The brilliantly colored Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the record for popularity as a state bird. In the United States, it holds that title in seven states. This common bird is a winter fixture at snow-covered bird feeders throughout the Northeast, but it only spread to New York and New England in the mid-20th century. Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males. Cardinals don’t migrate and they don’t molt into a dull plumage, so they’re still breathtaking in winter’s snowy backyards. In summer, their sweet whistles are one of the first sounds of the morning. (June 5, 2007)
![Northern Cardinal [male]](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PpQBV5h/0/XL/i-PpQBV5h-XL.jpg)
![Northern Cardinal [male]](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9zZFz3g/0/XL/i-9zZFz3g-XL.jpg)
![Northern Cardinal [male]](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DVtWXT4/0/XL/i-DVtWXT4-XL.jpg)