The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a medium-sized songbird renowned for its vibrant plumage and melodic songs. Males are strikingly red with a black mask around the face, while females exhibit a more subdued brownish hue with red accents on the wings, tail, and crest. Both sexes possess a distinctive crest atop their heads and a robust, conical reddish bill.
Habitat and Distribution
Northern Cardinals are non-migratory birds commonly found throughout the eastern and central regions of North America, extending from southern Canada to parts of Mexico and Central America. They thrive in diverse habitats, including woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands. Their adaptability has enabled them to expand their range northward over the past century. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department+1Audubon+1
Behavior and Diet
These birds are granivorous, primarily consuming seeds and grains, facilitated by their strong, seed-cracking bills. They also incorporate fruits and insects into their diet, especially during the breeding season when additional protein is required. Northern Cardinals are known for their sweet, whistled songs, which are among the first sounds heard in the morning. American Bird ConservancyAll About Birds
Cultural Significance
The Northern Cardinal holds the distinction of being the state bird for seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Its vivid coloration and year-round presence have made it a beloved symbol in these regions. Audubon+2Wikipedia+2
紅衣主教（Cardinalis cardinalis）是一種中型鳴禽，以其鮮豔的羽毛和悅耳的鳴唱而聞名。 雄鳥全身呈鮮紅色，臉部周圍有黑色面罩；雌鳥則呈現較為低調的褐色，翅膀、尾巴和頭冠帶有紅色調。 兩性皆具有獨特的頭冠和強壯的紅色圓錐形喙。
棲息地與分佈
紅衣主教為非遷徙性鳥類，廣泛分佈於北美東部和中部地區，從加拿大南部延伸至墨西哥和中美洲部分地區。 牠們適應多種棲息環境，包括林地、花園、灌木叢和濕地。 過去一個世紀以來，牠們的適應能力使其分佈範圍向北擴展。 Audubon
行為與飲食
這些鳥類主要以種子和穀物為食，強壯的喙使其能輕易破殼取食。 牠們的飲食中也包含水果和昆蟲，特別是在繁殖季節需要額外的蛋白質時。 紅衣主教以其悅耳的哨聲而著稱，通常是清晨最先聽到的鳥鳴之一。
文化意義
紅衣主教被七個美國州選為州鳥，分別是伊利諾伊州、印第安納州、肯塔基州、北卡羅來納州、俄亥俄州、維吉尼亞州和西維吉尼亞州。 其鮮豔的色彩和全年可見的特性，使其成為這些地區深受喜愛的象徵。
