Northern cardinals are among the most recognizable birds in America.
This striking year-round resident is a familiar backyard bird, known for its style, highlighted by a prominent crest and a large, thick bill. Male cardinals are bright red with black masks and red bills, while females and juveniles are more subdued, showing pale brown plumage with reddish tinges on their crests and wings. One easy way to tell them apart is by the bill: females have red bills, while juveniles have blackish gray ones. Cardinals are also one of the few songbirds in which both males and females sing.
Cardinals show very different behaviors depending on the season. During spring and early summer, they may be seen attacking their own reflections in windows and mirrors, as both males and females vigorously defend their territory. In winter, however, cardinals become more social, gathering in small flocks to forage together. They sometimes even join mixed flocks with sparrows and dark-eyed juncos.
These birds live in a variety of habitats but are especially fond of areas with thick vegetation. In winter, evergreens offer quick shelter from danger while allowing cardinals to forage on nearby open ground. Their diet is quite varied throughout the year, consisting mainly of seeds, along with berries, and supplemented by insects.
Northern cardinals are beloved by many and serve as the state bird for seven states. Their name comes from their vivid red plumage, which reminded early observers of the crimson robes and caps worn by cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church. Cardinals get their red color from pigments called carotenoids in their diet, which their bodies convert from yellow to red. Brighter red plumage signals a healthier, more attractive male to females, making cardinals a festive and welcome sight during the holiday season.
Interested in similar topics? Explore more articles tagged with Birds, and Winter Birds.
