Zoology of the ZooPl. CLXX
Northern cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Aves · Passeriformes · Cardinalidae
Fig. 1. Northern cardinal
Fig. 2. Range
| Length or height | About 21-23 cm long |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 33-65 g |
| Food | Seeds, fruit, insects |
| Lifespan | About 3 years (est.) |
| Society | Pairs, year-round |
| Habitat | forest, urban |
| Range | North America |
| Wild or tame | Wild |
Males are red from carotenoid pigments in their food; brighter males tend to hold better territories. Females are tan with red edges, and unlike many songbirds, female cardinals sing too.
Observe: Watch the male feed the female seed, beak to beak.