Northern Cardinal
NameNorthern Cardinal
Common NameNorthern Cardinal
Scientific NameCardinalis cardinalis
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)28
Length (cm)22
Weight (g)44
Plumage DetailsMales are entirely bright red with a prominent black mask around the bill. Females are duller, mostly olive-brown or yellowish-brown with reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest, and a distinct black mask. Both sexes have a prominent crest and a thick, conical, reddish-orange bill. The bird in the image is a female, displaying the yellowish-brown body, red tinges, black mask, and orange bill.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a variety of clear, whistled songs, often described as 'cheer-cheer-cheer,' 'birdie-birdie-birdie,' or 'what-cheer, what-cheer.' Both sexes sing. They also have a sharp 'chip' call used as an alarm.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest edges, woodlands, suburban gardens, parks, shrublands, swamps
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout eastern and central North America, from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States, and south into Mexico and parts of Central America.
Identifying FeaturesProminent crest on head, Thick, conical, reddish-orange bill, Black mask around the bill, Males are bright red; females are duller reddish-brown/yellowish-brown with red accents, Long tail
Description
The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized songbird known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive crest. Males are brilliant red, while females are a duller reddish-brown with red accents, both possessing a prominent black mask and a cone-shaped orange beak. They are often seen foraging for seeds and insects in dense shrubbery or visiting bird feeders.
