Calls
Cardinals make about 16 unique calls, and each one has a different purpose. Loud, metallic chirps are the most common calls. It’s a brief sound that’s meant to scare predators away, such as when threats approach a cardinal’s territory or nest.
These beautiful birds also make sounds while hanging out in the nest and feeding baby birds. This call sounds like the birds are saying “took” softly. It’s harder to recognize than the chirps because it’s a quiet sound that you need to be near a nest to hear.
Songs
Songs are typically easier to recognize than calls. Cardinal songs last for about two to three seconds. They’re a string of two-part whistles that usually speed up at the end. They may also end in a slow trill. Sometimes, the songs sound like the bird is saying “cheer, cheer, cheer” or “birdie, birdie, birdie.”
Both male and female cardinals sing. If you hear a cardinal song, it could mean that the bird is calling for a mate or protecting territory. You’re most likely to hear cardinal songs in spring and early summer since that’s the start of the mating season.
