Summary
- Natural history: The Northern Cardinal was essentially unknown in northern New England before the mid-1900s, with Vermont’s first documented record dating only to 1962, but the species has pushed steadily northward ever since and now nests as far as southern Canada. Researchers credit the spread partly to a warming climate and partly to the rise of backyard bird feeders, which help cardinals survive Vermont winters, along with suburban development that has created the shrubby, ornamental habitat the birds favor for nesting. Unusually for a songbird, female cardinals also sing, though more softly than males and seemingly to communicate with their own mate rather than to advertise a territory.
- Status in VT: Increased by 53% (74 to 113 blocks). Greatest increases in Northern Vermont Piedmont and Northern Green Mountains.
- Data from other research: No additional data for VT.
- Conservation status: State rank S5
- Other atlases: NY and ON: significant northward expansion; PA: 138%
- VT’s role in North American range: VT is near the northern edge of the range.
- Causes of change since first Atlas:Proliferation of winter feeding stations; warming climate; increased habitat availability with urbanization.
- Management/Monitoring recommendations: No specific recommendations.
Population Trends
First Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (1976-1981)
Second Vermont Breeding Bird Atlas (2003 – 2007)
Change in Distribution
