Ohio Outdoors: Red birds help ease winter blues

Cardinals, also known as red birds, are very common throughout Portage County and the Eastern United States. Their estimated population across North America is 100 -130 million strong. Even though they are a species of least concern, they are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. It is illegal to capture, possess or kill a cardinal. Despite their healthy numbers, cardinals are still affected by factors such as habitat loss, warming climates, and predators such as cats.

These bright birds get their name from their plumage. Native to North America, when Europeans first came to the continent and saw the birds, they were won over by the bright red which resembles the robes worn by cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. Much like their pink brethren, flamingoes, their crimson color comes from the food they consume. However, one in a million cardinals is born without a particular enzyme that converts carotenoids (yellow pigments found in their food) to red. This mutation results in rare yellow cardinals! 

Aside from this, Northern Cardinals are easily recognizable with their bright plumage, dark mask, sturdy beak, and head crest. Both males and females have a crest on their head which they can raise or lower at will. Various crest positions communicate different messages in the birding world.

Cardinals are dimorphic birds meaning there is a visual difference between the sexes. Although both male and female cardinals have crests and orange beaks, their colors are drastically different. While males carry the bright red plumage that the birds are known for, females are mainly grayish brown with dull red tinges. This allows the female to camouflage better while sitting on the nest incubating the young.

Cardinals typically form bonded pairs meaning they mate for life. That is, as long as their union is successful at producing healthy offspring. Remember that in nature, the goal is survival of the species so the more healthy offspring the better. Cardinals mate throughout spring and summer and usually produce 2-3 clutches of eggs during a season.

Both male and female cardinals are very vocal with around a dozen different calls. The males are very territorial in spring even to the point of fighting their own reflection for hours. 

Cardinals are omnivorous meaning they consume a variety of foods throughout the year. During the winter months, they forage for seeds from dandelions, ragweed, thistles, dock, plantain, and other common Portage County  ‘weed’ plants. They are frequenters of bird feeders offering millet, safflower, Niger, and especially sunflower seeds. They will also eat whatever dried drupes, berries, and fruits they can find. In the spring and summer, their protein needs increase, and they will actively hunt beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. 

The Northern Cardinal is Ohio’s state bird. Six other states also claim cardinals as their avian mascot (Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina). 

Birds are often viewed as heavenly messengers and cardinals are no exception to the rule. Folklore and legends about cardinals abound. One legend tells us that seeing a cardinal indicates you are in the presence of a loved one that has passed. A famous Victoria McGovern poem states that “Cardinals appear when Angels are near.” Another belief is that a single person who is visited by a cardinal will soon find romance. Couples that see cardinals are being reminded to honor their love for each other. 

Whether you believe in cardinal mythology or not, seeing these flashy birds contrast with gray branches and white snow is sure to brighten anyone’s winter day.