Tennessee wildlife
Northern Cardinal (male)
Cardinalis cardinalis
Bright red male unmistakable against winter snow
See the Northern Cardinal (male) up close
Best months
Dec · Jan · Feb
Early morning after a snowfall provides the best contrast; check park road conditions for winter access.
Where to look
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Conservation status
Common year-round resident in Tennessee
Good to know
What time of day is best for seeing northern cardinals in Tennessee in winter?
Early morning and late afternoon, just after dawn and before dusk, are the most active feeding periods.
Do northern cardinals stay in Tennessee year-round?
Yes, they are permanent residents and can be seen throughout the year, but winter snow makes them more visible.
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