Northern Cardinals In Texas (All You Need To Know)

One of America’s most distinctive birds, the northern cardinal (cardinal) in the eastern part of the country, from South Dakota to Maine in the north, and westward into Arizona and New Mexico, and, in rare cases, California in the southwest.

Our northern Texas cardinal guide explores the species’ status and distribution in the largest state and determines whether this striking scarlet songbird can be seen year-round. If you’re interested in learning more, keep reading!

Are there any Cardinals in Texas?

Texas is one of the westernmost areas of the northern cardinal’s range, and the species is found throughout the state. Only a few remote areas further west—Arizona, New Mexico, and California—are home to the species.

Northern cardinals are classified as “common to abundant” throughout Texas and are found in all regions of the state with the sole exception of the far northwest.

Recent data are not available, but a 1972 survey indicated an average density of 167 northern cardinals per square kilometer in southern Texas.

Northern cardinals are found throughout most of Texas

Where does the Cardinal live in Texas?

Cardinals are almost everywhere in Texas. Breeding pairs are generally more common in the wetter eastern regions.

Studies by the Texas Breeding Bird Atlas between 1987 and 1992 indicated that breeding pairs of northern cardinals were widespread in the wetter regions of eastern Texas, as far as the western borders of the Rolling Plains and Edwards Plateau.

In the state’s western border, the High Plains, and the eastern Trans-Pecos region, the species is still present, but fewer breeding pairs have been observed.

Northern Texas cardinals breed in nests that range from near sea level to as high as 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level. In east Texas, cardinals breed in a range of habitats where trees and shrubs are found, including urban landscapes and rural areas, although they tend to stay away from densely forested areas.

As a species, northern cardinals have adapted well to living in close proximity to humans and their surroundings, and are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders.

Northern cardinals are less common in the arid desert landscapes of west Texas, mostly found in urban areas and in landscapes crossed by rivers or streams.

Female northern cardinal lands on cactus in Rio Grande Valley, Texas

How r are is it to see a cardinal in Texas?

Cardinals are classified as common and abundant in Texas and are common in all parts of the state, especially the east and south. It’s not unusual to spot one of these distinctive crimson songbirds.

This species is tolerant of human company and urban landscapes, and is a frequent visitor to backyard feeders, especially in winter. So if you keep your feeders stocked and keep your eyes peeled, you’ll likely be rewarded!

Female and male northern cardinals perched on a branch

Best place to watch the Cardinals in Texas?

Since northern cardinals are listed as abundant in Texas, they can be seen throughout the state. They are more widespread in the wetter parts of the eastern part of the state, where they can be seen in backyards, parks, and woodland clearings, as well as foraging in scrub and cultivated rural landscapes.

In the winter, Northern Cardinals forage in flocks of 20 or more that show up at backyard feeders in search of sunflower seeds, peanuts, ground corn, or any other seed or grain.

Their brightly colored plumage makes them easier to spot, and their abundance throughout their range means that anyone anywhere in the state has a good chance of spotting them without having to look too far.

Male cardinal bathing, Rio Grande Valley, Texas

Do the Cardinals live in Texas year-round?

Cardinals are year-round residents of Texas, breeding and overwintering in the state. As a non-migratory species, cardinals in the northern United States tend to stay close to their breeding grounds year-round, with some migrating from highlands to lower elevations for the winter.

However, no significant migration occurred, and Texas did not experience significant population fluctuations at any time of the year.

Are there any Cardinals in Texas in the winter?

Cardinals live year-round in Texas and can be seen feeding around backyard feeders and on lawns in both winter and summer.

The species has several adaptations that allow them to cope with colder weather, such as being able to shiver and lower their body temperature by a few degrees, which means they can survive through the winter in colder parts of the country rather than needing to travel south in search of warm weather.

Cardinals can suddenly become a more visible presence in the state during the winter months, as they gather in flocks of up to about 25 birds to feed once the breeding season is over.

Use the “safety in numbers” theory to fight predators, as being part of a larger group increases their chances of survival.

Cardinals tweet in Texas winter snow

Are Cardinals Nesting in Texas?

Northern cardinals have successfully established nests in a range of habitats across Texas, with breeding observed to be more concentrated in the east. Small trees, shrubs, or tangled vines provide breeding pairs with ideal sites for territories and nesting.

The northern cardinal’s nest is a bowl-shaped structure woven of leaves, grass, twigs, and bark, wedged into a fork or twig. The nest is constructed by the female with minimal assistance from the male, and is then lined with fine grass and bark.

It is most common for northern cardinals to have two broods per season, but occasionally three or even four broods are produced. Build a new nest for each new nest.

When Do Cardinals Nest in Texas?

The nesting period for northern cardinals in Texas has been observed to start as early as January and continue until late August. The first clutch of eggs is laid in early March, and in some cases the latest clutch is not laid until the end of July. The peak breeding season is April to June.

Breeding a pair of cardinals foraging among leaves

How to draw the Texas Cardinals?

Cardinals are a common sight on back lawns and parks throughout Texas and can be a lively voice at backyard feeders.

Outside of breeding season, this species often gathers in loose foraging groups, and a feeding platform or funnel feeder filled with peanuts and sunflower seeds does a great job of attracting the attention of any nearby cardinals.

Fresh water sources, such as birdbaths, are another potential way to attract cardinals to your yard, providing a place to bathe and drink. Areas planted with dense or tangled clumps of vines will provide shelter and suitable nesting sites for cardinals.

Cardinals are regulars at Texas backyard feeders

Are there other redbirds in Texas?

Pyrrhuloxia (cardinal). From a distance, two crested songbirds may be confused, but up close, some subtle differences make them distinguishable.

The plumage of the male Pyrrhuloxia is gray with reddish tinges, and its beak is yellow instead of the bright orange beak of the northern cardinal.

Pyrrhuloxia feeding on cacti, Rio Grande Valley, Texas