northern cardinal

1. Bird Name: The bird species that will be spotlighted in this profile is the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis).

2. Appearance: Known for their brilliant red color and striking black facial markings, Northern Cardinals are arguably one of the most recognizable bird species, making them a popular figure on Christmas cards and bird feeders around the world. The males feature a robust red coloration throughout their bodies, dark black on their faces, and fairly large, powerful beaks of a bright orange-red color. Females, however, have a warm, reddish hue, and instead of the males’ ebony facial coloration, females have a more subtle coloring with gray feathers enveloping most of their bodies. Both sexes share the distinguishing crest on the top of their heads.

3. Size: Northern Cardinals, on average, measure about 21-23 centimeters (8.3-9 inches) in length. Their wingspan typically ranges between 25 to 31 cm (10 to 12 inches), and they weigh about 42 to 48 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution: Most commonly sighted in the eastern United States, their range extends south through Mexico, and even as far as Central America. They also populate southeastern Canada. The Northern Cardinal prefers a variety of habitats such as backyards, parks, woodlands, wetlands, and shrubby forest edges. This adaptable bird species is known for thriving in urban and suburban environments.

5. Interesting Facts: Unlike many songbirds, both male and female Northern Cardinals sing—and often engage in “duets.” Their song often sounds like a repeating whistle: “whoit-whoit-whoit.” Another interesting trait of this bird species is that they’re non-migratory and tend to stay within a kilometer from their birthplace throughout their lifetime. Northern Cardinals are also notable as they’re the state bird of seven U.S. states.

6. Diet: Their sturdy beaks give away their seed-eating habits. Northern Cardinals commonly feed on seeds, grains, and fruit, but they also consume insects and feed them to their young.

7. Behavior & Sounds: Known for their territorial behavior, Northern Cardinals are often seen attacking their own reflection during the breeding season, mistaking it as another bird. Their distinctive song is a series of clear whistles that vary in pitch and rhythm but often sound like “purty-purty-purty” or “whoit-whoit-whoit.”

8. Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, the Northern Cardinal is listed as of Least Concern due to their wide distribution and large, stable population.

9. Lifespan: In the wild, Northern Cardinals typically live up to 15 years, but the longest recorded lifespan in captivity is 28 years and 5 months.

10. Additional Notes: In Mexico, the Northern Cardinal is often called “cardenal rojo” due to its red color. Often invited into residential yards with bird feeders, they are a popular backyard bird due to their bright colors and beautiful songs. Besides, they play crucial roles in ecosystems by helping in plant reproduction through their feeding habits, spreading seeds around their habitats.

The Northern Cardinal—with its striking appearance, melodic song, and passionate territorial behavior—is a bird species capable of capturing the attention of both bird watchers and passersby alike. It is no wonder why it is so beloved and celebrated across its wide range.

End of profile.