Northern Cardinal

Description:

Male northern cardinals are bright red medium sized birds with head crests, black bibs and masks and cone-shaped reddish bills. Females are light brown with reddish wings.

Habitat:

Northern cardinals are found throughout the eastern half of the U.S. and most of Mexico. They have recently been expanding their ranges north and southwest.

Notes:

Legend has it the brightly-colored male inspired the name for this bird, reminding people of cardinals in the Catholic Church who wore bright, red robes. Seven states have chosen the cardinal as their state bird: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia