Augusta, Maine – A rare genetic mutation could cause a bright yellow northern cardinal to appear in backyards this spring, an occurrence ornithologists estimate may happen in roughly one in a million birds.
Northern cardinals are widely recognized for the male’s vivid red feathers. According to wildlife experts, that coloration comes from carotenoid pigments found in fruits and berries. In extremely rare cases, a genetic mutation prevents the pigments from converting to red, resulting in a yellow bird instead.
Though uncommon, documented sightings continue to surface. Two of the most recent confirmed reports occurred in Bath, Michigan, in 2024 and in the St. Louis, Missouri, area in 2025.
Wildlife biologists emphasize that yellow cardinals are not a separate species and are not considered a threat or environmental warning sign. They are healthy northern cardinals exhibiting a natural genetic variation.
Because cardinals do not migrate and remain across much of the eastern and central United States year-round, experts say spring is one of the best opportunities to notice unusual plumage as birds become more active and visible during breeding season.
Cardinals are common visitors to backyard feeders, particularly those stocked with black-oil sunflower seeds. Observers who spot unusual birds are encouraged to document sightings through platforms such as eBird to assist researchers tracking rare occurrences.
While the odds remain low, experts say careful observation could reveal one of the rarest backyard bird variations in North America.
