Northern cardinal

The northern cardinal, a striking bird from the genus *Cardinalis*, is renowned for its vibrant red plumage and distinctive crest. These vivid birds inhabit regions from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States, extending to Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. They thrive in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands.

Male cardinals display a bold red coloration, while females exhibit a more subdued reddish-olive hue. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, though they also consume insects and fruit. Males are notably territorial, using their songs to delineate their territories.

Belonging to the family Cardinalidae, the northern cardinal was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Over the years, its scientific nomenclature has evolved. Interestingly, both its common and scientific names are inspired by the red-robed cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. There are 19 recognized subspecies of this bird.

These mid-sized songbirds measure approximately 21–23.5 cm in length. Males are characterized by their bright red color with a distinctive black face mask, while females have a fawn appearance with grayish-brown tones. Both sexes feature prominent crests and bright coral-colored beaks.

Northern cardinals are widespread throughout the eastern United States, southeastern Canada, Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. They have also been introduced to locales such as Bermuda, Hawaii, southern California, and southern Arizona. These birds flourish in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands.

Males are known for their territorial songs, using vocalizations to defend their domain, and possess a distinct alarm call to alert others of predators. Various predators, including falcons, hawks, owls, and snakes, prey upon them. In summer, they favor seeds that are easy to husk.

Cardinal pairs often mate for several years. During courtship and nesting, the male feeds the female. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest and lays three to four eggs per clutch. The male assists in caring for the young, and they can raise two to four broods each year.

Cardinals are frequently observed in residential areas, where bird enthusiasts attract them with feeders. They are classified as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List, indicating stable populations. Once prized as pets, they are now protected under laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

The northern cardinal is an official state bird for seven U.S. states and serves as a mascot for various sports teams and organizations. Interestingly, a study in Atlanta found that northern cardinals can help suppress the transmission of the West Nile virus.