RED CARDINAL

The Northern Cardinal is a striking songbird from North America, known for its bright red color and clear, melodic song. The male gets his vivid plumage from pigments in his diet. Rare yellow variants can also occur. The bird has a distinctive crest that reflects his mood.

Cardinals are territorial and may react aggressively to their own reflection, mistaking it for a rival. They are cold-tolerant and remain in their territory year-round. By fluffing up their feathers or slightly lowering their body temperature, they protect themselves from the cold.

Interestingly, the female also sings, which is rare among songbirds. Cardinals learn their songs from other individuals, leading to regional dialects and a wide variety of calls.

The Northern Cardinal also holds cultural significance. It was named after Catholic clergymen because of its red coloration, and in folklore, it is often seen as a spiritual messenger or a symbol of love.

Rarely, individuals are born that are half male and half female (gynandromorphs), split in both color and physical traits.

The Northern Cardinal is therefore not only visually impressive, but also a bird with unique behaviors and symbolic meaning.