Red-Crested Cardinal or Red-Headed Cardinal?

General appearance

The red-headed cardinal, also known as Brazilian Cardinal, is a remarkable bird known for its brilliant red head and black mask, in contrast with the grey body-texture. Their beak is cone-shaped and extremely sharp, able to crack seeds and nuts easily. The bird is medium-sized, around 19-22 centimeters long. The overall hue shifts are not very drastic seasonally, the signature red-head remains prominent throughout the year.

Male vs female

Sexual dimorphism is not highly pronounced in red-headed cardinals. Males and females largely look similar with red heads, masked faces, and grey bodies. However, males tend to be marginally larger and have a slightly brighter red coloring. They also boast more melodiously complex songs than females.

Juvenile

Juvenile red-headed cardinals show a more subdued color palette than adults. Their heads are brown or dull red, gradually brightening to the characteristic scarlet as they mature. They also lack the distinctive black mask of the adults.

Primary habitat

The red-headed cardinal typically resides in the South and Midwest of the United States, favoring woodlands, swamps and riparian areas.

Additional range

They can sometimes be found in suburban and urban areas. They have no specific climate preference, but they migrate to warmer regions during winter.

Natural diet

The red-headed cardinal primarily feeds on a variety of seeds, fruits, and insects. In its natural habitat, it consumes seeds from grass and other plants, while also eating small fruits and berries. Insects are a significant part of its diet, providing essential protein, especially during the breeding season. It often forages on the ground or in low vegetation, seeking out food sources that are abundant in its environment.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, the red-headed cardinal is known to consume a range of seeds and grains. Black-oil sunflower seeds are particularly favored due to their high nutritional value and accessibility. Safflower seeds are another common choice, as well as millet and cracked corn. These offerings mimic the seeds found in its natural diet, making bird feeders a supplementary source of nourishment, especially in urban and suburban settings where natural food sources may be limited.