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Reviewed & updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA

Looking for a bold tattoo with a dramatic meaning? Look no further than our list of top 10 cardinal tattoos below! You know, eagles aren’t the only American bird worth becoming a beautiful tattoo design on your body. So why not consider this luck-bringing red bird tattoo? You can choose any of the amazing tattoo designs – from a big and bright tattoo of the stunning red cardinal bird, to a small male and female cardinal tattoo symbolizing affection and loyalty. Whatever you choose, be sure to get information on pricing before dedicating your chest or shoulder to this remarkable art.

Skull Cardinal Tattoo

Skull tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs, especially for men. But you want your tattoo to stand out, so be different than the rest! So, why not try a skull and cardinal tattoo? The red cardinal bird next to a black and white element of a tattoo creates strong contrast. Would you like this tattoo design to be more illustrative or realistic? It’s always up to you!

Traditional Cardinal Tattoo

Thinking of a tattoo design that represents your love and devotion? Look no further than this idea! Native Americans consider the red cardinal bird to be a symbol of romantic feelings and monogamy. The unique style of this design will surely stand out on your forearm or calf muscle.

Red Cardinal Illustration Tattoo

Cardinal tattoos can be gorgeous tattoo designs, even if you’re not a bird lover. Can you believe this next tattoo idea is a real tattoo and not a drawing on paper? Add some nature elements to this red cardinal tattoo to have heads turn!

Small Cardinal on Branch Tattoo

Looking for a simple yet visually pleasing cardinal tattoo? Then how about this bright and sleek design we chose? A detailed illustrative tattoo design will surely stand out on your skin, no matter which colors you wear that day! If you need inspiration for a female cardinal tattoo, just omit the black spot around the beak and forget about the bright red coloring.

Angry Cardinal Bird Tattoo

Maybe you’re a fan of the game ‘Angry Birds’ or your friends say you look angry all the time. Either way you will love this cardinal tattoo design! The classical red bird with an angry expression is perfect to get for a wrist and ankle placement. Show off your personality with this unusual tattoo idea!

Lovers Cardinal Tattoo

Are you trying to find a tattoo to express your deepest affection for a lover? How about this small cardinal tattoo of two cardinals in love? Clean lines and smooth shading make this tattoo dazzling. Pair it with an anniversary date or the best year of your romantic life. Consider placing this male and female cardinal tattoo next to your heart.

Cardinal Painting Tattoo

Maybe you are a painter yourself or you simply enjoy art and tattoos. Look at this marvelous male and female cardinal tattoo that looks like a painting! This realistic cardinal tattoo might belong on a canvas, but it most definitely belongs on your skin. You can opt for just the female cardinal tattoo design if you aren’t fond of the color red.

Simple Male and Female Cardinal Tattoo

Thinking of getting a male and female cardinal tattoo to commemorate your love? Are you a fan of simpler tattoos or you’re on a budget? Then how do you like this style of cardinal tattoo designs? Black ink outlines with stippling instead of traditional shading will save you some money and pain. Wherever you choose to place this black cardinal tattoo, we promise it will look cool, even on your hand!

Geometric Cardinal Tattoo

The bright red bird paired with geometric background shapes in black ink is a superb design for all ages and genders. Discuss the size and placement of this sleek cardinal tattoo with your tattoo artist of choice before committing to it! Keep in mind that even small tattoos can be impactful if the design is eye-catching.

Flying Cardinal Tattoo

Interested in intriguing geometric shapes and cardinal birds as tattoos, but aren’t a fan of flashy colors? Tattoo cardinal bird just in black ink with realistic shading for a stunning effect! Lines and geometric shapes frame this tattoo design in an attractive way. This kind of cardinal tattoo image is best suited for legs and back side of the neck.

Having Said All Of That

Cardinals tattoo ideas are infinite if you let your imagination run wild. You can always choose your favorite image from this list and show it to a tattoo artist for reference. Did you find our top 10 cardinal tattoos attractive enough to call your faithful tattoo artist today?