A Fresh Look at the Female Cardinal: Quiet Beauty in Your Backyard
When people think of the northern cardinal, the flashy red male usually steals the spotlight. His bright feathers are hard to miss against snow-covered branches or green summer leaves. But what about his female counterpart? The female cardinal may not wear a fiery red coat, but she has a subtle, elegant beauty all her own—and she plays a vital role in the cardinal’s story. Let’s take a closer look at this often-overlooked backyard bird. Graceful Colors with Personality Instead of bold red, the female cardinal wears soft shades of warm brown, tan, and gold, accented with touches of red on her wings, tail, and crest. Her bright orange beak and black face mask give her a distinctive, expressive look. Many birdwatchers actually prefer her natural, earthy appearance— she’s not trying to stand out, and that’s exactly what makes her special. She’s Smart, Too In the cardinal family, the female takes the lead in building the nest. She chooses the location, gathers materials (with h...
