Northern Cardinal (Cardinal rouge)

      A couple of days ago I was looking out at my bird feeders and a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) was feeding on the ground on seed knocked down by other species who seem to scatter four seeds for every one they eat.

Northern Cardinal ♂

     It got me thinking about our good fortune in sharing our winter with these birds, and about the various adaptations they need to survive in all seasons, but especially during a Canadian winter that at times can be especially harsh.

Northern Cardinal ♀

     Bird feeders certainly help; birds quickly know where they can reliably find food, and it is particularly important when ice storms and extended periods of freezing rain render natural sources of food (hard enough to find in winter at any time) inaccessible.

     We know that the digestive efficiency of cardinals varies with temperature, with efficiency an average of 16% higher at 25 degrees Celcius than at zero degrees. More food is required at low temperatures merely to maintain core body temperature. Digestive efficiency also varies with the type of food consumed and oil type sunflower seeds are markedly superior at bird feeders.

     Northern Cardinals consume a range of animal matter too with the caterpillars of moths and butterflies being especially favoured during the period of their emergence.

     They will also consume beetles, grasshoppers, ants and a range of other insects, but this rich source of fat and protein is denied them in the winter.

     Cardinals are generally agreeable based on my observations, but if a male has its crest raised it may be signalling aggression or is making overtures to a female.

     One of the highlights of my year occurs when male cardinals start to sing in late February, high atop the bare branches of a tree. Spring may not have arrived according to the calendar, but Northern Cardinals responding to lengthening hours of daylight and the changes that occur in their bodies know better! It is surely one of the most joyful sounds in all of nature and I thrill to it anew every year.

     Females pay attention when serenaded by males, but they are fickle and take their time to select a mate.

     He has to be robust, have vivid red plumage, especially on the breast, and a fine song. The female is anxious to choose a partner who displays all the signs that he will be an attentive partner and a suitable father to her young.

     There is obviously more - much more - to know about these wonderful birds, but it is not my intention to go on at length here. 

     This post was triggered by a simple observation outside my family room window at the peak of the recent blizzard, so let me conclude with a couple more pictures of birds in winter.

    Someone has left black oil sunflower seeds along the rail at Riverside Park in Cambridge, and the male looks in the peak of good health with bright body plumage and a crisp black mask.

     And the female is willing to share with others.

     There are many other species to evoke delight in the winter and we appreciate them all. Thank goodness I learned to love birds - what would my life be like without them?