His Eminence, the Cardinal

(Cardinalis cardinalis)

The first song of the red cardinal in 2006 was recorded in Deschênes Park on 18 February. This bird spends the winter here, but begins to sing to establish its territory in February, an early sign of the coming spring. 

Easily recognisable by its flamboyant colouring, distinctive crest and black facial mask, the red cardinal owes its name to the crimson colour of the male, reminiscent of the red robes worn by cardinals.

The female's plumage is much more discreet, with a buff colour tending towards pale brown. Her wings, crest and tail are reddish and her beak is pinkish.

The cardinal is a medium-sized bird that mainly feeds on seeds, although it also enjoys insects and berries. In spring, the male is very attentive to the female, even feeding her from beak to beak.

It is distinguished from other birds by its loud, clear and easily identifiable whistling song.

Its bright colours and song make it one of the most popular songbirds in our gardens and woods.