While hiking through Oliver’s Woods, you will hear the many distinct sounds of nature and its inhabitants. One such inhabitant of Oliver’s Woods is the Northern Cardinal, also known simply as the Cardinal. This bird is renowned for the vibrant red plumage of the males, which is particularly striking against a backdrop of green foliage. Cardinals are also known for their distinct, cheerful whistling song, which is a common sound in wooded areas across their range.
Cardinals are medium-sized birds, with adult males typically measuring around 8.5 inches in length and weighing around 1.5 ounces. Females are slightly smaller, measuring around 8 inches in length and weighing around 1.3 ounces. Cardinals have a distinctive crest on their head, which can be raised or lowered depending on their mood. The males have a bright red plumage, while the females have a more subdued reddish-brown coloration with touches of red on their wings and tails.
Cardinals are non-migratory birds and are commonly found in wooded areas, gardens, and parks throughout their range, which includes the eastern United States, southeastern Canada, and parts of Mexico. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and insects, and are known to visit bird feeders in residential areas.
In addition to their striking appearance and delightful song, Northern Cardinals are important members of their ecosystems. They help to control insect populations, and their seeds and fruits are an important food source for other wildlife. However, like many other bird species, Northern Cardinals face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as from predators such as domestic cats. Efforts to protect and conserve these beautiful birds are crucial to their continued survival.
written by Justyn Rains, OU Environmental Studies student
April 2023
