Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis
Rotkardinal

Classification: cardinals
Distribution: eastern North America, from Canada to Mexico,
Habitat: open landscape, forest edge
Size: approx. 23 cm
Weight: 37 – 52 g
Clutch size: 2 – 3 eggs
Incubation: 11 – 13 days
Diet: seeds, fruit, insects

The Northern Cardinal, also known as the Red Cardinal, shows sexual dimorphism. The male is vibrant red with a black mask on his face. The plumage of the female is of reddish olive color. Young birds are similar to the females’ coloration. The Northern Cardinal is a synanthropic species, that also lives near human settlements.

Because of their diverse song patterns the Northern Cardinal is sometimes called the “Virginian Nightingale”. Therefore it was once priced as a pet but its sale was banned in the early 19th century.