January 28, 2000

     Cardinals

The first northern cardinals have been heard whistling, "what cheer, cheer, cheer . . ."  This is a certain sign of spring, as cardinals sing in response to the lengthening days.  The male cardinal, a bit smaller than an American robin, is a predominantly red bird with a crest.  Females are yellowish-brown with tinges of red and are recognized by their crests and red grosbeak bills.

The singing of the male cardinals becomes more frequent by the middle of February, and from then until nesting, both the males and females often can be heard whistling.  This is closely connected with the establishment of the breeding territory.

Cardinals are permanent residents in the central and southern regions of Minnesota, and in the last 120 years, the species has extended its range significantly.  In the late 1800s, it was only a visitant, entering the state occasionally along the Mississippi River, but by the mid-1930s it was established as a resident in the Twin Cities area.  In the past 25 years, there have been a few nests recorded north of Mille Lacs, and a number of birds sighted in the summer as far northwest as Red Lake and as far northeast as Duluth.