Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

 
Photos by BarrytheBirder

One  bird I always think of at Christmas time is the Northern Cardinal.

Its red colour of course bespeaks of Christmas and it is around all winter contrasting with the white snow.   Abundant throughout lower eastern Canada and the United States, this nonmigratory species has continued to expand its range northward during the 20 and 21st centuries.

   

Females  are buffy brown or buffy olive, tinged with red on the wings, crest and tail.   The Cardinal song is a loud, liquid whistling with many variations.   Both sexes sing almost year-round.   Their common call is a sharp chip.   They are abundant throughout their range inhabiting woodland edges, swamps, streamside thickets, and suburban gardens, especially near feeders.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder