What is Red birds real name? An In-Depth Look at the Iconic Northern Cardinal

As an avid gamer and tech enthusiast, I also have a passion for the natural world and birdwatching. The northern cardinal is one bird close to my heart, bringing color and song to dreary winter days. With their bright plumage and energetic behavior, I find cardinals always lift my spirits when I spot them out my window.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the backyard icon – the northern cardinal. From their naming origins to spiritual symbolism, mating habits, range maps, and more, I’ve dug deep into the research to provide a comprehensive cardinal resource. If you also enjoy gaming, nature, and all things tech like I do, read on to learn some fascinating facts about the cardinal we know so well!

Why This Red Bird is Named a Cardinal

The northern cardinal’s scientific name is Cardinalis cardinalis, quite literally the “cardinal cardinal.” But how did it get this name?

When European explorers first encountered these birds in the Americas in the 1600s, their bright red color apparently reminded them of the red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals. Thus they dubbed them "cardinals" – a name that has stuck for centuries.

The word cardinal itself stems from the Latin “cardo” meaning hinge. This suggests the pivotal role of cardinals in the Catholic church, and this metaphor was extended to these New World birds wearing brilliant red vestments just like their human counterparts.

Northern Cardinals are Actually a Species of Songbird

While cardinals may seem unique with their crest and red mask, they actually belong to an extremely diverse family of small perching birds called songbirds.

There are over 5,000 species of songbirds. As members of the genus Cardinalis in the Cardinalidae family, northern cardinals are songbirds just like sparrows, finches, warblers, and blackbirds.

Songbirds possess specialized vocal organs called syrinxes allowing them to produce elaborate calls and songs. The northern cardinal is known for its loud, melodious song described as a series of clear whistles.

Yes, Northern Cardinals are Also Called “Redbirds”

The northern cardinal goes by many colloquial names like redbird, cardinal-bird, Virginia nightingale, and common cardinal.

But “redbird” is one frequently used nickname for obvious reasons. The male’s bright crimson plumage makes him unmistakable. Calling him a “redbird” is certainly a fitting moniker for this crimson songster.

In parts of their range where northern cardinals are less common, they may be referred to as “winter redbirds” to distinguish them from summer tanagers. But across most of eastern North America, “redbird” is commonly synonymous with the northern cardinal.

Cardinal Sightings Bring Feelings of Hope and Guidance

For many cultures indigenous to North America, spotting a cardinal has special spiritual meaning. Cardinal appearances often signal renewal, hope, and positivity.

According to Native American legend, a cardinal sighting represents a visit from a lost loved one or ancestral spirit. Cardinals are seen as messengers delivering guidance, reassurance, and protection from beyond.

This also stems from the belief that cardinals‘ bright red symbolizes the life blood that flows through all living creatures. So seeing a cardinal may be a sign that the spirits of loved ones live on.

The Meaning Behind Cardinal Symbolism and Folklore

Hope and Vibrance

A cardinal‘s vivid red represents the lifeblood coursing through nature and living things. Red symbolizes vitality and vigor. Spotting a cardinal can signal brighter days ahead.

Guidance and Protection

Traditionally seen as spiritual guides, cardinals are thought to deliver messages from beyond and reassurance that loved ones are watching over us.

Renewal and Fresh Starts

Northern cardinals don‘t migrate – they signify staying put and resilience. A cardinal sighting encourages us to appreciate where we are in the present.

Lost Loved Ones

In Native American and modern folklore alike, cardinal sightings, especially after a loss, signify a visit from a loved one‘s spirit.

Luck and Success

Across cultures, red cardinals are considered fortuitous birds. Seeing one predicts prosperity, success, improved finances, and good health.

Two Species of Cardinals Exist in North America

While the northern cardinal is by far the most widespread and familiar, there are two total cardinal species on the continent:

Northern Cardinal

Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis

Range: Eastern and central North America as far north as Canada, south to Mexico, and west to the Great Plains

ID tips: Red mask, red body, black throat, short peaked crest

Vermilion Cardinal

Scientific name: Cardinalis phoeniceus

Range: Native to South America, ranges north into southwest US and Mexico

ID tips: Longer pointed crest, red body, black mask, pink bill

Averaging 7 inches in length, the northern cardinal is slightly larger than the vermilion cardinal which reaches 6 inches (15 cm). But both sport signature cardinal red plumage.

The Northern Cardinal is the State Bird of 7 States

The northern cardinal is the official state bird of no fewer than 7 states, more than any other species:

• Illinois: Chosen in 1929
• Indiana: Chosen in 1933
• Ohio: Chosen in 1933
• Virginia: Chosen in 1950
• West Virginia: Chosen in 1949
• North Carolina: Chosen in 1943
• Kentucky: Chosen in 1942

This popularity stems from the cardinal‘s familiarity, year-round residence, and bold red color adding a spot of vibrance to dreary winters. These birds have become symbols of their respective states.

More Red Backyard Birds Beyond Cardinals

While certainly the most ubiquitous, several other red birds inhabit backyards and bird feeders across North America:

• Summer Tanager – Completely red males, yellowish females
• Scarlet Tanager – Red body and black wings, females yellowish
• Vermilion Flycatcher – Small red crest and underside
• Painted Bunting – Red underparts, blue head, green back

But the northern cardinal remains the most numerous and widespread red backyard bird by far, easily identifiable by his masked face and peaked head crest.

The Average Lifespan of a Northern Cardinal

In the wild, northern cardinals typically live only 1-3 years. However, the oldest wild cardinal on record was nearly 15 years old. Captive cardinals can live even longer – up to 20-30 years in some cases!

Why the short typical lifespan? Cardinals face many threats:

• Harsh winter weather
• Predators like cats, snakes, hawks
• Disease and parasites
• Collisions with windows or vehicles
• Territorial fights between cardinals

Access to backyard feeders provides cardinals energy-rich foods and refuge from predators, likely extending their lifespan.

Female Cardinals are Red Birds Too!

While the males steal the show, female northern cardinals also sport red feathers, despite their more subdued, camouflaged appearance.

Females display tan to reddish-brown overall plumage, with bright red visible in their crests, wings, and tails. Their red-orange bills are more pale than the jet black of males.

Females need effective camouflage while incubating eggs. But the red accents still remain!

Bright Plumage Comes from Carotenoid Pigments

Northern cardinals get their red hues from carotenoid pigments found in their insect and seed diet. Astaxanthin, in particular, produces bright red feathers.

Cardinals cannot synthesize carotenoids internally, so they must obtain them from certain foods:

• Seeds and fruit: Sunflower, safflower, corn, grape, dogwood, etc.
• Insects: Aphids, scale insects, caterpillars contain high astaxanthin levels

By consuming these pigment-rich foods, cardinals grow vibrant plumage. But diet deficiencies cause dull colors.

Why Cardinals are Seen as Birds of Good Luck

No bird is more associated with good fortune than the northern cardinal. Why do people consider cardinals lucky?

• Spiritual symbolism: Believed to be visiting lost loved ones in Native American culture

• Color symbolism: Bright red represents vitality and success

• Resilience: They stay through winter when other birds migrate south

• Determination: Aggressively defend territories and mate for life

• Adaptability: Thrive in backyard habitats alongside humans

A flash of cardinal red brings renewal and hope – a good omen wherever it appears. Their perseverance through harsh winters and loyalty to lifelong mates inspire us.

Males Must Be Red to Attract Mates

Male cardinals need brilliant plumage to attract females. By consuming carotenoid-rich foods and growing bright red feathers, they demonstrate to potential mates their health, strength, and fitness.

Dull males suggest they are weak competitors unable to gain enough nutrition for full red coloring. Females instinctively select the reddest, fittest males to pass on the best genes.

This may help explain cardinals’ association with passion and romance. Red signals a healthy reproductive partner. For amorous cardinals, redder is definitely better!

The Significance of a Cardinal Visiting Your Yard

Cardinals frequenting your yard bring several positive meanings:

• Good luck – Cardinals are powerfully symbolic of luck and prosperity

• Spiritual connection – Indicates visit from the spirit of a loved one who passed away

• On the right path – Signifies you are where you need to be in life‘s journey

• Protective spirits – Cardinals are spiritual guides watching over you

• Loved ones are near – Reminds that those we‘ve lost are always close in memory and spirit

When this vivid red bird appears unexpectedly, many view it as a heavenly gesture and sign of hope.

What Makes Cardinals Special Birds

Beyond vibrant red, what makes cardinals unique?

• Melodic songs: Loud, rich, melodious whistles and calls

• Striking crests: Distinctive peaked head plumes, longer on males

• Masks and bills: Jet black faces and orange-red bills

• Year-round residence: They tough out harsh northern winters

• Backyard adaptability: Feeders and habitats allow urban expansion

• Monogamy: Mate for life, with pairs reuniting each spring

• Determined nature: Fiercely defend nest sites and food sources

• Spiritual symbolism: Signify hope, renewal, and visiting loved ones

These attributes make the northern cardinal a backyard favorite across North America.

Summer Tanagers are the Only All-Red Birds

There are no native North American birds with all red plumage besides the summer tanager. The male’s feathers are a vivid scarlet red from beak to tail. Females are yellowish with green wings and tail.

While male northern cardinals appear all red, they always have black faces, wings, and tails. Vermilion cardinals have dark gray masks. The summer tanager male is the sole bird to be completely red head to toe.

Rare Black Cardinals Result from Melanism

In extremely uncommon cases, melanism occurs in cardinals, producing black or very dark feathers instead of vivid red. Melanistic cardinals have excess melanin pigment that overrides normal red hues.

There are only a handful of documented cases of melanistic cardinals over the past century. In 2019, a female black cardinal in Alabama gained fame after being photographed.

Without normal carotenoid pigments, these unique cardinals typically don‘t survive long in the wild. But they offer a fascinating look at aberrant color morphs.

No, Blue Cardinals Do Not Exist in Nature

While vibrant red cardinals may sometimes appear pale blue in certain light conditions, there is no true species of blue cardinal. A cardinal‘s normal feather pigments only create shades of red, orange, brown, and black.

However, some abnormal factors can cause a cardinal‘s feathers to look pale blue:

• Feather wear and fading after molting
• Diet deficient in red carotenoids
• Albino mutations blocking red pigments
• Tinted windows casting blue light on cardinals

But scientifically, a cardinal‘s genome is incapable of naturally producing blue hues. Any truly blue cardinals are highly abnormal. Normal northern cardinals will always display red plumage.

Why Cardinals Don‘t Migrate South for Winter

Unlike many songbird species that head south for winter, northern cardinals are year-round residents across most of their range. What allows them to stick it out through harsh northern winters?

• Feather fluffing – Traps air for insulation
• Nighttime hypothermia – Lowers body temp to conserve energy
• High-fat diet – Suet, sunflower seeds give energy
• Backyard feeders – Reliable winter food supply
• Nest cavities – Insulated roost sites
• Short migrations – Some move locally to avoid worst weather

Their ability to overwinter, along with habitat loss in Central America, has led more cardinals to remain up north throughout the seasons.

Cardinal Territory Maps and Range

Northern cardinals live across eastern and central North America. According to the Audubon Society, their breeding range extends:

• As far north as southeastern Canada
• As far south as Belize and Mexico
• As far west as the Great Plains states

They are very common backyard birds throughout this wide range. Below is a map of highest cardinal densities across North America:

Image source: Audubon Society

Cardinals occupy diverse habitats from woodland edges to urban parks wherever dense, thorny vegetation provides nest sites and cover. Backyard shrubs make prime nesting locations.

Offer Shrub Cover to Attract Nesting Cardinals

Unlike woodpeckers and swallows, northern cardinals do not use birdhouses for nesting or roosting. They instead build cup-shaped nests on the branches of dense shrubs and small trees.

Ideal cardinal nest sites offer:

• Dense coverage to conceal nests
• Thorns like wild rose to deter predators
• Fruit or seeds to feed nestlings
• Nearby open areas for foraging

Native shrubs like honeysuckle, privet, buckthorn, maple, and juniper provide great nesting habitat. Monitor nests carefully and avoid trimming nearby branches.

The Typical Cardinal Clutch Size is 3 Eggs

The female northern cardinal lays an average clutch of 3 eggs. Clutch sizes can range from 1 to 5 eggs.

She alone incubates the eggs for about two weeks before they hatch. Both parents then feed the nestlings for another two weeks before they leave the nest.

A mated pair can raise up to 3 broods per breeding season from spring through summer. Sadly though, up to 80% of juveniles don‘t survive their first year. Providing proper habitat helps young cardinals thrive.

Female Cardinals‘ Subdued Plumage Provides Camouflage

While male cardinals boast brilliant red plumage, females display more subtle earthy hues. Why this discrepancy in color?

Female cardinals must rely on effective camouflage while incubating eggs and brooding vulnerable hatchlings in the nest. Their drab brown and tan feathers help conceal them from predators.

Meanwhile, the male‘s job is to sing loudly and defend his territory while the female nests. So he benefits from eye-catching bright feathers, especially when courting mates.

In Closing

Whether glimpsed on a snowy winter morning or heard whistling from spring treetops, the northern cardinal always adds a pop of color and personality. Cardinals have inspired people for centuries with their beauty, fidelity, song, and spiritual symbolism.

Next time you see a brilliant red splash in your backyard, take a moment to appreciate these special birds. Listen for their melodies emitting hope on dreary days. Cardinals remind us winter won‘t last forever and brighter days lie ahead.

With its vibrant plumage, familiar song, and energetic nature, the northern cardinal has secured its legacy as a backyard favorite across North America. I hope this guide provided lots of insightful info to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of the iconic redbird we know so well.