Exploring Nature: Northern Cardinal

One bird that really brightens my day is the northern cardinal.

Often called the “redbird,” the male of this species is red with a black mask, long tail and red bill. The female does not look at all like the male, being grayer and sporting a light orange crest. Juvenile birds may have a gray bill.

The northern cardinal is found throughout Texas and is a popular bird to show on Christmas cards since it really pops out on white snow. It is also a popular state bird, having been adopted by more states than any other species.