The male, shown here is a vibrant red with a black face and chin and is easily spotted in the world of gray tree trunks, white snow cover, and dark green of the fir trees. The female is about the same size but much more subdued in color. One might say she is camouflaged in shades of reddish brown that easily blends into the shadows as she spends most of the breeding period in the brush on her nest. Only her bright orange beak and her spiky top-knot are similar to the male.
They Cardinal isn't much smaller than the Blue Jays but is totally silent at this time of year. They are year-round residents who thrive on seeds and fruits. They really, really love my offering of sunflower seeds! Their largish size means they will stay on the ground or trays as I've not perched feeder that will afford them room. (I really need to build some more. *sigh*) They seldom come to the feeders in mid-day but will often be among the first to arrive in the twilight of sunrise and the last to leave at sunset.
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