BACKYARD SECRET: CARDINALS HAVE TWO VOICE BOXES

      The song of the northern cardinal is one of the most beautiful songs we hear in our backyards.  Remarkably, like other songbirds, the cardinal produces its melodious notes using not one but two voice boxes. 

       If you listen carefully to a cardinal song, you will notice each phrase of the bird’s song is composed of a blending of both high and low notes.  The lower notes are created in its left voice box.  Meanwhile, higher notes are formed in the bird’s right voice box.  Working harmoniously, the two voice boxes enable the cardinal to create a distinctive and pleasing song enjoyed by homeowners across the state.

One thought on “BACKYARD SECRET: CARDINALS HAVE TWO VOICE BOXES

  1. Thank you for this information. I never knew some(?) birds have two voice boxes. I will definitely be listening for this. You never get too old to learn something new every day.

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