The Cardinal is probably one of the most recognizable and
popular backyard birds because of its brilliant red color and
crested head. It is a great bird to admire year-round. The color
contrast of the brilliant red against fresh white snow really is
a high point during the winter months. Early settlers were said
to have named this bird after the Cardinals of the Catholic
Church who wore red robes. Both sexes are accomplished songsters
and may be heard at any time of year. Cardinals will mate for
life and remain together throughout the entire year. That's why
you will usually see a male and female together at your feeding
station. ||They can be found across the eastern U.S. from lower
Canada south to the Gulf Coast and west to Arizona and parts of
Southern California. The Cardinal's range has expanded
dramatically since 1886 when it was rarely seen north of the
Ohio River. Habitat is typically dense thickets along fields,
hedges, swamps, and parks and gardens. ||Cardinals are not
migratory. Their bright plumag