There is often confusion between cardinals and other red birds. At first glance, cardinals may appear similar to other red-feathered species. However, there are key differences between cardinals and their look-alike counterparts. In this article, we will explore what defines a cardinal, how they differ from superficially similar birds, and provide tips on cardinal identification.
What is a Cardinal?
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a mid-sized songbird native to North America. The bright red male is unmistakable, with its vivid crimson plumage, red crest, and distinctive shape. The female cardinal is more muted, with pale brown feathers, reddish wings, crest, and tail feathers.
Some key features of cardinals include:
- Size: About 8.5-9.5 inches in length
- Shape: Crest on the head, short thick bill, full body
- Color: Males are bright red with black face mask; females are tan/brown with reddish accents
- Song: Loud, melodic whistles and trills
- Habitat: Thickets, woodland edges, gardens, and feeders across eastern/central North America
- Diet: Mainly seeds and fruit, also insects
- Behavior: Year-round residence, monogamous mating, territorial
Cardinals are widespread songbirds that frequent backyards and are the state bird of no less than seven U.S. states. However, their vivid crimson coloration is not unique among birds.
Red Birds that are Not Cardinals
There are a number of birds that are red or reddish that may be mistaken for cardinals. Some examples include:
Northern Red Bishop
Native to Africa, the Northern Red Bishop is a small finch-like species that has been introduced in some parts of the United States, where it is considered invasive. Males have bright red and black plumage. They are much smaller than cardinals, around 5 inches in length. Red bishops tend to live in large flocks rather than as solitary pairs.
Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager breeds in eastern North America and migrates to South America for winter. Males are brightly colored red with black wings and tail. Females are yellow with olive-colored wings and tail. Scarlet tanagers are larger than cardinals, around 7 inches long. They forage for insects in treetops.
Vermilion Flycatcher
Found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, male Vermilion Flycatchers are a striking red color with brown wings and tail. Females have pale gray underparts. They are arboreal, catching insects while perching. Vermillion flycatchers are smaller and slimmer than cardinals.
Summer Tanager
The male Summer Tanager sports bright red plumage; females are yellowish. Summer tanagers breed in the southeastern U.S. and migrate to tropical areas in winter. They forage for insects and fruit in treetops. Summer tanagers are somewhat larger than cardinals at around 7.5 inches in length.
Lazuli Bunting
West of the Great Plains, Lazuli Buntings can be found in open woodlands and thickets. Males have brilliant blue heads and upperparts, with an orange-red breast and underparts. Females are more brownish. Lazuli buntings are small songbirds, around 5.5-6″ long.
Tips for Identifying Cardinals
When trying to distinguish a cardinal from other red birds, look for these giveaways:
Location
Consider the geographic location. Cardinals are widespread in eastern and central North America, while most look-alikes have more restricted ranges west of the Great Plains or in the tropics.
Size and Shape
The cardinal has a robust body, long tail, short thick bill, and conspicuous crest. They are one of the larger red songbirds.
Plumage Pattern
The male cardinal is almost entirely red. Look-alikes often have black, brown, or blue plumage on the wings, tail, or head pattern. The female cardinal is light brown with reddish accents.
Behavior
Cardinals are non-migratory, mate for life, and live in pairs year-round. Many red look-alikes migrate or live in flocks. Cardinals usually forage low in bushes while tanagers and buntings frequent treetops.
Song
The cardinal’s song is a loud, melodious series of whistles and trills. Get to know their vocalizations.
Key Differences Between Cardinals and Look-alikes
To summarize the main differences:
Bird | Size | Geographic Range | Male Plumage | Female Plumage | Behavior |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Cardinal | 8.5-9.5 inches | Year-round across eastern/central North America | All red with black around base of bill | Pale brown with some reddish accents | Nest in undergrowth, live in pairs, non-migratory |
Vermilion Flycatcher | 5.5-6 inches | Southwestern U.S., Mexico | Red with brown wings and tail | Gray-brown underparts | Catch insects while perching, migratory |
Summer Tanager | 7-8 inches | Southeastern U.S., winters in tropics | Entirely red | Yellow-orange | Forages in treetops, migratory |
Lazuli Bunting | 5.5-6 inches | Western North America | Blue head and back, red underparts | Brown with white wing bars | Open woodlands, migratory |
Conclusion
While several species sport red plumage, the Northern Cardinal stands apart with its bright crimson shade, characteristic shape, melodious whistles, year-round residence, and wide distribution in eastern/central North America. Paying attention to size, proportions, behavior, song, and range can help properly identify a cardinal versus superficially similar red birds. With a little practice, birders can confidently spot cardinals and enjoy these colorful backyard visitors.