📷 Ken Thomas · Public domain
📷 Ken Thomas
📷 Fran Rogers
IUCN: Least Concern
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
KingdomAnimalia›PhylumChordata›ClassAves›OrderPasseriformes›FamilyCardinalidae›GenusCardinalis
About
The northern cardinal's brilliant red plumage and crest, and its clear whistled song, make it one of North America's most recognized birds. Females are olive with warm red accents and also sing, unusual for songbirds. Both sexes defend territories year-round and often stay paired for life. The range has expanded northward as winters warmed and feeders became common, and it is the state bird of seven US states.
Key Facts
⛰Habitat Woodland edge, gardens, hedgerows, swamps, and suburbs
🍃Diet Omnivore — seeds, fruit, insects, and buds
📏Size & Weight Body 21–23 cm; wingspan 25–31 cm
•weight 33–65 g
⏳Lifespan 1–3 years wild; up to 15 in care
🗺Range Eastern and central United States, Mexico, and parts of the American Southwest and southern Canada
BirdSongbird
Key Facts
⛰Habitat Woodland edge, gardens, hedgerows, swamps, and suburbs
🍃Diet Omnivore — seeds, fruit, insects, and buds
📏Size & Weight Body 21–23 cm; wingspan 25–31 cm
•weight 33–65 g
⏳Lifespan 1–3 years wild; up to 15 in care
🗺Range Eastern and central United States, Mexico, and parts of the American Southwest and southern Canada
Photo Credits
#1Ken Thomas · Public domain
#2Ken Thomas · Public domain
#3Fran Rogers · Public domain
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