WILD NEW JERSEY: Nature's Focus: Northern Cardinal
Nature's Focus: Northern Cardinal
Photos courtesy of Thomas W. Gorman
by Thomas W. Gorman
With so many song birds which are common to our area, one of the more colorful and well known species is the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). The Northern Cardinal is sometimes called the Redbird, or simply as Cardinal. The Cardinal can be easily found within back yard habitats, or in the woods and forests of New Jersey. Their distinctive chip-chip sound or their beautiful song will alert you to their presence.
Northern Cardinals generally will forage on the ground, or within a few feet above the ground. When not foraging they will be seen within the dense branches of Evergreen trees, shrubs or within the thick tangles of Rose bushes and vines. Their primary foods are seeds, fruit and berries; however when they are raising their young, they will feed their young insects.
Both the male and female have an identical black mask and orange bill, and a pointed crest. The male is a brilliant red, orange/red color which turns even deeper and richer in color during the breeding season. The female is a soft brown/tan color, with a red wash on her wings and crest. During the winter months the Northern Cardinal is a spectacular species to see, and with their brilliant coloring and the back drop of snow, it is quite easy to spot them even at a far distance.
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