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.

Among states claiming the northern cardinal as their official bird are Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia.

(The state bird of Texas, the northern mockingbird, is also the state bird in Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee.)

I once visited Hawaii and was surprised to see a northern cardinal on the big island. The most numerous birds on the island are zebra doves and house sparrows while the most exotic birds are probably red-whiskered bulbuls and spotted doves.

In Africa, I saw a red bird that looked something like a cardinal and was called a red bishop.

By the way, male northern cardinals are very affectionate and will feed choice tidbits to their female companions. It’s all part of the bonding process that leads to breeding and baby birds.

Finally, let me remind you to act quickly if you want to enter my poetry contest. All you have to do is write an original poem, not too long, about birds and/or nature. Make sure it rhymes, no blank verse, and send it to me at 750 Cypress Creek Lane, Wimberley, TX 78676. Deadline is Feb. 20.