CARDINAL. 



593. Cardinalis cardinalis. 9 inchea. 



Noble in carriage, beautiful of plumage, amiable in 

 disposition and excellent singers are some of the quali- 

 fications of these large-billed birds. They are southern 

 birds, rarely seen in northern U. S. unless in cages, for 

 large numbers of them are trapped for this purpose, a 

 practice that is being stopped as rapidly as possible 

 by enforcing the laws which protect them. They are 

 hardy birds, often passing the winter in the northern 

 parts of their range when the ground is covered with 

 snow. They frequent gardens, plantations and open 

 woods, where they glean their food of seeds, berries, 

 fruit and insects. 



Song. A loud, clear and lively warble; call, a low 

 chip. 



Nest. A frail structure of twigs, in thickets or 

 bushes; eggs greenish blue with reddish-brown spots 

 (1.00 x .73). 



Range. Resident and breeding from the Gulf to 

 New York and Iowa. 593. Florida Cardinal (flori- 

 danus) is supposed to be slightly smaller and brighter. 



