Many people take the sight of a northern cardinal as the first sign of spring. Their beautiful crimson feathers are a welcome spot of color at the end of a long cold spell. These vibrant birds become more active and vocal in the late winter and early springtime. A non-migratory bird, this feathered favorite is the state bird of seven US states, as well as a popular choice of mascot for schools and sports teams.
Unlike many songbirds, where only the male is vocal, bot the male and female Northern Cardinal can sing! A female singing from her nest is a signal to her mate that she is in need of more food for herself and their chicks. A male will even feed his companion beak-to-beak when courting a mate. Don’t be surprised if you see a cardinal bumping up against your window pane. They are fierce defenders of their territory and will often mistake their own reflection for an unwelcome competitor.
Males are known for their iconic red feathers while the females are a light brown with tips of red on their wings and head. Either gender is also easily recognized for their triangular head plume and small, pointed beak. Here in this video, several northern cardinals chirp and flutter among the branches of a tree in Ohio.
Related articles: 5 Beautiful Native Birds of Florida, 5 North American Birds of Prey, 5 Extraordinary Flightless Birds
Featured Image from Joshua J. Cotten/Unsplash
