Why Does a Cardinal Raise Its Crest?

Cardinal Crest Behavior

Courtesy Brenda Doherty

What causes a northern cardinal to raise or lower its crest? asks Birds & Blooms reader Larry Thompson of Irving, Texas.

Birding experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “Northern cardinals raise or lower their crests at will. The position of the crest can be a signal to other cardinals, but the meaning of the signal seems to vary. When one male is aggressively driving another one away, it may flatten its crest completely, while the losing bird raises its crest high.”

If you see a cardinal, here’s what it means.

Cardinal Crests During Courtship

Courtesy Tracey Losier

The Kaufmans say, “When males are putting on courtship displays to woo females, they raise their crests in some displays and lower them in others. (Do cardinals mate for life?) Their body language must be clear to other cardinals, but we human observers have to watch the rest of their behavior for more clues.”

Learn how to recognize northern cardinal eggs and cardinal nests.

Do Female Cardinals Have Crests?

Courtesy John Neuman

Look for crested heads on both the scarlet red male cardinals and the reddish-tan, less showy females. Juvenile northern cardinals have a thin wispy crest of feathers.

Can a cardinal fly without tail feathers?

Watch Cardinals at Feeders

Courtesy John Carney

A tube or hopper feeder full of black oil sunflower seeds is the best way to lure these bold red birds to backyards across the eastern U.S. When they visit, take note of their territorial behaviors.

Love looking at cardinals? Don’t miss 25 simply stunning cardinal bird pictures.

More Birds With Crests

Courtesy Deborah Bryk

If you saw another bird with a crest, you might have spotted a cedar waxwing, tufted titmouse or a blue jay. See more birds that look like cardinals.