380 
PASSERIFORMES 
irrespective of their relationship. The name sparrow is, therefore, a very 
broad one and may be applied to many species. It is a pity that one 
objectionable introduced form (and that not a true member of the group) 
should, in America, have cast discredit upon a large family which includes 
many beautiful as well as useful birds and some of great sweetness of song. 
The most typical feature of the sparrows in popular estimation is a plain 
earthy coloration, but some of the brightest plumages are found amongst 
them and in place of the commonly expected sparrow chirp are some 
remarkable vocal achievements. The sparrows may be divided roughly 
into ground species, tree species, winter wanderers, and grosbeaks. Super- 
ficially observed, the first are dull in appearance, but on close examination 
often show beautiful colour harmonies. The tree species are often very 
brightly coloured. The winter wanderers usually exhibit large amounts of 
dull reds. The grosbeaks, recognized by their great, heavy bills (Figure 
466), are highly coloured. This is not a scientific subdivision, but as the 
recognition of sparrows is difficult to the amateur any classification that 
will help is of use. 
593. Cardinal, red-bird. cardinal grosbeak, le cardinal. Richmondena 
cardirialis. L, 8-25. A large sparrow and a typical grosbeak. The male is bright cardinal 
red with a black splash about the base of the 
bill and throat (Figure 469). Both sexes have 
a decided crest as prominent as that of the 
Blue Jay. The female is warm buff in colour, 
almost white below and olive-buff on the 
back, the wings, tail, and crest approaching 
the rosy colour of the male. The black face 
and throat of the male are faintly indicated. 
Distinctions. Absolutely unmistakable for 
anything else. The Pine Grosbeak may sug- 
gest the cardinal, but the red is never as solid 
and brilliant and it is without the crest or the 
striking black face mark. The Scarlet Tan- 
ager is as brilliantly red, but is without crest 
or face mark and the wings and tail are black. 
Field Marks. The brilliant all red color- 
ation of the male, the flash of warm reddish on 
the wings and tail of the female, and the 
prominent crest and large red bill in both 
sexes. 
Nesting. In bushes, in nest of twigs, 
rootlets, and strips of bark, lined with grasses 
and rootlets. 
Distribution. The cardinal in its various 
subspecies has a wide distribution in the 
United States and the type form crosses the 
Canadian border commonly along the western 
end of Lake Erie, occurring as scattered 
individuals and in isolated communities there and in adjoining localities. There is one 
record for Manitoba. The Eastern Cardinal (le Cardinal de l’Est), the one here considered, 
is the type form of the species. 
The Cardinal is not generally distributed in Canada, but is a perman- 
ent resident wherever it is found, and its gorgeous colouring and brilliant 
whistling give an added interest to nature. It may surprise many that 
this southern bird ever occurs in Canada, but in some sections along 
the Lake Erie shore it is not only regular but common. It should be 
rigorously protected for its beauty as well as for more material reasons. 
Figure 469 
Cardinal (male); natural size. 
