Cardinals, known for their striking red plumage, are not born red. They earn their vibrant color as they mature, with the hue coming from carotenoid pigments found in their diet of fruits and berries. This means a cardinal's diet directly influences how bright or dull its red feathers are. Juvenile cardinals are initially brown with just hints of red, and they gradually develop their full red coloration as they reach adulthood, which usually happens around one year of age.

Another fascinating aspect of these birds is their singing ability. Unlike many bird species where only males sing, both male and female cardinals are vocal. The male's song is typically louder and more complex, often used to attract a mate or defend territory. Female cardinals sing a softer, shorter song, often while sitting on the nest. This unique trait is thought to help coordinate parenting duties and strengthen the pair bond.

Cardinals are monogamous birds and often form long-term pair bonds. During courtship and breeding season, male cardinals are known to exhibit affectionate behaviors such as feeding the female beak-to-beak, a charming display often mistaken for kissing. This act, known as 'courtship feeding,' strengthens their bond and allows the male to demonstrate his ability to provide food, a key factor in the female's choice of mate.

These birds are also highly territorial, especially during breeding season. Cardinals have been observed attacking their own reflection in windows, car mirrors, and other reflective surfaces. They perceive the reflection as an intruding bird and may spend hours fighting their own image during peak territorial times, often to the point of exhaustion or injury. This behavior underscores their strong instinct to protect their territory.

Cardinals are adaptable to different habitats and can thrive in various environments, from woodlands and swamps to gardens and urban areas. Their adaptability is one reason they are common in many parts of the United States. Cardinals prefer habitats with dense shrubbery or vegetation, which provide cover and nesting sites. This flexibility in habitat preference has helped them expand their range over the years.

Another interesting fact about cardinals is their role in culture and symbolism. The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven U.S. states - more than any other bird. These states are Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. The cardinal's popularity in these regions reflects not only its striking appearance and song but also its year-round presence, remaining vibrant even in winter months.

Did you know that cardinals can live a relatively long life for small birds? In the wild, cardinals have a lifespan of about 3 to 5 years, but with optimal conditions, they can live up to 15 years. This longevity is quite impressive considering the challenges they face, such as predators and harsh weather conditions. The oldest recorded Northern Cardinal lived to be 15 years and 9 months old, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Cardinals are also known for their 'mohawk,' a crest of feathers on top of their head which they can raise and lower. This crest is used for communication, expressing emotions like excitement, aggression, or fear. When a cardinal is relaxed, the crest lays flat, but it's often seen spiked up when the bird is agitated or alert. This distinctive feature adds to the cardinal's charismatic appearance and is a quick visual indicator of the bird's mood.

Cardinals don't migrate. They are year-round residents in their habitat, which ranges across the southeastern part of Canada, throughout the eastern United States, and down into Mexico and parts of Central America. This non-migratory behavior is unusual among many North American birds, making cardinals a familiar sight in their regions throughout the year. Their strong territorial instinct is one reason for this sedentary lifestyle.

Lastly, cardinals are early nesters and can have multiple broods per year. Breeding season starts as early as February and can last until September. A female cardinal typically lays three to four eggs per brood and can have up to four broods in a single year, depending on the climate and food availability. This prolific breeding helps maintain their population, even in the face of various environmental challenges.