Campus Critter Spotlight: The Northern Cardinal

by Jordyn E Pimental

| Welcome to ‘Campus Critter Spotlight’ a new column detailing the many friends, both feathered and furry, that inhabit Cape Cod Community College and it’s surroundings. Starting by looking into a few of the top ten bird species that are likely to be seen around campus, I hope you enjoy reading! To suggest a species to be reported on feel free to email: [email protected]  |

You will probably recognize the northern cardinal, as the males of the species feathers are an unmistakable red hue. These medium-sized songbirds are hard to miss amongst their usually green habitat. Listed by Merlin Bird ID, Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s advanced bird-scouting mobile app, as being in the top five to likely be spotted here in West Barnstable during this time of year, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a year-round campus resident. Continue reading this week’s ‘Campus Critter Spotlight’ to delve into everything to know about the ever-present northern cardinal also known as the “redbird”.                   

A perched male cardinal on Cape Cod(Jordyn E  Pimental)

Plumage & Song

Spotting a cardinal is typically not too difficult, but their previously mentioned red color is not their only identifying feature. Both the lighter, red-colored females as well as the bright males possess dark crests on their heads, covering their eyes. Those bulky beaks of theirs are meant for cracking the seeds that make up a majority of their diet, which is why you’ve most likely seen them frequenting a bird feeder or two. Known for their high-pitched chirps, the northern cardinal’s song is one of my personal favorites and is also quite versatile. Non-profit conservation organization, the American Bird Conservancy (or the ABC) informs on their website that cardinals use their voice as communication between mates. Their back and forth can represent many things from informing each other that it’s time for food or a warning that a predator is near. If you listen closely, it’s incredibly probable you’ll hear the well-known call around 4Cs, especially if you take a hike on the surrounding trails.

Behavior

When thinking of birds that mate for life, maybe a graceful swan or mourning dove comes to mind first. One may be surprised to learn that the Northern Cardinal does, in fact, mate for life as well and are also known as extremely protective mates. Additionally, according to the American Bird Conservancy, during their breeding season, which is spring here in the northern regions, male cardinals can become aggressive, sometimes becoming so territorial they accidentally attack their own reflections. Such social birds, throughout my bird-watching endeavors, I’ve rarely observed a lone cardinal, I often see a male accompanied by a nearby female or even a small flock together.

A female cardinal’s light red tail feather (Jordyn E Pimental)

Symbolism

Holding so many different connotations, surprisingly, the Northern Cardinal symbolized religion in colonial America, the American Bird Conservancy revealing how their red feathers reminded settlers of high-ranking bishops in the Roman Catholic church who donned a similar color. A group of cardinals being known as a “College” or a “Vatican” is a nod to these religious implications. To many people, cardinals represent a passed loved one who is making a visit to us. Holding deep meanings to so many, seven states declare the cardinal their state bird, and many sports teams, both college-level and professional, have made the cardinal their mascot. A favorite of millions and a staple in campus wildlife here at 4Cs, the northern cardinal is now a protected species and will hopefully be here to stay for a long time.

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