Northern Cardinals

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Description

Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), being non-migratory birds, are observed at Ninety Six National Historic Site year-round. They are quite common in the eastern portion of the United States and in some southwestern states, as well as in Canada and Mexico, where they live in woodland edges, thickets, gardens, and bushy habitats. In addition to being the mascot for many professional and school sports teams, they are also the state bird for Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virgina, and West Virginia. Female Northern Cardinals are one of only a few North American female birds that sing. Both sexes have a cheer, cheer, cheer song. Male Northern Cardinals are very territorial, especially when protecting their own territory, nest, and young. They view other birds as a threat, and even their own reflection, which they will peck at. The male has a short chip sound that signals a warning to the female that a possible predator might be approaching the nest. Female cardinals sing to the male when they need food for the nestlings. Northern Cardinals are 8 to 9 inches long with rounded shaped wings and a notched squared tipped tail. Adult females are a dull reddish color with a gray mask around the beak (left). Adult males are very bright red, with a black mask over the eyes (right). Both male and female Cardinals have a crest on their heads. Interestingly, the Northern Cardinal obtained its name from its bright red color similar to the red robe worn by Roman Catholic Cardinals.

Credit

NPS/VIP Mitch Litwer

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