Northern Cardinal or Scarlet Tanager?
Here's how to tell the difference
Northern Cardinal
Scarlet Tanager
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
View full detailsScarlet Tanager
Piranga olivacea
General appearance
The scarlet tanager is roughly the size of a robin or sparrow, measuring in at 7 1/2" (19 cm). The bird's wings are rounded and the tail shape can be either notched, rounded, or square-tipped. The most common colours for the bird include black, green, red, and yellow.
Male vs female
In spring and summer, the male scarlet tanager is the only bird boasting a brilliant red body with contrasting black wings and tail. In winter, the male's plumage becomes a greenish hue, with black wings. On the other hand, female are a dull yellow-green colour, with darker wings. A thick bill and sluggish behaviour are also notable characteristics of the female tanager.
Juvenile
Juvenile tanagers have similar colouration to adults, but it is less vivid and their shape and size is smaller. They may also exhibit more greenish hues, similar to the adult's winter plumage. As they mature, their coloration deepens, especially in males.
Size
6.3 - 6.7 in/0.8 - 1.2 oz
There's more to learn about Scarlet Tanager
View full detailsHow to tell the Northern Cardinal from the Scarlet Tanager
Visual differences
The Northern Cardinal and Scarlet Tanager differ distinctively in size and plumage. The Northern Cardinal is larger, measuring 8-9 inches, while the Scarlet Tanager is about 7.5 inches. Male Cardinals are vivid red with a pronounced crest and a large pink bill, whereas male Tanagers are scarlet red with contrasting black wings and no crest. Female Cardinals have a duller coloration with a robust pink bill, while female Tanagers are yellow-green with darker wings. The Cardinal's bill is more massive, and their presence is easily noted by their distinctive crest.
Key differences and behavior
The Northern Cardinal and Scarlet Tanager differ significantly in behavior and habitat preferences. Northern Cardinals thrive in brushy, semi-open areas like woodlands and suburban gardens. They form monogamous pairs, with males often feeding females during the breeding season. Their diet consists of seeds, insects, and berries, readily visiting bird feeders. In contrast, Scarlet Tanagers inhabit deciduous forests and migrate annually to tropical rainforests. They prefer nesting high in trees, also focus on insects and fruits, yet rarely visit feeders. Scarlet Tanagers exhibit seasonal monogamy, switching mates annually. Cardinals’ songs are female-led and complex, while Tanagers’ songs involve the male singing to establish territory. Cardinals remain vibrant year-round, while male Tanagers exhibit bright red plumage only in summer.
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