Illinois wildlife
Northern Cardinal (female)
Cardinalis cardinalis
Female cardinals are soft brown with a warm red tint, often seen near shrubs.
See the Northern Cardinal (female) up close
Best months
Apr · May · Jun
Best seen in early morning or late afternoon; check the official report for peak spring activity.
Where to look
Starved Rock State Park, LaSalle CountyPere Marquette State Park, Jersey County
Conservation status
Common and widespread resident, not of conservation concern
Good to know
What does a female cardinal look like?
She is mostly brown with reddish accents on the wings, tail, and crest, and has a red-orange beak.
When do cardinals nest in Illinois?
They typically nest from March through September, with peak breeding in late spring and early summer.
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