12 Best Small Cardinal Tattoo Ideas

Let’s guess, are you looking for specific cardinal ideas and designs? Hmm… is that small cardinal tattoo? What? that’s right? Simply awesome! The best ideas here are a perfect match for your needs, and I’m sure they will inspire you. From feminine to minimal, colorful to black and white, you’ll find a design that matches your style in this article.

Don’t be fooled by the appearance of these red birds, in fact, they symbolize power, both for men and women. In addition, in other cultures and legends, the cardinal also symbolizes love, devotion and loyalty. There are also rumors that when people see a cardinal, it means good luck is coming, so this bird is also associated with good luck.

12. Cute Small Cardinal Tattoo

A cute small cardinal tattoo is a popular design choice for many tattoo enthusiasts. The cardinal bird is a symbol of love, hope, and devotion. The cardinal tattoo can be designed in various ways, such as a simple outline or a more detailed and colorful design. 

Cute small cardinal tattoo on ankle

Some people may choose to add other elements to the design, such as flowers or hearts, to make the tattoo more personalized. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the cardinal tattoo can also have deep personal significance. It can be a tribute to a loved one who has passed away or a symbol of one’s own spiritual beliefs.

11. Simple Small Cardinal Tattoo

A simple small cardinal tattoo is a minimalist design that features a cardinal bird in a basic, unadorned style. This type of tattoo is popular among those who prefer a more understated look or who want to keep their tattoo design discreet.

The design typically features the bird in profile, with a few key features such as its distinctive crest and bright red coloring. Simple small cardinal tattoos can be placed on various parts of the body, including the wrist, ankle, or behind the ear. 

They can also be easily incorporated into other tattoo designs or combined with other symbols or imagery. Overall, a simple small cardinal tattoo is a beautiful and meaningful design that is both visually appealing and can hold personal significance for the wearer. 

Orange small cardinal tattoo

Its understated style allows it to be a versatile addition to any tattoo collection.

10. Small Cardinal Fine Line Tattoo

A small cardinal line tattoo is a simple yet elegant tattoo design that features a single line drawing of a cardinal bird. The cardinal bird is a popular choice for tattoo enthusiasts due to its vibrant red color and symbolic meaning, which includes courage, hope, and love.

This type of tattoo is typically small in size and can be placed on various parts of the body, such as the wrist, ankle, or behind the ear. The design is minimalist and consists of a continuous line that creates the outline of the bird.

A small cardinal line tattoo is a great option for those who want a meaningful and visually appealing tattoo without it being too bold or attention-grabbing.

Small cardinal outline tattoo

Overall, a small cardinal line tattoo is a beautiful and timeless choice that can represent a variety of personal meanings and values.

9. Small Cardinal Tattoo With Flowers

A small cardinal tattoo with flowers is a stunning tattoo design that features the cardinal bird surrounded by delicate and colorful flowers. The cardinal bird represents various positive meanings such as love, loyalty, and vitality, and the flowers complement its beauty and add additional symbolic meaning.

This type of tattoo is typically small in size and can be placed on various parts of the body, such as the wrist, shoulder, or ankle. The design is usually detailed and consists of a colored cardinal bird with various flowers such as roses, lilies, or daisies.

A small cardinal tattoo with flowers is a popular choice for those who want to add a personal touch to their tattoo and symbolize their love for nature, beauty, or love.

Small cardinal tattoo with flowers

Overall, a small cardinal tattoo with flowers is a unique and stunning choice that can represent a variety of personal meanings and values while creating a beautiful and memorable tattoo design.

8. Minimalist Small Cardinal Tattoo

A minimalist small cardinal tattoo is a simple yet striking tattoo design. The cardinal bird is a popular choice for tattoo enthusiasts due to its symbolic meaning and vibrant red color.

This type of tattoo is typically small in size and can be placed on various parts of the body, such as the wrist, or behind the ear. The design is minimalist and consists of simple lines that create the outline of the bird.

A minimalist small cardinal tattoo is a great option for those who prefer a subtle and understated tattoo that still conveys a powerful message. It is also a popular choice for those who want a small yet meaningful addition to their existing tattoo collection.

Small cardinal tattoo on wrist

Overall, a minimalist small cardinal tattoo is a beautiful and timeless choice that can represent a variety of personal meanings and values. It is a great way to incorporate the symbolism of the cardinal bird into a minimalist and aesthetically pleasing tattoo design.

7. Small Cardinal Tattoo on Wrist

A small cardinal tattoo on the wrist is a popular tattoo design that features a detailed or simple image of a cardinal bird on the wrist. This type of tattoo is typically small in size, making it a subtle and delicate addition to the body.

The cardinal bird has several symbolic meanings such as love, hope, and vitality, which makes it a popular choice for tattoo enthusiasts. A small cardinal tattoo on the wrist is perfect for those who want a meaningful and eye-catching tattoo that can be easily hidden if needed.

The design can vary from a minimalist outline of the bird to a more detailed and colorful representation. Some people choose to add additional elements to the tattoo, such as flowers or branches, to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Small flying cardinal tattoo

It is a great way to incorporate the symbolism of the cardinal bird into a small yet meaningful tattoo design that is perfect for those who want to keep their tattoo understated.

6. Black And White Small Cardinal Tattoo

A black and white small cardinal tattoo is a design that features a cardinal bird rendered in black and white ink in a small size. The cardinal bird is a popular subject in tattoo art due to its striking appearance and symbolic meanings, such as love, hope, and faith. 

The tattoo can be placed in various locations, including the wrist, or ankle, depending on personal preference. The black and white color scheme adds a classic and timeless feel to the design, making it suitable for any gender or style. 

It’s important to find a skilled tattoo artist with experience in creating small tattoos to ensure that the details of the cardinal bird are captured accurately. The artist can also work with you to customize the design and make it unique to your personality and preferences. 

Black and white small cardinal tattoo

Overall, a black and white small cardinal tattoo is a beautiful and meaningful tattoo choice that can serve as a reminder of the important values in life, such as love, hope, and faith.

5. Realistic Small Cardinal Tattoo

A realistic small cardinal tattoo is a design that features a cardinal bird depicted in a lifelike manner, in a small size. To create a realistic small cardinal tattoo, the tattoo artist will need to have excellent skills in shading, color blending, and attention to detail. 

The artist will also need to have a good understanding of bird anatomy to ensure that the proportions and features of the bird are accurate.  The realistic depiction of the cardinal bird adds a sense of depth and dimension to the design, making it look like the bird is perched on the skin.  

It’s important to find a skilled tattoo artist with experience in creating realistic tattoos to ensure that the details of the cardinal bird are captured accurately. The artist can also work with you to customize the design and make it unique to your personality and preferences. 

Simple small cardinal tattoo

Overall, a realistic small cardinal tattoo is a stunning and meaningful tattoo choice that can serve as a reminder of the important values in life, such as love, hope, and faith, while also showcasing the beauty of nature.

4. Creative Small Cardinal Tattoo

A creative small cardinal tattoo is a tattoo design that features a cardinal bird in a unique and artistic style. Unlike a realistic small cardinal tattoo, a creative design is not necessarily bound by the rules of realism, allowing for more artistic expression and imagination. 

The tattoo can be done in various styles, including watercolor, sketch, minimalist, or even abstract, depending on the creativity and preference of the wearer. 

A creative small cardinal tattoo can hold personal significance to the wearer, representing qualities such as freedom, passion, or strength, depending on the design’s symbolism.

Unique small cardinal tattoo

It is a perfect option for those looking for a small yet meaningful tattoo that is not constrained by realism, and allows for more imaginative expression.

3. Colorful Small Cardinal Tattoo

A colorful small cardinal tattoo is a tattoo design that features a cardinal bird in a vibrant and colorful style. The cardinal bird is known for its bright red plumage, which makes it an ideal subject for a tattoo design that incorporates a wide range of colors. 

The tattoo can be done in various styles, such as watercolor or traditional, and the color palette can range from bright and bold to soft and pastel, depending on the preference of the wearer. Popular color combinations include red and green, red and blue, or red and yellow, to complement the cardinal’s red feathers.

A colorful small cardinal tattoo can hold personal significance to the wearer, representing qualities such as passion, love, or freedom, depending on the design’s symbolism.

Small colorful cardinal tattoo

Overall, a colorful small cardinal tattoo is a beautiful and vibrant tattoo choice that showcases the cardinal bird’s natural beauty and symbolism.

2. Small Cardinal Tattoo Behind Ear

This location is perfect for those who want a subtle and discreet tattoo that can be easily hidden or shown off. The design can be done in various styles, such as realistic, minimalist, or abstract, depending on the wearer’s preference.

The placement behind the ear also allows for creative design options, such as incorporating elements like flowers, branches, or even words, to add more depth and meaning to the design. 

The small size of the tattoo is ideal for those who want a meaningful tattoo that is not too bold or overwhelming. A small cardinal tattoo behind the ear is a beautiful and meaningful tattoo choice that represents passion, vitality, and personal significance. 

Small cardinal tattoo behind ear

Its discreet placement allows for versatility and can be a perfect option for those who want a small yet impactful tattoo that can be easily hidden or shown off.

1. Two Small Cardinals Tattoo

A two small cardinals tattoo is a tattoo design that features two cardinal birds in a small size. The design can represent a variety of symbolic meanings, such as love, loyalty, or friendship. 

The two cardinals can be depicted in various styles, such as realistic, watercolor, or minimalist, depending on the preference of the wearer. They can be facing each other or perched on a branch, creating a charming and meaningful design.

This type of tattoo can be a perfect choice for couples, best friends, or family members who want to get matching tattoos to symbolize their bond.

Two small cardinals tattoo

Its small size and versatility in design and placement make it a popular choice for those looking for a charming and personal tattoo.