Kentucky wildlife
Northern Cardinal (male)
Cardinalis cardinalis
Male's brilliant red plumage stands out against autumn foliage in the gorge.
See the Northern Cardinal (male) up close
Best months
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Autumn mornings at Red River Gorge offer good viewing opportunities; check official forest service reports for current access.
Where to look
Red River Gorge, Daniel Boone National ForestMammoth Cave National ParkLand Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
Conservation status
Common year-round resident across Kentucky
Good to know
What do Northern Cardinals eat?
They primarily eat seeds, fruits, and insects, often visiting bird feeders.
Where do they nest?
Females build cup-shaped nests in dense shrubs or low trees, typically 3-10 feet off the ground.
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