Photo by Peter LaTourrette.  North American Birds Photo Gallery 

play song

• Large, conical bill
• Crest
• Long tail

Adult male:

• Bright red plumage, dullest on back and wings
• Black around base of bill
• Red bill

Adult female:

• Reddish crest, wings and tail
• Brownish-gray upper parts
• Red bill

Habitat

Northern Cardinals live in a variety of habitats including forests, swamps, deserts, suburbs, and city parks.

Status

One of America's favorite backyard birds.  Common in the Atlanta area during all times of the year.  Often seen at birdfeeders eating sunflower seeds.