Cardinals are North America's only crested all-red bird. They can be found in thickets, at the edges of woodlands and in city gardens. The female cardinal, although less showy than her mate, is just as lovely, with only a touch of red and a red bill that contrasts with her buff-brown plumage. The cardinal's nest is typically a loose cup in which the female lays 3 or 4 spotted eggs.

Cardinals are cheery birds, both in song and appearance. The male, with a black patch beneath his red bill, is particularly striking, especially on cold, gray Northern winter days. His bright red plumage provides a colorful contrast to his surroundings when the weather turns bleak, and somehow cardinals seem to perceive this. They are like shiny, expensive sports cars that command our attention. It's not enough for a cardinal to merely alight on a bare branch - they call attention to their presence by chirping and fidgeting. They even twitch their combs which almost gives them a sort of facial expression. A cardinal's motor is always idling until it's sure it has been noticed. Once assured, it dashes off, to enliven the environs of its next fortunate observer.

- Daniel Smith