
Based on 5,323 research-grade iNaturalist observations in Minnesota, Northern Cardinal is most often recorded in April; in Minnesota it behaves like a seasonal. It ranks #7 among birds recorded in the state in our data.
Cardinalis cardinalis
Northern Cardinal in Minnesota by month
Bars show research-grade observations per month. They mix true seasonality with how often people are outdoors, so treat small numbers with caution.
Also seen in Minnesota in April

Mallard
Canada Goose

American Robin
Red-winged Blackbird

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Wood Duck

Song Sparrow

Wild Turkey
Places to look in Minnesota
Chippewa National Forest
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Itasca State Park
Judge C. R. Magney State Park
Superior National Forest
Flandrau State Park
FAQ
When does Northern Cardinal appear in Minnesota?
Mainly December–July, with the most records in April.
How common is Northern Cardinal in Minnesota?
It ranks #7 by number of iNaturalist observations among birds in Minnesota (5,323 records in our sample).