Northern Cardinal

Description:

Brownish gray in color with red markings and a red crest. This bird has long tail feathers. This is a female cardinal.

Habitat:

This cardinal was spotted in my back yard. They are here year round. They generally perch on the trees in my back yard, but often come to the ground to feed, especially the male birds.

Notes:

Interesting fact, that I did not know until I researched this bird for PN, in the U.S. this bird is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 which banned their sale as cage birds. According to Wikipedia, "It is also protected by the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds in Canada.[26] It is illegal to take, kill, or possess northern cardinals, and violation of the law is punishable by a fine of up to US $15,000 and imprisonment of up to six months.[27]"