Northern cardinals are bright, familiar year-round birds, and while many die young, those that survive can live a good long life.
The average cardinal lifespan
On average, a wild cardinal lives around 3 years. As with most small birds, many do not survive their first year — predators, harsh winters, windows and cats take a heavy toll on young cardinals — which keeps the average low.
Cardinals that beat the odds
A cardinal that makes it past its first year can live much longer, often 10 to 15 years. The oldest recorded wild cardinal reached around 15 years. Because they do not migrate, well-fed cardinals with good cover can settle into a long life in one area.
Helping cardinals thrive
Support your local cardinals with a steady food supply of sunflower and safflower seed, fresh water, and dense shrubs for shelter and nesting. Keeping cats indoors and making windows visible reduces two of the biggest dangers they face.