| Prior to the turn of the century, the cardinal was considered a southern bird, only casual in its appearance north of the Ohio River. But like a number of other species, it has gradually extended its range northward. Today, it is one of our most common and beloved birds. In fact, cardinals have taken a special liking to the Cincinnati area with reported record-breaking numbers. Since 1947, when the Audubon Christmas Bird Census was organized locally, Cincinnati has led the country twenty-six times in the number of cardinals counted on that one day.
The cardinal is the state bird of Ohio and the favorite of many people who feed birds in the winter. Cardinals possess the qualities we admire: a rare combination of brilliant plumage, a rich and pleasing song, beneficial food habits and devotion to its family. Many of our best songsters are not clothed in brilliant plumage and many of our handsomest birds are not gifted musicians. Not only is the cardinal an accomplished and persistent vocalist but he can also be heard occasionally in winter. The female may sing as well, which is rather unusual in most species.
Length 7 1/2 to 9 inches
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