Northern Cardinal
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae Genus: Cardinalis
Species: Cardinalis cardinalis
Also known as the Red Cardinal, the Northern Cardinal is a vibrant red bird with a large crest and an orange beak large enough to break open the hard shells of nuts and seeds. The tall crest can be raised higher if the bird is agitated, but it can also be lowered to the point of it being almost unnoticeable if the bird is calm. The females are an olive-brown color, but they still have red accents and a bright orange beak. Not many female songbirds sing, but the female Northern Cardinal sings often, especially when sitting on the nest. It is commonly known to attack its own reflection, often in windows, mirrors, or car bumpers. The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven states, and it is very common across half of the United States.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Distinctive crest on head and mask that is black on males and grey on females; The male is a vibrant red, and the female is a reddish olive color; both have bright orange beaks
Length: 9 inches
Wingspan: 12 inches
Diet: Mostly composed of seeds, but also eats fruit and insects
Habitat: Parks, brushy fields, woodlands, or backyards
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
