You aren’t imagining things if cardinal songs are becoming more frequent. Cardnials have recently begun their distinct whisles to signal the start of the spring season. This is an early spring sign of the cardinals song despite the remaining snow.
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In February, cardinals begin to sing more because the days are getting longer and this causes hormonal changes that signal the start of the breeding season, even though it is still cold. The cardinals prepare for nesting when the days begin to get longer, even if it is just a few minutes. This change in photoperiod triggers the reproductive hormones in both male and female cardinals, and this is what leads to the singing that you hear in the neighborhood.
Northern Cardinals can be found all across the eastern United States and parts of the Southwest and, unlike many songbirds that migrate south for the winter, they are year-round residents of most of their range. When February comes, they are already on their breeding territory, and unlike other songbirds that have to fly back from the warmer climates, Northern Cardinals do not need to fly back anywhere. As soon as the length of the days start to increase, they are ready to go. This is one of the reasons why Northern Cardinals have an advantage over many other songbird species that migrate.
The singing that you hear is not random. That is purposeful communication. Male cardinals are setting territorial boundaries, telling rival males to keep out of an area, and promoting their potential to mates. Even when it is near freezing, their internal clocks are set by daylight and not temperature. This is why you hear them singing on cold February mornings while other animals are quiet.
Why February is Different From Other Months
February begins the peak bird song season in the North American region where it is considered to be the start of breeding activity and most songbirds begin to respond to breeding daylight signals. Since January and December, Northern Cardinals have been quiet and focused on surviving and obtaining food to make it through the winter season, but a large change takes place in the peak month of February.
The main difference is the quantity and the regularity of the song from the cardinals. In January, there may be an occasional song that sounds guarded and short and is probably only heard from one perch, if at all. Come February, the male cardinals will sing from one of the highest points, and will sing from dawn until dusk, and will be heard from dozens of perches. He will do this in order to establish and advertise dominance to any other cardinals that are within hearing distance. Territorial singing is very important. A defended territory that has an abundance of food and places available for nesting will allow the male cardinals to attract a female and raise a family with multiple broods.
February is special because it is the month when you will first hear cardinals singing. Most of the cardinal songs you hear year round will be from male cardinals but in breeding season, female cardinals will join in the singing. Songs from female cardinals tend to be a little softer but the complexity is the same as a male song. There are a variety of different songs female cardinals will use to communicate with their partners. When goldfinches are at a distance, they will perform songs from separate perches to each other. These vocal partnerships help to strengthen the bond between pairs and also help to coordinate activities including the building of the nest.
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It makes sense ecologically. Depending on where they are, Cardinals usually start nesting in March or early April. So, if they start their courtship and territory establishment in February, they can build nests and lay eggs the moment conditions are right. They can even raise multiple broods, usually around three or four, during a single breeding season.
Cardinal Songs Up Close: Territory, Mates and Backyard Sounds
In February, male cardinals begin nesting and sing from lofty positions to defend their territory and entice a mate. Their non-migratory species partner in this breeding ritual. If you pay close attention, you will discover that each individual male has eight to twelve different song types that range from clear and whistled to slurred. The whistles that they will produce could sound like “cheer-cheer-cheer,” “birdie-birdie-birdie,” or “what-cheer, what-cheer.”
Cardinals are very good at being consistent about where they sing. You can likely spot the same male going back to the same high branch or edge of a rooftop time and time again. These high perches act like broadcasting stations that allow songs to be heard from one end of their territory to the other. The size of a cardinal territory can vary from two to ten acres. This depends on the quality of habitat and how much food is available.
The songs serve multiple purposes at once. As for competing males, it's a clear sign: this territory is occupied and defended. For prospective mates, it illustrates the male's health, vitality, and genetic fitness. A male that can sing powerfully and often while staying in good physical shape shows he has access to good resources. Females respond to these cues when selecting mates.
The songs of female cardinals are also interesting. Females use song to give their mates certain messages. For example, females may sing to ask for food while incubating eggs or to coordinate building the nest. The ability of female and male cardinals to sing and call to each other and provide very specific instructions is part of the reason why cardinals are very successful at breeding. Cardinal pairs are strong. Many pairs stay together for several years.
February Cardinal Attraction: Easy Tips for Your Yard
Getting your yard ready for cardinals is easy! Put down fresh water, dense shrubs for nesting, and black oil sunflower seeds. February is the perfect month to attract cardinals! The oil sunflower seeds will attract cardinals, and it will make your yard a prime cardinal hotspot.
Let's talk about food first. The best kinds of foods to attract cardinals are black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked corn and peanuts. When building cardinals' food port, platform feeders or large hopper feeders are best because cardinals are big birds with strong beaks. Make sure you keep their food stocked. They like to feed early in the morning and late in the afternoon. To keep cardinals happy make sure there is food in their port at these peak feeding times.
Next, consider habitat. For nesting, cardinals like dense shrubbery and small trees, especially evergreens like juniper, holly, or dogwood and viburnum shrubs. If spring landscaping is in your plans, consider native shrubs in the four to eight foot range. These will supply nesting sites as well as natural food sources in the form of berries.
Water is important for birds all year long, but most birds can find other water sources except for late winter. If you have a birdbath that is heated or equipped with a small water heater, it will attract cardinals every day. Even during February birds need lots of water even for bathing. Place the birdbath near cover so birds feel safe approaching it.
Lastly, reduce window strikes. With all this increased activity and territorial chasing in February, cardinals are more likely to collide with windows. For large windows that reflect trees and sky, consider using window decals or screens to mitigate these accidents.
With positive changes being made, it offers birds more opportunies to successfully nest in the spring and summer. These small changes will help turn your yard into a sanctuary, giving you stunning, bright birds, and beautiful sights, all year long. Happy birding!
