Away from backyards, cardinals are still common but inconspicuous owing to their affinity for dense tangles. I have to listen for their piercing chip notes to find where they are hiding. This one arrived in a nearby tree and made some noise.
The Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a bird species recognised by its predominantly brown plumage with reddish tinges on the wings, tail, and crest. The female Cardinal has a shorter crest compared to the male, and its overall colouration provides effective camouflage in wooded habitats.
Its diet consists primarily of seeds, fruits, and insects. The female Cardinal builds cup-shaped nests using twigs, leaves, and grass, often located in dense shrubs or trees. During the breeding season, females lay clutches of eggs, usually 2-5, which they incubate for about 11-13 days. Once hatched, both parents participate in feeding and caring for the chicks until they fledge, typically around 7-13 days after hatching.
Female Northern Cardinals are known for their melodious calls and are important contributors to the ecosystems they inhabit through seed dispersal and insect control.
