Guest Photo: 'Blonde' Cardinal

A 'blonde' female cardinal by Michele Dudas.

The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, is one of the most recognized songbirds in the United States and the state bird in seven different states. It can be found year round in all but the west and northwest portions of the country. While often confused with the House Finch, the male cardinals are larger and more colorful, and both genders have the characteristic prominent crest. The female cardinal is unique in being one of the few female North American songbirds that sing. This species has adapted well to the suburban setting and are common visitors to backyard feeders.

In the above photograph is an extremely unusual "blonde" female cardinal. The reason for the coloration is unknown. As the eyes are not red, and it is a sectioned white, it likely isn't a hypomelanistic, or partial albino cardinal, either. She was apparently a frequent visitor to the feeder, but has not been seen for a few years.