What is a Cardinal?

A cardinal is a bird in the cardinal family, a large family of birds related to finches found in both North and South America. In addition to the birds commonly known as cardinals, this family also includes buntings. These birds are famous for the distinctive red plumage seen in males. The color is reminiscent of the red traditionally used for robes worn by cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church, explaining the common name for these birds.

Cardinals are songbirds with a crisp, clear call that includes a variety of sounds including whistles, metallic chirps, and trills. Some cardinals can become very communicative with other birds and may whistle and chirp back and forth for extended periods of times. These birds are nonmigratory, preferring to settle in regions with reasonably mild winters and stay year round. Although cardinals live in snowy areas, they do not live in extreme climates where winter temperatures drop very low, as they cannot survive in the lowered temperatures.

Males have bright red bodies with distinctive black masks and red crests. The females tend to be somewhat smaller and have a brownish coat, although they too have red crests and black masks. The differences between males and females are an example of sexual dimorphism, a physical trait commonly observed in birds. With males, the plumage dulls during the winter and brightens in spring in time for mating season, and the color appears to play a role in mate selection for female cardinals.

The cardinal is a seedeater. Both males and females have blunt, powerful beaks designed for cracking seeds. Some cardinals also eat insects and these birds can be a very useful form of natural pest control. Most people who live in regions where these birds are native will see cardinals at their bird feeders and bird baths, especially during the winter, when seeds can sometimes be difficult to find. Some companies make seed mixes specifically designed to appeal to cardinals, for people who are interested in attracting these birds.

Cardinal pairs nest in distinctive cup-shaped nests made of grasses and twigs. The eggs incubate for around two weeks and the female cardinal cares for the young while the male provides food. Once the nestlings learn to fly, they seek independence and territory of their own. Several US states have made the cardinal their state bird, including Illinois, North Carolina, and Kentucky, illustrating how ubiquitous these birds are in North America, especially in the eastern regions.

Cardinals, known for their vibrant red plumage in males, are songbirds belonging to the family Cardinalidae. They are primarily found in North and South America, with the Northern Cardinal being widespread across the eastern United States and parts of Mexico. These birds prefer habitats like woodlands, gardens, and swamps, where they can easily find food and shelter.

Cardinals are omnivores with a diet that varies by season. They primarily feed on seeds, grains, and fruits, but they also consume insects and small invertebrates, especially during breeding season when they require additional protein. Bird feeders stocked with sunflower seeds are particularly attractive to these birds in residential areas.

Male and female cardinals can be distinguished by their coloration. Males are renowned for their brilliant red feathers, while females display a more subdued color palette, consisting of pale brown or olive tones with reddish accents on their wings, tail, and crest. Both sexes have a distinctive black mask around their beaks.

The cardinal's song is a series of clear whistles, each consisting of two to three syllables. Males are known to sing to defend their territory and attract mates. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, cardinals can have up to 24 different song variations, and they often use different songs to communicate different messages to other cardinals.

During breeding season, cardinals are monogamous and both parents participate in raising the young. The male often exhibits courtship behaviors such as feeding the female beak-to-beak. They build nests in dense foliage, and the female typically lays three to four eggs, which she incubates for about 12-13 days before they hatch.

Cardinal populations are currently stable and have even expanded their range over the past few decades. They are listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This stability is attributed to their adaptability to human-modified landscapes and the popularity of bird feeders, which provide a reliable food source.