Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal (cardinalis cardinalis) is found year-round in all of the states east of the Rockies, and in parts of the desert southwest. It is also found in all of Mexico except Baja California and seasonally in southeastern Canada. I have seen many variations in shade of red to grayish red, as well as in shape, within the species. I have heard experts claim a gender difference in color and other experts claim no gender difference in color. They explain the color difference as between juvenile birds and adults. Last year in Alabama, an adult male turned up with bright yellow plumage. They were going to wait and try to track it through another molt to see if this was due to a dietary or environmental factor or if it was genetic. Now there is evidence that the species may have split into as many as six different species. At any rate, they are beautiful birds, even if you don’t see them. They have loud and varied songs. You can hear them on links on the Audubon site on the link above.

Family: Cardinals / Grosbeaks / Buntings