Birds · Passeriformes · Cardinalidae

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The northern cardinal, also known as the red cardinal or simply the cardinal, is a species of passerine bird of the family Cardinalidae that lives in Central and North America. It lives from southern Canada and Belize to west-central Venezuela, by way of the eastern part of the United States from Maine to Texas and through Mexico. It can be found in woodland, gardens and swamps.

Weight

33 g – 65 g

Size

21 cm – 23 cm

Lifespan

15 years

Diet

Herbivore

Feeds mainly on plants.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

Temperate forestGrasslandHerbivore Diurnal In pairs Bird Temperate forest Grassland

5countries 38parks1same family

Fun facts

comunicaciónBoth sexes sing, which is unusual among temperate songbirds, where song was long thought to be almost entirely a male affair.
It is the state bird of seven US states, more than any other species, and gives its name to sports teams, universities and brands across the country.
The female sings as much as the male, which is uncommon among North American birds, and does so from the nest: she appears to be telling the male when to bring food.
Its red comes from carotenoids in the diet: males with access to better food are redder, and females choose on the basis of that intensity.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Hedgerows, scrub, forest edges, gardens and parks of eastern North America and northern Mexico
Sexual maturity: 12 months
Gestation / incubation: 12 days
Litter / clutch size: 3

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardinalis_cardinalis