Northern Cardinals In Florida (All You Need To Know)

The northern cardinal is widely distributed in Florida and the eastern half of the United States. They are not specific to one habitat. Cardinals occur in a variety of ecosystems as long as the area provides sufficient vegetation cover for the birds to live and nest safely.

Cardinals are found in nearly every ecosystem in Florida, from coastal intertidal to swamps and forest edges. As they are not very shy birds, they also frequent suburbs where bird feeders are prevalent.

If you enjoy watching cardinals in your backyard or on walks, you’ll be happy to hear that these birds live in Florida year-round. They stay on their territory all season, giving you ample opportunity to observe their behavior.

Read on to learn more about the great Northern Florida Cardinals!

Northern Cardinals can be found in Florida year-round

Does Florida have a Cardinals?

Cardinals are one of the most common songbirds in Florida. These birds live anywhere forests or bushes provide adequate cover. They can be found deep in the woods, in swamp or prairie habitats, and even in your backyard.

Florida also has two subspecies of cardinals. one – C. cardinalis ssp.floridanus – State specific only. second – C. cardinalis ssp.cardinal – West of the Apalachicola River.

Over the past 40-plus years, the number of cardinals has increased across the United States. However, for reasons that are not fully understood, the number of cardinals in the Florida peninsula has decreased.

Close-up of a male northern cardinal perched on a branch in Florida

Where do the Cardinals live in Florida?

Northern cardinals and cardinal subspecies are found throughout Florida. They are found in a variety of habitats throughout Florida, including forest edges, undergrowth in secondary forests, swamps, shrubby grasslands, riparian and mangrove forests, and hedgerows in agricultural areas.

Regardless of the ecosystem, cardinals prefer to nest in leafy areas. These areas provide cover and protection for the nest and the cardinal itself.

Northern Cardinals on the ground in Lower Keys, Florida

How rare is it to see a Cardinal in Florida?

It’s not unusual to see a cardinal in Florida. They inhabit a variety of habitats across the state and are one of the most common backyard birds.

The only exception is the rare yellow northern cardinal. This color change within the species is uncommon and is only observed in the state a few times a year.

Florida’s Yellow Northern Cardinal

Rare yellow male northern cardinal – a genetic mutation – in Gainesville, Florida

Best place to watch the Cardinals in Florida?

The best places to see cardinals in Florida are natural areas that provide the habitat the species needs. Forest margins, thickets, swamps, and even mangroves in the coastal intertidal zone are the habitat of cardinals.

Florida is home to many state parks and wildlife refuges with trail systems that take you through great prime habitat.

Your backyard is also a great place to see cardinals. These birds love to visit feeders in the yard that provide ample forage and the coverage these birds need to feel safe. We’ll talk more about how to attract cardinals to your yard in more detail later.

Visit Feeders, Florida’s Women’s Northern Cardinals

Do the Cardinals live in Florida year-round?

Cardinals are permanent residents of Florida, which means they can be found throughout the state each season. Even in the northernmost parts of their habitat, these birds are not considered migratory birds. They may move their nests and change locations throughout their territory, but they generally stay in the same area their entire lives.

Are there Cardinals in Florida in the winter?

The Cardinals stayed in Florida all winter. They breed, nest and overwinter in the same range every year. In fact, cardinals are common bird feeders during the winter months.

As mentioned earlier, this species is non-migratory.

Fluffy male northern cardinal perched on a tree in Naples, Florida

Do Cardinals Nest in Florida?

Cardinals have a long nesting season in Florida, probably because of the state’s mild winters. Females lay eggs anytime between February and September. Nesting pairs typically have two to four litters per season.

Northern cardinals build their nests in forks of branches 1 to 15 feet above the ground. Nests are hidden among dense trees, shrubs or tangled vines to protect them from predators and the elements.

This species does not reuse nests from previous years. Mating pairs choose a new nest within their range and rebuild it year after year.

cardinal using bird bath

How to lure the Cardinals in Florida?

The Cardinals regularly feed the birds in their Florida backyards throughout the year. The best way to attract these birds and keep them coming back is to provide food sources and habitat features they prefer.

First, cardinals are usually ground feeders, so it’s best to offer seed directly on the ground or on a low platform feeder. Once you find the perfect setup, fill your feeders with their favorite seeds—sunflower, safflower, and suet.

Also, the Cardinal felt safest with some vegetation protection overhead. To do this, place your feeder on a low branch among the dense foliage to provide protection from above. Setting up a birdbath nearby is also the finishing touch these birds will appreciate.