The question of what a female cardinal is called arises frequently because of the striking visual difference between the sexes of the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). The simple, direct answer is that the female is called a female cardinal, or sometimes a hen, though the latter term is rarely used outside of specialized ornithological contexts. This difference in appearance is known as sexual dimorphism. The female cardinal’s less conspicuous coloration is a result of evolutionary pressures, shaping her appearance to suit her primary role in reproduction.
The Simple Answer and Distinctive Appearance
The female cardinal’s appearance truly sets her apart from her brilliant red mate. While the male is almost entirely covered in vibrant red plumage, the female displays a more subdued palette. Her body is primarily a warm tan or reddish-brown, which allows her to blend into the dense shrubs and trees. She still possesses the species’ signature features, including the prominent crest of feathers and the thick, cone-shaped bill, which is a bright orange-red color.
Her crest, wings, and tail feathers are accented with a warm, reddish tinge, providing a subtle contrast to her brownish body feathers. The evolutionary reason for the female’s less showy appearance is directly tied to her survival and the success of her offspring. Her brownish-gray plumage provides effective camouflage when she is sitting on the nest, typically built in dense foliage between one and fifteen feet off the ground. This inconspicuous coloring helps her avoid detection by predators, such as snakes and raptors, while she is incubating the eggs.
The male, whose bright red color is used to attract a mate and defend territory, does not share the same need for camouflage. Since he does not incubate the eggs, his visibility is less of a risk.
The Female Cardinal’s Role in Reproduction
The female cardinal’s appearance is intrinsically linked to her specific duties during the breeding season, which typically runs from March through September. She takes the lead in nest construction, often scouting potential sites with the male before beginning the building process. The female weaves the nest, crushing twigs with her beak to make them pliable and shaping the cup with her body and feet.
Once the nest is complete, the female lays a clutch of two to five eggs, with one egg laid per day. Incubation is performed almost exclusively by the female and lasts for 11 to 13 days. During this time, the male assumes the responsibility of bringing food to the incubating female. This ensures she does not have to leave the nest and expose the eggs to danger.
After the eggs hatch, the female broods the chicks for the first couple of days, keeping them warm and protected. Both parents then share the duty of feeding the nestlings a diet primarily composed of insects. The pair successfully raises one to two broods per season, sometimes attempting a third if conditions are favorable.