Chubby Winter Redbird

The Cardinal is probably one of the most recognizable and popular backyard birds because of its brilliant red color and crested head. It is a great bird to admire year-round. The color contrast of the brilliant red against fresh white snow really is a high point during the winter months. Early settlers were said to have named this bird after the Cardinals of the Catholic Church who wore red robes.

Both sexes are accomplished songsters and may be heard at any time of year. Cardinals will mate for life and remain together throughout the entire year. That's why you will usually see a male and female together at your feeding station.

Male and female Cardinals both sing. Songs are loud, beautiful whistled phrases. Some songs you may hear sound like "whoit whoit whoit" and "whacheer whacheer." These songs are used in forming territories and in courtship. Male and female cardinals use "chirps" as contact calls and alarms. They also have many visual displays such as "tail-flicks" to signal alarm. The crest may be raised and lowered. Strongly territorial, males will fight other males, along with their own reflection in windows!

Filename

Chubby Winter Redbird.jpg

Copyright

Bill Tiepelman

Image Size

2872x2297 / 1.3MB

cardinal red cardinal bird feathers beak male cardinal male bird red bird northern cardinal northern red cardinal cardinal perched cold chilly winter snow nature birdwatching tree branches bokeh lights glowing bold red pretty bird december fine art

Contained in galleries

Cardinal, Birds