Short Bird Haiku Poem About Red Cardinal 5 7 5

Bird Haiku Poem About Red Cardinals Perched On A Wire

Bird perched on wire—
feathers scarlet as fire—
sings bright melody.

Justin Farley

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Cardinals have always held a special place in my heart. During the midst of winter when I’m often dealing with seasonal affective disorder, their scarlet fire helps keep me warm. The bright pitch of their melody keeps the mind positive and joyful. I tried to capture the bird’s key features in this short haiku poem written in 5-7-5 format.

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Northern Cardinals are remarkable birds with special qualities. Here are some quick, fun facts you might not know:

Fun Bird Facts About the Northern Cardinal

• Year-round Residents: Unlike many birds, Northern Cardinals don’t migrate. They remain in the same place year-round, famous for their vibrant scarlet color in winter.
• The Color of Their Plumage (Males): Male cardinals get their stunning scarlet-red color from carotenoid pigments found in their diet—especially from fruits and berries.
• Female Cardinals Sing: Unlike many female songbirds, female cardinals join in the singing. They often sing from the nest, communicating with their mates through calls.
• Territorial Reflections: Cardinals frequently attack their own reflections in windows or mirrors, mistaking the image for a rival invading their territory.
• State Bird: The Northern Cardinal is the official state bird of seven U.S. states—more than any other bird. These states include Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
• Lifelong Partnerships: Cardinals are mostly monogamous, often mating for life and remaining together throughout the year.
• Symbolic Visitors: Many cultures view cardinals as symbols of hope, renewal, and the presence of loved ones who have passed—especially when they appear during the winter season.
• Early Risers and Late Singers: Cardinals are one of the first birds to sing at in the morning and often one the last to stop singing at dusk, filling both the early morning and evening hours with their bright, cheerful calls.
• Name Origin: The cardinal was named after the red-robed Catholic cardinals because of their similarity in color.
• Feeding Habits: Cardinals have strong beaks which allows them to crack open tough seeds easily. They prefer sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and occasionally insects.

What is your favorite thing about cardinals? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Enjoyed this 5 7 5 bird haiku poem about the Northern Cardinal? Here are a few other haiku poems about birds as well as all my online nature poetry.

You can find the rest of my poems about nature that I’ve posted online HERE