Animal House
Animal House: The Cardinal
The cardinal, known for its distinctive red color, peaked head, and beautiful voice, has long been a symbol of the Christmas season.
The cardinal has long been a symbol of Christmas cheer, and when one sees the brilliant red plumage against a snow-white background it is no wonder. The cardinal is a year-round resident here in the Northeast. It doesn’t migrate and it doesn’t shed its feathers. The cardinal’s distinctive red coloration and peaked head makes it a well-recognized bird. They were actually more commonly known as “redbirds,” but they derived their current name from the red robes worn by the Catholic Cardinals. The cardinal will generally nest low in dense shrubbery and is a frequent visitor to any bird feeder. The winter months are actually a great time to see the cardinal as it will use the bird feeders as a supplemental meal and the red plumage will stand …
