Joshua Bennett
The Northern Cardinal is a well-loved and familiar bird species, known for its brilliant red plumage and sweet songs. Its common name, as well as its scientific moniker Cardinalis cardinalis, are believed to be derived from the Latin word 'cardinalis', meaning 'principal' or 'chief', which is also the origin of the term for the high-ranking officials in the Roman Catholic Church. The bird's red colour, which comes from carotenoids in their diet, is said to resemble the robes and caps of these Catholic cardinals or bishops, giving rise to the name cardinal bird.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for the name | The Northern Cardinal's red plumage reminded early European settlers of the red robes and caps worn by high-ranking bishops of the Roman Catholic Church. |
| Other names | Red Bird, Joe the Cardinal, Mr. C, Good Ole' Rusty |
| Habitat | Southeastern Canada, southern Arizona, New Mexico, most of Mexico, northern Belize, Guatemala, Hawaii, southern California, Bermuda |
| Diet | Granivorous or grain-eating, fruits (berries, wild grapes, dogwood berries), insects, invertebrates |
| Behaviour | Monogamous, territorial, dimorphic, anting |
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years in captivity, 3 years in the wild |
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What You'll Learn
The bird's name alludes to the colour of Catholic cardinals' robes
The Northern Cardinal is a granivorous bird species native to North America. It is easily recognised by its bright red plumage, which is more pronounced in males. The name "cardinal" is thought to be derived from the colour of Catholic cardinals' robes.
The bird's common name, "Northern Cardinal", and its scientific name, "Cardinalis cardinalis", both refer to the high-ranking bishops of the Roman Catholic Church, who wear distinct red robes and caps. The Latin root of the word "cardinal" is ""cardo", meaning "hinge", reflecting the power these church officials once held, with many societal norms and laws considered to have "hinged" upon their decisions.
The Northern Cardinal's vibrant red feathers are due to carotenoids in their diet, acquired from eating fruits such as wild grapes and dogwood berries. The colour is particularly notable as it is one of the few bird species where males and females exhibit different physical characteristics, a trait known as sexual dimorphism.
The Northern Cardinal is a popular bird, with seven US states naming it as their official bird. It is also known for its sweet songs, territorial behaviour, and monogamy, as cardinals mate for life. They are a protected species in the US under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
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The Latin word 'cardo' means hinge, reflecting the power of Church officials
The name "cardinal" for the bird species is believed to be derived from the Catholic Church's cardinals, who wear distinctive red robes and caps. The Latin word "cardo," meaning "hinge," is the origin of the word "cardinal" in English. This word refers to a door hinge and serves as a metaphor for the pivotal role of Church officials, on whom many societal norms and laws depended. The Latin word "cardinalis" also contributes to the term, conveying the idea of "principal" or "chief," reflecting the high rank of Catholic cardinals.
The Northern Cardinal's vibrant red plumage reminded early European settlers of the cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church, specifically the high-ranking bishops. This resemblance led to the bird being named after these religious figures. The scientific name Cardinalis cardinalis further emphasizes this connection, alluding to the influential position of Catholic cardinals within the Church.
The association between the bird and the religious figure goes beyond their shared vibrant red appearance. The name "cardinal" for the bird also conveys a sense of prominence and importance, reflecting the high stature of Catholic cardinals within the Church hierarchy. This naming choice elevates the bird's status, setting it apart from other avian species.
It is worth noting that while the specific reason for the Catholic cardinals dressing in red is not entirely clear, it is believed to be related to their role as pivotal figures in society. The color red often symbolizes power and importance, which may be reflected in the choice of attire for these influential Church officials.
In summary, the Latin word "cardo," meaning "hinge," reflects the influential role of Catholic cardinals in shaping societal norms and laws. This metaphoric association, along with the visual resemblance between the bird's plumage and the cardinals' robes, led to the bird species being named "cardinal." The scientific name Cardinalis cardinalis reinforces this connection, paying homage to the pivotal role of Catholic cardinals within the Church.
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The bird's scientific name is Cardinalis cardinalis
The scientific name of the northern cardinal is Cardinalis cardinalis. The bird is also commonly known as the common cardinal, red cardinal, or simply cardinal. It is a mid-sized perching songbird with a body length of 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) and a wingspan of 25–31 cm (9.8–12.2 in). The adult male northern cardinal is a brilliant crimson red colour with a black face mask over the eyes, extending to the upper chest. The female is fawn-coloured, with mostly grey-brown tones and a slight reddish tint on the wings, crest, and tail feathers.
The name "northern" refers to its range as it is the northernmost cardinal species known. Northern cardinals are found in the eastern United States, Canada, Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. They inhabit woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and wetlands.
The name "cardinal" for the bird likely originates from the Catholic cardinal's robe colour. The Latin word cardinalis means "principal" or "chief", and it gives us both the general adjective and the specific office in the Catholic hierarchy. The red colour of the male northern cardinal is a reminder of the robes worn by Catholic bishops.
Northern cardinals are popular birds, and they are the state bird of seven US states: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. They are known for their attractive colour, especially the males, and their various melodies. They are also monogamous, mating for life when they find a partner.
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The name was likely chosen to elevate the bird's stature
The Northern Cardinal is a granivorous bird species native to North America. It is easily recognisable by its bright red plumage, which is more pronounced in males. The name "cardinal" is likely derived from the Latin cardo, meaning "hinge", as Catholic cardinals are high-ranking bishops who were once pivotal to the Church's decision-making.
The bird's scientific name, Cardinalis cardinalis, and its common name both allude to these church officials. The red colour of the male Northern Cardinal's feathers is a result of carotenoids in their diet. This similarity in colour to the robes of Catholic cardinals is probably why the bird was given its name, elevating its stature by association with these powerful church figures.
The Northern Cardinal is a popular bird, with seven US states naming it as their state bird. It is also known for its sweet songs, and was a common cage bird in the 1800s. Today, it is a protected species in the US under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The name "cardinal" may have elevated the bird's stature, but it has also caused some confusion. For example, the bird was initially called the "red bird", but this name had to be changed after the discovery of the Scarlet Tanager, another red bird. The name was changed to "cardinal", but this too faced challenges when it became necessary to specify whether the bird was northern or southern, causing some discontent among southern states.
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The name was chosen by someone named Jebediah
The name of the cardinal bird is thought to be linked to the Catholic Church. The bird's vibrant red colour is reminiscent of the robes worn by high-ranking bishops and cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church. This similarity led to the bird being named after the religious figures.
Now, while we don't know for sure who exactly came up with the name, it is speculated that a certain Jebediah somebody suggested the name "cardinal". This story, though lacking in definitive evidence, has persisted and become a part of the lore surrounding the bird's nomenclature.
Jebediah, presumably a bird enthusiast himself, found himself in the company of fellow bird watchers. After a long journey, they spotted a striking red bird, which they unimaginatively dubbed the "red bird". However, their creativity was soon challenged by the existence of the Scarlet Tanager, a bird with an identical name. Thus, they were forced to reconsider their choice.
Enter Jebediah, who proposed they change the name to "cardinal". This suggestion was met with unanimous approval. Not only did it distinguish the bird from others, but it also carried an air of prestige and elegance, reflecting the stature of the religious figures known for their powerful influence on society's norms and laws.
The name "cardinal" endured for centuries, becoming so entrenched that older bird books simply refer to the bird as "cardinal" without further explanation. However, in 1983, a descendant or relative of Jebediah, perhaps Jebediah Jr., felt the need to revisit the naming debate, leading to a new moniker: "Northern Cardinal". This change was met with some resistance, particularly from southern states who balked at the "northern" label. Nonetheless, it prevailed over other lighthearted suggestions like "Joe, the Cardinal" and "Good ole' Rusty".
Thus, the name "cardinal" for the bird, chosen by the enigmatic Jebediah, has persisted through time, a testament to its appropriateness and the influence of those early bird watchers, especially the one named Jebediah.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Northern Cardinal's bright red plumage reminded early European settlers of the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, who wear red robes and caps.
Cardinalis cardinalis.
A group of Northern Cardinals is called a "college", "conclave", or "Vatican".
Northern Cardinals are granivorous, or grain-eating. They also eat fruits, berries, insects, and invertebrates.
Yes, Northern Cardinals are monogamous and mate for life.
