South · Mississippi Flyway

Northern Cardinal in Tennessee

Cardinalis cardinalis — Cardinalidae

AbundantAbundance
Year-round residentSeasonal status
12Active months
355,863Observations

About Northern Cardinal in Tennessee

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 Tennessee, this species is classified as abundant. It is a year-round resident, present in all 12 months.

Monthly Activity — Northern Cardinal in Tennessee

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
View full Northern Cardinal profile →

Best Time to See Northern Cardinal in Tennessee

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

Other birds in Tennessee

Birds you might also encounter in Tennessee.

Northern Cardinal in other states

Northern Cardinal in Tennessee: Quick Facts

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is one of the most commonly seen bird in Tennessee. It is classified as a year-round resident in the state, falling within the South region and the Mississippi Flyway migration corridor.

Preferred habitats include woodland edge, thicket, garden. For birders in Nashville and throughout Tennessee, 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 Tennessee using the related birds section.