Have You Spotted the Bright Red Bird?

by Delia Moreno, age 7

Male and female cardinals have different colors, males are a vibrant red, while females are a warm golden-brown with hints of red on their wings, tail, and crest.

The northern cardinal’s diet includes seeds, fruits, insects, and worms, and they often visit bird feeders, especially during colder months.

Cardinals sit on their eggs to keep them safe and warm. This process is called incubation, and it is usually done by the female. When the eggs hatch, both parents take turns feeding the chicks. Their eggs are typically grayish or brownish with white or dark speckles, and they usually lay two to five eggs at a time.

In spring, these birds build their nests, but they are territorial and often chase away other cardinals from their space to protect their food and nesting areas. The female cardinal does most of the nest building, using twigs, leaves, bark, weeds, grasses, roots, and pine needles to form a sturdy nest.

Northern cardinals are beautiful, easy-to-spot birds, keep an eye out for them next time you're outside!

[Source: National Geographic Kids]