and throughout New Jersey, knowing the seasonal patterns of Northern Cardinal can help plan birding trips and backyard feeding strategies.

year-round across much of eastern and central United States. Use the monthly activity chart above to plan your birding outings, and explore other bird species found in New Jersey using the related birds section.