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NORTHERN CARDINAL
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Male |
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Female |
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Taken at a
Bird Banding Event |
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Introduction The bright red male Northern Cardinal, with its conspicuous crest, is one of the most recognized and beloved birds in North America. The state bird of North Carolina as well as six other states, it is abundant throughout the eastern US and is spreading north and westward. Nicknamed The Red Bird, the cardinal is easily attracted to feeders, making it a favorite of backyard birdwatchers. Cool facts Northern Cardinals are dimorphic, meaning the male and female are different colors. Both have a black mask and bright red-orange conical bill, but the female is dull brown with hints of red, necessary for camouflage while sitting on the nest. Unlike most bird species, female cardinals sing, which allows for an interesting courtship display. Both the male and female will raise their crests and stretch their necks so that their bodies look very long and slender. They sway side to side while singing vigorously to each other, often in unison. Once bonded, cardinals are typically monogamous and tend to mate for life. Young cardinals have a gray-brown beak and a smaller crest. As they come into their adult feathers, the beak will turn the bright orange-red color that is unique to this species. The stout, conical bill is designed for cracking seeds, black-oil sunflower seeds being a favorite. But cardinals will also eat insects, fruit, suet, and even peanut butter! Cardinals are susceptible to bird mite infestations, mainly on their beautifully crested heads. Due to excessive scratching, they will lose all of their head feathers, leaving a bald, lizard-looking creature with exposed ear holes. The condition is neither permanent nor fatal but surely strikes a blow to the colorful bird’s ego! |
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Female