Northern Cardinal

♂ Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis

The Northern cardinal is native to North America, found throughout most of the eastern and central portions of the continent. While common in suburbs, they may also be found in dense shrubby areas such as forests, thickets, and hedgerows. The males are a very distinguishable bright red crested bird with a black bib around an orange beak, while the females are dull brown and red. As a non-migrating species, and one that doesn't molt into a dull plumage, both are very noticeable during winter. Unlike most other song birds, female cardinals can and do sing.

 ♀ Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis

Although serially monogamous, about one-third of nestlings are the result of extra-pair copulations, and about one-fifth of pairs split up by the next season. Males are extremely territorial during breeding season and are often seen attacking their own reflection in mirrors, chrome, and windows. Northern cardinals are common feeder birds with a diet mainly of seeds and fruits, but they will also consume various insects. Their main predators include domestic cats and dogs, shrikes, owls, and hawks.