1. Meet the Stunning Northern Cardinal Bird: With their vibrant red feathers and enchanting songs, these charismatic creatures are a sight to behold. Both male and female cardinals sport long tails and crested heads, making them easily recognizable and affectionately called redbirds.
2. Male vs. Female Cardinals: Male cardinals boast striking bright red feathers with black face masks and noticeable spiked crests, while females have a fawn hue with red highlights. Spotting a male often means a female is nearby, especially during the breeding season.
4. Melodious Singers: Male and female cardinals both sing, with the males singing for nine months of the year, taking a break only in winter. They have over 24 different songs, with “What cheer! What cheer! What cheer!” being one of the most common.
5. Backyard Attraction: To attract cardinals to your backyard, install a tube feeder and offer black oil sunflower or safflower seeds. They are not picky eaters and will enjoy foraging on the ground or on a platform feeder.
6. Strong Attachment to Home: Cardinals have a long breeding season and nest as early as February. They prefer evergreens for nesting during early spring and have multiple broods each year.
7. Nesting and Parenting: A pair of cardinals can build a nest within three to nine days, with the female doing most of the work. The nests are typically low, only 4 to 8 feet off the ground, and the female lays three to four eggs.
8. Colorful Males: The striking red color of male cardinals is influenced by their diet of red fruits, which contain carotenoid pigments. Brighter red feathers are believed to aid in attracting mates and are associated with better territories and parenting.
9. Rare Cardinal Colors: There are rare variations of cardinals, including leucistic birds, which appear mostly white instead of red, and xanthochroism, which can make cardinals appear yellow.
10. Cardinal Mascots: The fierce and territorial nature of cardinals makes them popular mascots for sports teams. The Arizona Cardinals football team and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team are named after these bright red birds.
11. Pet Cardinals: Owning pet cardinals is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, but they were once popular pets due to their beautiful color and melodious songs. Today, cardinals are often used as mascots for various purposes, including sports teams.
In conclusion, the world of cardinal birds is filled with captivating insights. From their stunning appearance and melodious songs to their strong attachment to home and territorial nature, these charismatic birds continue to fascinate and delight birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts worldwide. Their presence in backyards and habitats across America serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of our avian friends. By appreciating and protecting these vibrant creatures, we ensure their continued existence and contribution to our natural world.
