How Big Is a Cardinal? Average Size in cm & Worksheet

Birds > Songbirds / Passerines > Animals

Quick answer

Cardinal is about 15.0 cm tall, 21.0 cm wide, and 3.5 cm deep.

Height answers the common “how tall is a Cardinal?” search. Width and depth help explain the full real-world size.

Explore Birds Songbirds Passerines Animals by size
Preview Pro Pack

Start free with one worksheet. Upgrade when you need the full printable lesson pack, levels, notes, and answer key.

Size Comparison

Cardinal size - 15.0 cm dimensions
Cardinal15.0 cm
Click "Add Object" to compare
Visual English Lesson

Cardinal

Cardinals, scientifically known as *Cardinalis cardinalis*, are among the most beloved songbirds in North America. The male Cardinal is easily recognized by its bright red plumage, while the female exhibits a more subdued reddish-brown coloration

Example Sentences

I can see a Cardinal.

The Cardinal is a birds > songbirds / passerines > animal.

Cardinal helps me learn a real-world English word.

Mini Quiz

Which measurement tells how tall it is?

Free 3-minute practice

  • Ages 6-8 practice
  • Mixed pack activity
  • A quick word, sentence, quiz, and drawing task
  • Good for one short home or tutoring activity
Scientific Diagram

View the Cardinal scientific diagram

Open a reviewed visual page with labeled parts, size clues, and a simple Kids Ask Why explanation.

Reviewed imagePicture vocabularyScience notesPrintable pack
  • Free: view the reviewed diagram page
  • Pro: printable poster, worksheet, notes, and answer key
  • Useful for parents, tutors, classrooms, and visual learners
View scientific diagram
Pro Pack

Want this as a full printable Cardinal lesson?

Use the free worksheet for one quick activity. Choose Pro when you need a complete pack with levels, answer keys, adult notes, science prompts, and a printable flow you can reuse.

Same object, three learner levels

Use easier or harder versions for ages 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11.

A full printable pack, not one loose page

Vocabulary, quiz, size science, drawing task, and answer key together.

Ready for a weekly routine

Turn object pages into repeatable English and science practice.

Instructions for the adult

Parent and teacher notes make it usable at home, tutoring, or class.

About Cardinal

Cardinals, scientifically known as *Cardinalis cardinalis*, are among the most beloved songbirds in North America. The male Cardinal is easily recognized by its bright red plumage, while the female exhibits a more subdued reddish-brown coloration. These birds are known for their year-round residence and cheerful songs, making them a welcome sight and sound in gardens and woodlands. Cardinals are primarily seed-eaters, but they also consume fruits and insects. They are often used as symbols of Christmas and winter holidays due to their vibrant color against the snowy landscape. Cardinals are also popular state birds, representing several states across the US.

Size Overview

The Cardinal is a vibrantly colored songbird, known for its distinctive crest and beautiful song. Measuring approximately 220mm in length, 220mm in width, and 115mm in height, the Cardinal is a medium-sized bird. That's 22.0cm long, 22.0cm wide, and 11.5cm tall. It's about the size of a small grapefruit, or roughly as tall as a standard smartphone placed horizontally. Its size allows it to easily maneuver through branches and forage for food in various environments. A Cardinal comfortably fits in an adult's open palm. Knowing the Cardinal's size helps identify this beautiful songbird in your backyard or while birdwatching.

21.0 cm
Width
15.0 cm
Height
3.5 cm
Depth

🧒 For Kids

A cardinal is about as long as a ruler from its beak to the tip of its tail! These bright red birds look like flying jewels and love to visit backyard feeders.

Frequently Asked Questions