Cardinalis cardinalis
The Northern Cardinal, *Cardinalis cardinalis*, is a medium-sized songbird renowned for its vibrant plumage and cheerful song, making it an iconic and beloved species across North America. Males are a brilliant, unmistakable crimson red (7.5-9.3 inches long, 9.8-12.2 inch wingspan, 1.5-1.7 oz), sporting a prominent crest and a distinctive black mask extending from the forehead to the throat, surrounding a thick, conical, reddish-orange bill. Females (7.9-8.7 inches long, 9.8-12.2 inch wingspa...
Primarily found in open woodlands, forest edges, shrublands, suburban gardens, and parks. They thrive in areas with dense undergrowth for nesting and roosting, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Their diet consists primarily of seeds (especially sunflower, safflower, and thistle), grains, and fruits (berries, wild grapes, dogwood). During warmer months, they also consume a significant amount of insects and spiders, which are crucial for feeding their young.
Northern Cardinals are diurnal, often among the first birds to sing at dawn and among the last to cease at dusk. They primarily forage on the ground, gleaning seeds and insects, but also forage in shrubs and trees. Males are highly territorial during the breeding season, defending their territory...
The Northern Cardinal is a widespread resident across the eastern and central United States, extending north into southeastern Canada and south through Mexico, including parts of Guatemala and Belize. Its core breeding and wintering range stretches from Maine south to Florida, and west to the Gre...
Least Concern
- The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven U.S. states, more than any other species. - Unlike most North American songbirds, both male and female Northern Cardinals sing, often engaging in duets to maintain pair bonds. - The male will often feed the female during courtship and incubation,...