Yard Critter of the Week - Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinal.

This bright red crested bird is an obvious yard critter throughout the year.

The females, while not quite as obvious, are still distinctive. The big orange bill and red crest are sufficient to identify the species.

Northern Cardinals don't migrate nor do they molt to a duller 'non-breeding' plumage. Thus if you have them in your yard you'll have them all year round.

In the winter we'll often see half a dozen or more males in our yard. But come spring time they become very territorial. So much so that so that they'll battle with their reflection in windows and car mirrors, much to the amusement of human spectators.

Fighting for the attention of pretty ladies such as this one.

🐦  🐦  🐦

You can find all of the Yard Critter posts listed here.