The Northern Cardinal is such a popular and familiar sight, seven states have designated this species as their state bird.
Angela Minor
Male Northern Cardinal
As one of the first birds most folks learn about, the “redbirds” got their official monikers due to the color similarity with attire worn by cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church (including their scientific designation – Cardinalis cardinalis).
The Northern Cardinal is one of the few female songbirds that sing – and does she ever! There are duets with her mate during breeding season and while she tends the nest. It is said that she is instructing her mate about mealtimes and as a safety measure for predator exposure. Their sweet songs are often the first sounds heard in the mornings.
Fun Facts
The female does most of the nest building by crushing twigs in her beak to make them pliable and bending them around her body to make a cup-shaped home. She then adds three more layers: leaves, bark and grasses/pine needles.
Mike Blevins
Female Northern Cardinal
How to Identify a Northern Cardinal
Look for the distinctive crest and thick bill on both male and female Northern Cardinals. The former are brilliant red (with a black mask) and the latter a soft brown with reddish highlights.
Northern Cardinal Habitat
Edges, urban, suburban, gardens, backyards and a variety of habitats where dense shrubs are available for nesting.
Conservation Note
Successful at adapting to human-altered surroundings, the Northern Cardinal is a species of low conservation concern (with a breeding population estimated at 130 million) while remaining vulnerable to cats, pesticides and collisions.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
“Birds of the Blue Ridge” showcases frequently seen and rare birds across the southern Appalachian region. For over four decades, Angela Minor has traveled with binoculars and field guides across the continental U.S., Alaska, the Caribbean and seven European countries. She is a contributing editor with BRC magazine and a freelance writer, penning travel and nature feature articles for several regional and national print publications. Angela created and authored the state park birding series for Bird Watcher’s Digest.
Read More by Angela Minor: BlueRidgeCountry.com/AngelaMinor