Indiana is a paradise for birdwatchers, and few birds capture attention quite like cardinals. Their vivid red plumage, striking crests, and melodic songs make them a favorite among both beginners and experienced birders. Whether seen in backyards, woodlands, or parks, cardinals bring color and life to the Hoosier landscape all year round.
In this guide, we’ll explore four types of cardinals in Indiana, including the common Northern Cardinal and some rarer visitors like the Pyrrhuloxia and Summer Tanager. You’ll learn how to identify each species, understand their behavior, and discover the habitats where you’re most likely to spot them.
With pictures and identification tips included, every cardinal sighting becomes an exciting opportunity to connect with nature.
Different Types of Cardinals Found in Indiana
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
The Northern Cardinal is perhaps Indiana’s most iconic bird. Males are brilliant red all over, with a striking black mask around the face, while females display a warm brown plumage with reddish highlights on the wings, tail, and crest. Both sexes have a thick, orange-red beak and a prominent crest on top of the head. These features make them easy to identify year-round.
Northern Cardinals are highly territorial birds. Males will sing from high perches to establish territory, and both males and females will fiercely defend their nesting sites. Pairs often remain together throughout the year, and you can sometimes see them feeding each other seeds or insects during courtship and nesting seasons.
Their preferred habitats include woodlands, forest edges, backyards, gardens, and parks. They are highly adaptable and thrive in both rural and suburban environments. Cardinals are permanent residents in Indiana, meaning they can be seen throughout all seasons.
Diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, fruits, and insects. Cardinals are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, especially those offering sunflower seeds or safflower seeds. They also forage for berries and small insects in shrubs and low trees, making them beneficial for controlling insect populations.
The best time to observe Northern Cardinals in Indiana is during early morning or late afternoon. They are most active during these hours, and their bright red coloration stands out against the green foliage. USDA hardiness zones 5–9 cover the areas where they are most commonly found.
Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus)
The Pyrrhuloxia, also known as the Desert Cardinal, is a close relative of the Northern Cardinal. Males have grayish plumage with red accents on the face, wings, and tail, while females are paler with subtle red highlights. Their parrot-like, thick beak is specially adapted to crack tough seeds.
In Indiana, Pyrrhuloxia is a rare vagrant. Sightings are usually reported in southern regions of the state and occur during unusual weather events or migration anomalies. Birders often get very excited when spotting this species, as it is not commonly observed.
Pyrrhuloxia’s natural habitat includes desert scrub, mesquite thickets, and open woodlands. In Indiana, they are generally found in open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, mimicking their natural preference for open and semi-arid environments.
Behaviorally, Pyrrhuloxia is similar to the Northern Cardinal. They are territorial and can be quite vocal, though their song differs slightly, often described as more mechanical or “chipping.” They forage for seeds, fruits, and insects, using their strong beak to crack hard seed shells.
For Indiana birdwatchers, the best chance to observe Pyrrhuloxia is in fall or winter during rare migratory events. Birding in southern Indiana woodlands and open fields increases the likelihood of spotting this elusive visitor. Always check local birdwatching reports for recent sightings.
Northern Cardinal Subspecies (Cardinalis cardinalis cardinalis)
Indiana is home to the eastern subspecies of Northern Cardinals. These birds are slightly larger than western subspecies and males often display a richer, more vibrant red plumage. Females also show more vivid reddish tinges on the wings and tail, which can help differentiate subspecies.
Their behavior mirrors that of the main Northern Cardinal species. Pairs remain together year-round, defend territories, and use singing to communicate and attract mates. These birds are highly adaptable to human-altered landscapes, often nesting in residential areas.
Subspecies distinctions are subtle but noticeable to keen observers. Differences can be seen in plumage intensity, body size, and some aspects of vocalization. These variations are more apparent when comparing populations from different regions.
Habitats include woodland edges, suburban gardens, and shrubby fields. They are permanent residents in Indiana and are especially abundant in areas with dense shrubs for nesting and open spaces for foraging.
Birders in Indiana can identify this subspecies by closely observing plumage vibrancy and listening for characteristic songs. They are most active at dawn and dusk, making early morning walks ideal for observation and photography.
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)
Though technically a tanager, the male Summer Tanager is often mistaken for a cardinal because of its striking red plumage. Females are yellowish-green, which makes them less conspicuous. These birds are migratory and only appear in Indiana during summer months.
Summer Tanagers are primarily insectivorous, specializing in catching bees and wasps mid-flight. They also eat fruits and berries when insects are scarce. Their feeding habits make them unique compared to the primarily seed-eating Northern Cardinal.
Habitat preferences include open woodlands, forest edges, and riparian zones. In Indiana, they are uncommon, appearing mainly in southern and central regions during breeding season. They nest in tall trees, often high above the ground.
Behaviorally, they are less territorial than cardinals but still maintain a home range during breeding. Their song is a melodious series of chuckling notes, somewhat softer and less harsh than the Northern Cardinal’s whistle.
For birdwatchers, the best chance to see a Summer Tanager in Indiana is from late May through early September. Observing them during migration can be challenging, so checking local birding hot spots and recent sightings is highly recommended.
Best Times and Places to Observe Cardinals in Indiana
If you want to see cardinals in Indiana, early mornings and late afternoons are the best times, as these birds are most active during these hours. In winter, Northern Cardinals are highly visible at feeders, making backyard observation ideal.
The southern and central regions of Indiana provide more opportunities to spot rare visitors like Pyrrhuloxia and Summer Tanagers, especially in open woodlands, parks, and forest edges.
Year-round residents, Northern Cardinals can be observed throughout the state in suburban areas, gardens, and woodlands. Birdwatchers often enjoy them because of their bright colors, distinctive crests, and melodious songs.
For rare species like Pyrrhuloxia, keeping track of local birdwatching reports or joining birding groups increases the likelihood of sightings. Migration periods can also bring occasional surprises.
Finally, always carry binoculars and a field guide to help differentiate cardinals from other red birds like Summer Tanagers or Scarlet Tanagers, especially during summer months.
FAQs About Cardinals in Indiana
What cardinal is most common in Indiana?
The Northern Cardinal is the most common and widespread species in Indiana, found year-round in backyards, woodlands, and parks.
Can you see cardinals in winter in Indiana?
Yes, Northern Cardinals are permanent residents, so they remain visible throughout winter, often visiting feeders for seeds and fruits.
Are Pyrrhuloxia cardinals in Indiana?
Pyrrhuloxia is a rare vagrant in Indiana. Sightings are infrequent and usually occur in southern regions during unusual weather or migration events.
How can I tell a Summer Tanager from a Northern Cardinal?
Male Summer Tanagers are red like male Northern Cardinals but have slightly slimmer bodies, a more uniform red without black facial masks, and are usually observed in open woodlands during summer migration.
What habitats do Indiana cardinals prefer?
Cardinals prefer woodland edges, gardens, parks, and shrubby fields. Northern Cardinals are adaptable, while rare species like Pyrrhuloxia and Summer Tanagers favor open areas with scattered trees.
