Northern
Cardinal

A male's bright red feathers come from pigments called carotenoids found in the fruits and insects they eat.

A genetic mutation can stop a cardinal from processing yellow pigments into red, turning their plumage a striking yellow instead.

Young cardinals start life with a black bill instead of the bright orange-red bill seen on adults.

Unlike many North American songbirds, female cardinals sing, often communicating back and forth with their mates from the nest.