The Northern Cardinal is a perennial favorite of backyard birders because of its bright red colors, joyful songs, and year round presence. Here are 10 interesting facts about these beautiful symbolic birds.
Both male and female cardinals can sing! Usually, only male song birds are capable of singing in North America.
When a female cardinal sings from the nest, she is telling the male she needs more food.
The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of 7 states: North Carolina, Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia-- no other bird covers more states!
This pretty bird is also the mascot for several sports teams and schools: St. Louis Cardinals, Arizona Cardinals, University of Louisville and many more.
Male cardinals are known to exhibit affection toward females by feeding them beak to beak, during the courtship process.
These brightly colored birds are named for the red plumage of the male, which was said to look similar to a Catholic Cardinals' red vestments.
The oldest Northern Cardinal ever recorded was 15 years and 9 mos old.
Its not unusual to see a male cardinal attacking a window during the spring months. He is actually attacking his reflection in the glass because he will fiercely defend his breeding territory from intruding males.
Cardinals represent warmth and our spiritual connection. They remind us all to slow down and reconnect with our spirituality. These lovely birds also signify a deceased loved one who wishes to let us know he/she is still around watching over everyone.
Pairs of cardinals join with other cardinals to form large flocks in the winter, making a stunning sight when spotted in a snowy landscape. A flock of cardinals can be called a college or radiance.
Sources & Images:
www.thespruce.com/fun-facts-about-cardinals-385528
www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/lifehistory