Mojo Garden Birds Red Cardinal 381131

The northern cardinal, also known as the red cardinal, is a songbird native to North America. Adult males are crimson with a black facial mask over the eyes. Females are light brown with predominantly gray-brown tones and a light reddish sheen on the wings, crest, and tail feathers. Both sexes have a distinctive, upright crest. They forage on the ground and hop through the undergrowth in search of seeds and fruit. They also eat insects, especially when the chicks have just hatched. They are found in most of the eastern United States, parts of Canada, and south into Mexico.

• The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven US states, more than any other species: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is also the mascot of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and the Arizona Cardinals NFL team, as well as numerous universities. • The name Northern Cardinal is presumably derived from the bright red plumage and the crest of the male, which resemble those of prominent Catholic cardinals, and dates back to the time of the founders of the United States. Characteristics • Length: 21–23.5 cm • Wingspan: 25–31 cm • Habitat: Forests, forest edges, scrubland, and suburban areas, including parks and gardens. • Diet: Insects, worms, and spiders. Fruit, berries, and seeds.