4 
The Cardinal 
I 
ceases until the shades of evening close around him. Day after day the son^ 
of the Red -bird beguiles the weariness of his mate as she assiduously warm!; 
her eggs; and at times she also assists with the modesty of her gentler sex 
Few individuals of our own race refuse their homage and admiration to th( 
sweet songster. How pleasing is it, when, by a clouded sky, the woods ar( 
rendered so dark that, were it not for an occasional glimpse of clearer lighi 
falling between the trees, you might imagine night at hand, while you art 
yet far distant from your home, how pleasing to have your ear suddenl} 
saluted by the well-known notes of this favorite bird, assuring you of peact 
around, and of the full hour that still remains for you to pursue your walk ir 
security! How often have I enjoyed this pleasure, and how often, in due 
humbleness of hope, do I trust that I may enjoy it again 1’^ 
In addition to its great esthetic value of song and plumage, the Cardina 
has another important character which should endear it to the husbandman, 
Its food is varied, consisting of wild fruits, such as grapes, berries, mulberries, 
cedar berries, seeds of grasses and of many species of weeds, also large num- 
bers of adult beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, flies, ants, and their larvae: it is 
especially fond of rose-bugs. The Cardinal is from every point of view a 
bird of great interest and value, and any person who makes its intimate 
acquaintance will form a life-long friendship. 
Questions for Teachers and Students 
What is the local name of the Cardinal in your vicinity? Describe the p umage of the 
male and the female bird, or reproduce them on the outline sketch. Describe the plumage oi 
the nestling. How long is a bird called a nestling? Does the Cardinal sing during the' 
entire year? If not, during what months is It silent? Describe the alarm note. If possible, 
Imitate the song. Give size of Cardinal, shape of body, wings, tail and feet. Compare it 
with some well-known bird, like the Robin. Are Cardinals ever seen in Hocks? What is 
the largest number you have ever seen together? Have Cardinals any peculiarities of flight? 
Do they breed In your locality? Describe the nest in detail. What food have you observed 
Cardinals eating, either vegetable or animal? Describe the food in detail. 
Note. — Follow suggestions given in questions in the Goldfinch leaflet, and always bear 
in mind that the observation notes and papers presented by the student are of far greater 
value if they are the result of studies made of the live bird In the garden, field or forest. 
When you think you have learned something new about the song, or habits, or food 
of the Cardinal, send a short note of it to Bird-Lore, for the benefit of other students. 
Notice — This leaflet, with outline figures for coloring, can be obtained of the National Association, 141 
Broadway, New York. Price: i dozen, 15 cents; 100, $1; 1,000, $9. 
Reprinted from “Bird-Lore,” official organ of the Audubon Societies. 
