When is the Egg Laying Season for Cardinals?
Cardinals don't wait for full spring to get started. In some parts of the country, their nesting season kicks off before most trees have leafed out.
But when they lay eggs - and how many broods they raise - depends a lot on where they're nesting.
Whether you're in the South or the snowbelt, this guide will walk you through when cardinal nesting typically begins, how long each stage lasts, and how to recognize the signs that nesting may be underway right now.
Nesting Timeline by Region
Many pairs raise two broods per year, and in favorable conditions, some raise three.
Feeding Time at the Nest
| Region | Nest Building Begins | Eggs Laid | Broods Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern US | Late March - April | Early April - May | 2-3 |
| Midwestern US | Early to mid April | Mid to late April | 2 |
| Northern US | Mid to late April | Late April - early May | 1-2 |
Want to go deeper? Visit our full Northern Cardinal profile.
Courtship and Nest Building
Cardinals start their nesting season with quiet routines that are easy to overlook if you're not paying attention.
One of the first signs is a male feeding the female beak to beak - an act of bonding and a signal that nesting is about to begin.
Soon after, the female begins scouting nesting sites. She does all the building herself, using twigs, grass, vines, and occasionally bits of paper or string.
Nest building takes place in the morning to mid-morning, then it's off to feed and rest.
It takes her around 3 to 9 days to complete the loose but sturdy cup-shaped structure, often tucked 3 to 10 feet off the ground in a dense shrub, small tree, or vine tangle. The male assists by gathering materials and standing guard nearby.
Cardinal Egg-Laying and Incubation Timeline
Once the nest is complete, the female typically lays 2 to 5 eggs, one per day. These eggs are whitish to pale green or blue, speckled with brown and gray.
After the last egg is laid, the female begins incubation, which lasts about 11 to 13 days. During this period, the male continues to bring her food and watches over the territory.
Once the chicks hatch, they remain in the nest for about 9 to 11 days before fledging.
During this time, both parents share feeding duties, though the male often takes over care of the fledglings while the female begins preparing for a second brood.
When to Expect the First Brood (and the Second)
Depending on your location, here's when you might expect to see the first chicks:
- Southern states (TX, FL, AL): Hatching can begin by mid-April
- Midwest (MO, IL, KS): Chicks typically appear in late April to early May
- Northeast & Great Lakes: Expect first broods around mid to late May
A second brood often follows 30 to 40 days later. If you've missed signs of the first nest, don't worry - cardinals may still be in the early stages of a second nesting cycle, especially in late May through July.
The female will begin nest building again shortly after the first fledglings leave the nest, often within a week or two.
Nesting Preferences and Habitat
Cardinals don't nest in cavities or use birdhouses. Instead, they favor spots that offer thick, tangled cover - places where leaves and branches hide the nest from view. Their preferred sites include:
- Native shrubs or hedges - Evergreens preferred in early spring.
- Brush piles
- Vine-covered fences
- Young trees near natural cover
If you want to encourage nesting, consider leaving areas of your yard a little untidy. Layered landscaping and dense plantings give them the shelter they need to feel safe.
Recognizing Nesting Activity
You don't have to see the nest to know cardinals are nesting nearby. Here are signs to watch for:
- A female slipping into the same hidden spot repeatedly
- A male feeding the female or staying close to her side
- Quiet chirping from low in the bushes
- Twigs or grasses being carried into dense vegetation
Cardinals may be private nesters, but their habits are reliable once you know what to look for.
Common Questions
Do cardinals reuse nests?
No. They build a new nest for each brood, even within the same season.
Can I move a cardinal nest?
No. Cardinals are federally protected, and moving a nest would cause abandonment.
How can I attract cardinals to nest nearby?
Use native shrubs, avoid heavy pruning in spring, and keep feeders stocked with sunflower or safflower seeds to encourage them to stay nearby.
