1. The male cardinal's bright red color is due to pigments in their diet, primarily from seeds and fruits.
2. Cardinals have a unique "cheer-cheer-cheer" call that is easily recognizable and commonly heard.
3. The word "cardinal" comes from the Latin word "cardo," meaning "hinge," and refers to the bird's importance as a pivotal point in religious symbolism.
4. Cardinals are monogamous and mate for life, often remaining together even outside of breeding season.
5. The oldest recorded cardinal in the wild lived to be over 15 years old.
6. Cardinals are non-migratory birds and can be found year-round in their range.
7. Despite their bright red color, cardinals can be difficult to spot due to their tendency to stay hidden in dense foliage.
8. The cardinal is the state bird of seven U.S. states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.
9. Cardinals are known to defend their territory fiercely and will often attack their own reflection in windows or mirrors.
10. The female cardinal is the primary nest builder and constructs a cup-shaped nest from twigs, grasses, and bark fibers.
11. Cardinals have strong beaks designed for crushing seeds, nuts, and fruits, as well as catching insects.
12. Both male and female cardinals sing, with the female having a slightly more complex and melodic song.
13. Cardinals are attracted to the color red and will sometimes attack red objects or even each other if they are wearing red clothing.
14. Cardinals have a unique vocalization called "song duets," where the male and female alternate singing short phrases in harmony.
15. Cardinals have been observed displaying "anting" behavior, where they rub ants on their feathers to spread formic acid, which may help to repel parasites.
16. The cardinal's range has expanded northward over the past century, possibly due to climate change.
17. In some Native American cultures, the cardinal is a symbol of love, loyalty, and protection.
18. Cardinals have a unique behavior where they partially close their eyes while singing, a trait shared by only a few other bird species.
19. The male cardinal will often feed the female during courtship and while she is incubating eggs.
20. Cardinals are known to eat snow to stay hydrated during winter months when water sources may be frozen.
21. The bright red color of male cardinals makes them a popular subject for artwork, home decor, and even sports team logos.
