There Are 3 Types Of Cardinals That Make Their Homes In North America, And Here Are The Differences Between Them
For bird watchers, cardinals are among the most striking and beloved birds in North America, thanks to their bright feathers and melodic songs.
It’s always exciting to spot one of these beautiful birds in the wild. Luckily, they are easy to attract to backyards.
Plus, they are present throughout the year, so you have plenty of opportunities to observe and admire them.
Whether you are an experienced or amateur bird-watcher, there is a lot to learn about cardinals. So, here are three types of cardinals that make their homes in North America.
Northern Cardinal
The northern cardinal is the most widespread in North America. It is the most well-known and recognized type of cardinal in the United States.
Northern cardinals are commonly found in the eastern half of the United States. Their range also extends into Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and even parts of Mexico.
The males stand out for their bright red plumage, which has earned the species the nickname of “red birds.”
Female cardinals, on the other hand, are more muted in color. They have mostly brownish feathers with red accents on their tails and wings.
Richard & Susan Day/Danita Delimont – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
These birds do not migrate, which means you can see them year-round. They thrive in gardens, shrublands, and wooded habitats. Pairs form strong bonds and often mate for life.
You can attract northern cardinals to your yard by offering sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. Dense shrubs and trees provide nesting and shelter for cardinals.
Pyrrhuloxia
Pyrrhuloxia is also known as the desert cardinal. It is a close relative of the northern cardinal, so they look fairly similar to each other. Pyrrhuloxia inhabits the dry regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
These birds are gray with vibrant red stripes on their wings, faces, and chests. Males exhibit a redder mask and belly, while females are more subdued in color.
Like northern cardinals, pyrrhuloxia is not migratory. They stay in their grassland habitats year-round. They can also be found in mesquites, desert shrubs, and coastal forests. They like to eat seeds, berries, insects, and cactus fruit.
To attract pyrrhuloxia, offer a mix of sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. Native plants such as mesquite and cacti will provide the perfect habitat for them to thrive. You can also provide a water source like a birdbath.
Red-Crested Cardinal
Red-crested cardinals are native to South America. They also have established populations in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, so if you want to see them, you’ll have to book a vacation to one of these destinations. They have dark gray and white plumage that contrasts sharply with their red crests and faces.
These birds are typically found in tropical and subtropical areas. They are less likely to appear in mainland North America, but it is still possible. They forage for seeds, fruit, and insects and are normally seen in pairs or small groups.
If you want to attract red-crested cardinals, offer a diverse selection of seeds and fruits in feeders, such as bananas and papayas. A tropical garden with native plants and a reliable water source will also encourage more birds to visit.
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