Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Size: 8-9" (20-22.5 cm) Female: Buff brown bird with tinges of red on crest and wings, a black mask and large red bill Male: red with a large crest and bill, and black mask extending from the face to the throat Juvenile: same as female, but with a blackish gray bill Nest: cup; female builds; 2-3 broods per year Eggs: 3-4; bluish white with brown markings Incubation: 12-13 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 9-10 days; female and male feed the young Migration: non-migrator Food: seeds, insects, fruit; comes to seed feeders Compare: Male Scarlet Tanager (pg. 237) has black wings and tail. Look for the male Cardinal's black mask, large crest and red bill. Stan's Notes: A familiar backyard bird. Seen in a variety of habitats, including parks. Usually likes thick vegetation. One of the few species in which both females and males sing. Can be heard all year. Listen for its "whata-cheer-cheer-cheer" territorial call in spring. Watch for a male feeding a female during courtship. The male also feeds the young of the first brood while the female builds a second nest. Territorial in spring, fighting its own reflection in a window or other reflective surface. Non-territorial in winter, gathering in small flocks of up to 20 birds. Makes short flights from cover to cover, often landing on the ground. Cardinalis denotes importance, as represented by the red priestly garments of Catholic cardinals. Excerpted from Birds of Pennsylvania Field Guide by Stan Tekiela All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
