The Northern Cardinal

Common Name: Northern Cardinal

Scientific Name: Cardinalis

Habitat: Look for Northern Cardinals in dense shrubby areas such as forest edges, overgrown fields, hedgerows, backyards, marshy thickets, mesquite, regrowing forest, and ornamental landscaping. Cardinals nest in dense foliage and look for conspicuous, fairly high perches for singing. Growth of towns and suburbs across eastern North America has helped the cardinal expand its range northward.

Range: Cardinals live in the North Eastern United States.

Interesting Fact: Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning.

Sources: Cornell, University (2009). Northern Cardinal. Retrieved April 17, 2009, from All About Birds Web site: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/id