THE NORTHERN CARDINAL
The northern cardinal, commonly referred to simply as the cardinal, is a small bird found in Florida, notable for its striking red crest. Males are particularly recognized for their vibrant red plumage, which covers almost their entire body, apart from a distinctive black face mask and throat. In contrast, female cardinals are olive-brown with a red tint on their crest, wings, and tail.
Females are among the most vocal songbirds in North America. They often sing from their nests to communicate with their mates, signaling when to bring food or when to keep their distance to avoid attracting predators, as their bright coloration can make their nests more noticeable. Male cardinals are extremely protective of their breeding territory, especially during spring and early summer. They can become so focused on defending their territory that they sometimes attack their reflection in windows, car mirrors, and other shiny surfaces.
Northern cardinals inhabit a wide variety of environments, from deciduous forests to urban parks, across the eastern United States and the Midwest, extending into western Texas and southern Arizona. They are year-round residents in their habitats, retaining their vivid plumage throughout the seasons. There are currently 19 recognized subspecies of northern cardinal, with 14 found in the United States and Mexico.
Their primary diet consists of grains and seeds, but they also consume insects and a variety of fruits, including wild grapes, dogwood berries, and mulberries. These fruits are rich in carotenoids, which help create the bright reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks seen in their feathers.
