Northern Cardinal vs California Towhee

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Also known as: Redbird, Common Cardinal, Red Cardinal, Cardinal

How to recognise a northern cardinal?

General appearance

The Northern Cardinal averages 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) in length, equivalent to a Robin. It has a rounded wing shape and tail that can appear notched, rounded, or square-tipped. The bird's most distinguishing feature is its massive pink bill.

Male vs female

The male Northern Cardinal is our only red bird with a crest and is quite striking in appearance. On the other hand, the female is less vibrant, duller in color, encompassing hues of black, brown, gray, green, and tan, yet shares the crest and the distinctively large pink bill.

Juvenile

Juveniles of this species initially have a black bill, differentiating them from the adults. As they mature, their bill turns from black to the characteristic pink, and they inherit the crest from their parents, although their coloration may range from tan to red, depending on their sex.

Size

8.3 - 9.3 in/1.5 - 1.7 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Northern cardinal thrives in brushy or semi-open environments. This includes woodland edges, thickets, suburban gardens, forest clearings, and city parks with dense bushes for nesting.

Additional range

In addition to the dominant east coast habitat, they are locally found in the Southwest in tall brush, streamside thickets, and mesquite groves in the desert

Range Map

What do northern cardinals like to eat?

Natural diet

The northern cardinal's diet is diverse, consisting mainly of seeds, insects, and berries. It consumes a wide variety of insects, such as beetles, true bugs, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, flies, spiders, centipedes, and snails. The major part of its diet is made up of vegetable matter, including seeds from weeds and grasses, waste grain, leaf buds, flowers, and numerous berries and wild fruits. The young are fed predominantly insects to support their growth.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, northern cardinals are commonly attracted to sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. These foods complement their natural diet and provide easy access to significant energy sources, particularly during the colder months when natural food sources may be less available.

What does a northern cardinal sound like?

The Northern Cardinal's vocalizations include varied phrases like rich "what-cheer, cheer, cheer", a gentle "purty-purty-purty-purty" or pleasing "sweet-sweet-sweet-sweet", often reflected in a falling call pattern. Its distinctive calls can be categorized into chirps, chips or whistle types. A metallic chip sound is also part of this bird's repertoire.

Call

Audio by Gabriel Leite

/ CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Call

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

Call

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

Song

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

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California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

How to recognise a California towhee?

General appearance

The California towhee is a medium-sized sparrow with a robust body, long tail, and short, thick bill. It has a plain brown appearance with a slightly reddish-brown or rust-colored undertail and facial area. Its overall plumage is nondescript with a subtle warmth, often appearing drab or plain at a distance. Typical adult length ranges from 8 to 10 inches with a wingspan of around 11 inches.

Male vs female

There is minimal sexual dimorphism in the California towhee, meaning males and females look alike. Both have the same brown coloration, though individuals may vary slightly in shade. Identification between sexes typically requires behavioral observation rather than plumage differences, as both sexes are similar in size and coloration.

Juvenile

Juveniles resemble adults but are slightly paler and may lack the more distinct rusty undertail coverts and facial areas found in adults. Their plumage might also appear fluffier and less defined. As they mature, their plumage gradually darkens and develops the characteristic undertail and facial reddish-brown tinge.

Size

8.3 - 9.8 in/1.3 - 2.4 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The California towhee prefers dense low habitats, including chaparral, pinyon-juniper woods, coastal sage scrub, and semi-desert scrub.

Additional range

They are often found in unexpected environments such as well-vegetated gardens, city parks, and areas with edges and openings in oak woodland.

Range Map

What do California towhees like to eat?

Natural diet

The California towhee primarily feeds on the ground, consuming a variety of natural food sources. Its diet mainly consists of seeds, grains, and small fruits. It often eats seeds of grasses and weeds, as well as berries from native shrubs like elderberry and toyon. In addition to plant matter, the towhee may consume insects and other small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season when protein requirements are higher. This includes ants, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the California towhee can be attracted by offerings similar to its natural diet. It is known to eat birdseed mixes, particularly those containing millet and cracked corn. The towhee might also consume sunflower seeds if provided. While it generally forages on the ground, it will visit low platform feeders or spillages beneath feeders. The bird’s adaptability helps it thrive around residential areas where these food sources are accessible.

What does a California towhee sound like?

The California towhee's vocalizations feature a series of squeaky chips on a consistent pitch, increasing into a rapid trill. The song pattern, however, shows variation depending on the geographical area. The Towhee's calls consist of a sharp 'chink' and a thin 'tseeee’ sound. The call pattern of the bird is mostly flat and can be classified as a chirp or chip.

Call

Audio by Jonathon Jongsma

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

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Northern Cardinal

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California Towhee

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Also known as: Redbird, Common Cardinal, Red Cardinal, Cardinal

General appearance

The Northern Cardinal averages 8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) in length, equivalent to a Robin. It has a rounded wing shape and tail that can appear notched, rounded, or square-tipped. The bird's most distinguishing feature is its massive pink bill.

Male vs female

The male Northern Cardinal is our only red bird with a crest and is quite striking in appearance. On the other hand, the female is less vibrant, duller in color, encompassing hues of black, brown, gray, green, and tan, yet shares the crest and the distinctively large pink bill.

Juvenile

Juveniles of this species initially have a black bill, differentiating them from the adults. As they mature, their bill turns from black to the characteristic pink, and they inherit the crest from their parents, although their coloration may range from tan to red, depending on their sex.

Size

8.3 - 9.3 in/1.5 - 1.7 oz

There's more to learn about Northern Cardinal

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California Towhee

Melozone crissalis

General appearance

The California towhee is a medium-sized sparrow with a robust body, long tail, and short, thick bill. It has a plain brown appearance with a slightly reddish-brown or rust-colored undertail and facial area. Its overall plumage is nondescript with a subtle warmth, often appearing drab or plain at a distance. Typical adult length ranges from 8 to 10 inches with a wingspan of around 11 inches.

Male vs female

There is minimal sexual dimorphism in the California towhee, meaning males and females look alike. Both have the same brown coloration, though individuals may vary slightly in shade. Identification between sexes typically requires behavioral observation rather than plumage differences, as both sexes are similar in size and coloration.

Juvenile

Juveniles resemble adults but are slightly paler and may lack the more distinct rusty undertail coverts and facial areas found in adults. Their plumage might also appear fluffier and less defined. As they mature, their plumage gradually darkens and develops the characteristic undertail and facial reddish-brown tinge.

Size

8.3 - 9.8 in/1.3 - 2.4 oz

There's more to learn about California Towhee

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How to tell the Northern Cardinal from the California Towhee

Visual differences

The Northern Cardinal (8-9 inches long) is notable for its vibrant red plumage in males and a large pink bill, with both sexes having a distinctive crest. Females are duller with tan and brown hues. The California Towhee (8-10 inches long) is plain brown with a robust body and lacks a crest, featuring a short, thick bill and a reddish-brown undertail and facial area. While both birds have a similar length, cardinals have more vivid coloring and a distinctive crest, whereas towhees have a more subdued overall appearance.

Key differences and behavior

The Northern Cardinal and the California Towhee exhibit distinct behaviors useful for field identification. Cardinals, known for their vibrant winter presence, sing complex, shared phrases, with females leading in song complexity. Towhees, more aggressive and territorial, perform a unique backward-forward hop to uncover food. Cardinals inhabit brushy areas, while Towhees prefer dense, low habitats like chaparral or gardens. Both nest in dense foliage, but Towhee pairs often stay together year-round. Diets overlap with seeds and insects, but Cardinals favor berries and shrubs' seeds, often visiting feeders for sunflower seeds; Towhees forage on the ground, favoring grains and utilizing low platform feeders. While both males actively defend territories, California Towhees, with little sexual dimorphism, engage more in aggressive territoriality, often attacking their reflections.