Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis · Cardinals and Allies
The Northern Cardinal is a vibrant songbird, well-known for its striking plumage and prominent crest. This species is a familiar sight across its range, often bringing a splash of color to various habitats, including snowy landscapes. Both sexes possess a strong, cone-shaped bill adapted for cracking seeds.
Explore the full field guideResident, medium sizeWhistling songOmnivore, eats seedsBold, crested
303 calls·first heard Jul 1·last 1d ago
When it's heardpeak 7a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Brilliant crimson red plumage with a black mask around a reddish bill.
- Pale brown overall with warm reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest, and a gray to black mask.
- Similar in coloring to the adult female, but with a grayish-black bill that gradually turns red-orange.
- Both sexes have a thick, cone-shaped, bright coral-colored bill.