How long do cardinals live?

Answer 1

I work on a Golf course and over the years I've had the pleasure of rehabilitation Cardinals, among other wild bird-life from very young until adulthood and releasing them back into the wild. One cardinal in particular I've had from a hatch ling all the way up until now in captivity, due to a wing injury that doesn't permit her to fend for herself in the wild. She is 10, and featherless in her old age but when she was younger she was a beauty. In the wild, I've read the expected length of life for a Cardinal (and most Songbirds) only live 2-3 years. In captivity, with the right balance in nutrition and exercise I'd expect anywhere from 8-12 years. It's illegal to keep a captive songbird without proper permits.

Answer 2

I work on a Golf course and over the years I've had the pleasure of rehabilitation Cardinals, among other wild bird-life from very young until adulthood and releasing them back into the wild. One cardinal in particular I've had from a hatch ling all the way up until now in captivity, due to a wing injury that doesn't permit her to fend for herself in the wild. She is 10, and featherless in her old age but when she was younger she was a beauty. In the wild, I've read the expected length of life for a Cardinal (and most Songbirds) only live 2-3 years. In captivity, with the right balance in nutrition and exercise I'd expect anywhere from 8-12 years. It's illegal to keep a captive songbird without proper permits.