Northern Cardinal

22 cm (9") Common in eastern United States; just enters southeastern Canada. State bird for Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia. Thickets, suburban areas, gardens, feeders.

Crested. Stout red bill.

Male: red overall with a black face.

Female: buffy-brown or buffy-olive overall. Red in wings, tail, and crest.

Nonmigratory, adding color and sound to a winter scene.

Song: both sexes sing throughout the year giving such short whistles as "purty purty purty" and a sharp metallic "chink" call.

Videos

Images

Credit: Jen Goellnitz

Credit: Larry Bond

Credit: Larry Bond

Distribution Maps

Northern Cardinal distribution map