Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Hard to miss due to its ruby red coloring, the male Northern Cardinal provides a vibrant spark that brightens drab days and long winter months. This bird is very territorial during the breeding season, to the extent where it will fight with its own reflection, mistaking it for another bird. It has a distinctive silhouette thanks to a jaunty crest that stands up when agitated. The male has a loud singing voice, and unusual for North American songbirds, the female also sings while sitting on the nest to communicate with their mate. The female has a faded coloring that becomes more saturated at the tips of the wings and the crest. But the beak is the same brilliant orange red as the male. A common sight in both wooded and suburban areas, they are frequent visitors at backyard feeders.

The vibrant coloring of this bird is due to their diet. Along with seeds and grains, Northern Cardinals eat berries and wild grapes which contain carotenoids that result in the red feathers. This bird reminded European settlers of the senior members of the clergy belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, who dress in red robes and caps, which inspired the name.