On this page
This cardinal coloring page shows a plump songbird resting on a snowy branch. It has a tall pointed crest, a short thick beak and a dark mask around its eye. Rows of overlapping feathers cover its chest and folded wing, and its long tail feathers point down to the right. Two pine cones and a sprig of holly hang below the branch, with snowy hills and little pines far behind.
It is a good choice for ages 6 to 14, and it takes about 40 minutes. Every feather is a small closed shape, which makes this a medium page. Younger kids can use one red for the whole bird, and older kids can shade each feather.
True colors of the bird
Cardinals are famous for their red feathers. Use a bright red for the head and body. Choose a darker red or brown for the long wing and tail feathers, and the bird will look deep and full. Try it. Make the beak orange, and color the mask around the face a very dark gray or black.
Snow is just white paper with a bit of blue. Leave the snow caps white, and color the branch a warm brown. A pale blue sky keeps the page calm and lets the red stand out. Tan and brown work well on the pine cones.
Want to draw a female? Use soft tan and light brown for the body, then add a little red on the crest, wing and tail. A pair of them makes a sweet picture.
Tips for this cardinal coloring page
- Color in the direction the feathers would lie, from head to tail.
- Add a darker red along the bottom edge of each chest feather.
- Keep the small white dot in the eye, so the bird looks alive.
- Start with the small feathers near the head, while your hand is fresh.
A sharp tip helps most on the wing, where the feathers are the smallest.
Facts about a backyard favorite
The northern cardinal lives across the eastern United States, Mexico and parts of Canada. It does not fly south for winter, so it is a common sight at snowy feeders. Seven American states have made it their state bird, which is more than any other bird.
Both the male and the female sing, which is unusual for songbirds. Their call is a clear whistle that sounds a bit like "cheer, cheer, cheer." The red color comes from the food they eat, such as berries and seeds. Many people say that seeing one in winter feels like a small visit from a loved one.
Bring birds to your yard
This sheet pairs nicely with a simple bird feeder. Spread peanut butter on a pine cone, roll it in seeds and hang it from a branch. If you are not allergic, this is a fun project on a cold day. Sunflower seeds are a favorite of cardinals.
Keep a bird list. Use the back of your page. Each time you spot one outside, add the date and the time. Children soon learn that birds come at certain hours, usually early in the morning and just before dark.
For quiet time, try listening to a recording of a real bird call and then see if your child can whistle it. Older kids can use a free app to identify birds by sound.
This also makes a lovely card for an older relative. Many people are very fond of this bird. Add a short note, and it will likely end up on the fridge.
How to print it
Colored pencils suit this bird best, because a sharp tip can stay inside the small feathers on the chest and wing. Plain copy paper takes pencil well. If your printer uses A4 sheets, pick Fit to page so the holly sprig is not cut off.
More birds and winter friends
This cardinal coloring page belongs to our Christmas coloring pages and our animal coloring pages. Try the bird next, or find another cold weather friend in our winter coloring pages.
Questions
Are all cardinals red?
No. The male is bright red, while the female is a soft tan with touches of red on the wings, tail and crest.
Do cardinals leave in winter?
No. They stay all year, so their bright color is easy to spot against the snow.
Can I print copies for my class or group?
Yes. Print as many as you need for home, school or library use. Please do not sell the pages.
