NORTHERN CARDINAL SKIN
NORTHERN CARDINAL FULL

This species is found in the northernmost of the cardinal species, with most of them being cardinal birds. These birds are usually found throughout most parts of the Central, Eastern, Southern, and Southwestern United States, as well as in Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. All of the subspecies are easily recognizable as cardinals, though there are still some subtle variations in terms of overall size, color intensity, and crest size. Out of those, only four are recorded in the north of Mexico. There are over a dozen subspecies of northern cardinals. Among all of the three recognized species under the Cardinalis genus (Northern, Vermillion, and Pyrrhuloxia), Northern Cardinals are the ones present in northernmost regions. It refers to the worldwide locale of the habitat of these birds. The habitat and range of Northern Cardinals are evident in the presence of the term “Northern” in its name. As such, they are not currently on the list of endangered species. The population of these birds is stable and large. Cardinals are often seen in many gardens since they feed on pest insects while singing beautiful songs. This practice was controlled and prohibited from 1918. During the 19 th century, they were kept as cage birds. Northern cardinals belong to a family that is composed of 19 subspecies that are distributed across the USA, Canada, and Mexico. These pigments, called carotenoids, are not produced within the body of the bird but are usually ingested by consuming plant material that contains the insects or pigments which have fed on colorful plants.

The orange, yellow, or red pigments that are naturally present in plants are mainly responsible for the red coloration that is exhibited in the feathers of the male birds. In certain cases, parasite or mite infestations may contribute to this temporary issue, though the features are expected to regrow eventually. This can be worrisome to look at, though it is but a part of their molting cycle.

NORTHERN CARDINAL SKIN

These birds usually go bald, with the tendency of losing all their feathers on the head, showing dark gray or black skin instead. Females are also observed to have red wash across their chest, though this may still be different between individuals. Female birds have a warm and soft color, with a bright orange bill and red edges to their wings and tail. Even though the red males are easily recognizable, the females, which are usually camouflaged, also look elegant and lovely. On really rare occasions, a vibrant yellow Northern Cardinal may be observed. They ingest these substances through their diet. The red color of the plumage of these birds come as a result of the presence of carotenoids in their features. The crest of the birds also reminds of the headgear of higher religious officials. They are named as such because of the male cardinals’ brilliant red plumage, reminding anybody of the European settlers of the vestments of cardinals of the Catholic Church hierarchy.

NORTHERN CARDINAL FULL

For this reason, they are simply called cardinals instead of their full names. These birds are easily recognizable and are very familiar. They are also known as common cardinal, redbird, as well as Virginia nightingale. Northern Cardinals are among the most popular bird species in all of North America. Scientific Facts Common Name Northern Cardinal, Redbird, Virginia Nightingale Scientific Name Cardinalis Cardinalis Wingspan 25 to 31 cm Life Span 13 to 15 years Clutch Size 2 to 5 eggs Habitat Wetlands, Woodlands, Shurblands, Gardens and Parks Country of Origin United States, Central America Physical Description