LXX 



REDBIRD ; CEESTED REDBIKD ; CARDINAL REDBIRD ; 



CABDINAL 

 593. Cardinalis cardinalis 



The male Redbird has rich vermillion red on his 

 head, crest and belly but is slightly darker on the back. 

 There is a black mask on his face and around the base 

 of his bill ; the latter is of a beautiful coral red ; the feet 

 are brown. The female is dressed in much more subdued 

 tones. 



These birds are about nine inches long; they are un- 

 usually beautiful and attractive. If captured while 

 young they make sweet-singing cage birds, but lose 

 much of their bright coloring by being imprisoned. They 

 are more lovely and sing better in their primeval sur- 

 roundings. 



Redbirds are seed and grain eaters, by choice. They 

 are common winter residents throughout the central part 

 of the United States and select grapevines and other 

 thickets for homes, but will nest in the backyards near 

 our residences if no cats or other enemies are in that 

 vicinity. 



The nest is usually placed a few feet from the ground 

 and is a rather frail affair, made almost wholly of twigs, 

 roots and grape-vine bark. There are from three to five 

 eggs, cream yellow, marked by many small specks of 

 dark brown. 



The courtship of the Redbird is one of much jealous 

 intensity and when mated these birds are very devoted. 

 The male objects vigorously to the presence of another 

 male near his home site. The Redbird is a fighter of the 

 bravest and most persistent kind. 



Both birds assist in caring for the young. ^ A young 

 Cardinal, just old enough to leave the nest, is just about 

 as comical looking as any young bird you will ever see. 

 Its little body and big crest make it look ludicrous. 

 (Fig. 105.) 



189 



