Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a bird in the genus Cardinalis; it is also known colloquially as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or just cardinal (which was its name prior to 1985). Southeast Canada, the eastern United States (from Maine to Minnesota to Texas, New Mexico, southern Arizona, and southern California), and further south via Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala are all places where it can be found. In several places, like Bermuda and Hawaii, it is also an invasive species. Woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and marshes all make up its habitat.

The northern cardinal is a medium-sized songbird with a body length of 21–23 cm. It has a characteristic crest on its head and a mask covering its face, which is gray on the female and black on the male. The female has a reddish olive tint, while the male is a bright red. Both sexes possess prominent raised crests and bright coral-colored beaks. The beak is cone-shaped and strong. Although it sometimes eats fruit and insects, the northern cardinal is mostly a granivore. The male displays a territorial attitude and sings to demarcate his domain. The male feeds the female seed while they are engaged in wooing. Apiece year, two to four clutches of three to four eggs each are laid.