Wing Island Bird Banding Station: Photo Gallery

The Northern Cardinal was rare in the northeast 50 years ago, but in the latter half of the past century it has increased its range substantially. The male sports bright red plumage for most of the year. The female is brown with red in her crest and wings. Both sexes have large orange beaks perfect for seed crushing. As banders, we know what kind of pain they can inflict on our fingers! Juveniles resemble females, but have brown beaks until late fall. Cardinals are typically non-migratory residing in the same territory for wintering and breeding. Pairs will often mate for life. The cardinal is one of the few species where both males and females sing, although the females song is more subdued. They will also sing throughout the year, but are more vocal during the breeding season.