CABDINALIS IG-NEUS. 
FIERY CARDINAL. 
CARD INAL IS IGNEUS. Baikd. Proc. AcacL Nat. Scien. p. 305 (1859). 
This species was obtained by Mr. Xantus at Cape St. Lucas, and described by Prof. Baird, as above quoted. His remarks upon 
it are as follows : “ A Cardinal, very abundant at the Cape, appeared at first sight to be the same with the C. Virginianus. A 
comparison, however, of a large number of males with as many from the eastern United States and Texas, shows a difference in 
the entire absence of black on the forehead between the nostrils, the red of the head coming down to the base of the culmeu. 
The black of the side of the bill extends to the nostrils, but not between them on the forehead, as in Virginianus. The bill is 
larger and decidedly more tumid. The size, shape, and colors are as in Virginianus, the bill, too, being red instead of white, as 
in Phcenicus.” 
No account of the habits is given, and whether the male possesses the musical powers of his eastern relative, causing the 
thickets to echo with his sweet notes, poured forth to cheer his patient mate, as she undergoes the weary duty of incubation ; or 
whether, with equal courage and pertinacity, he attacks all other members of the feathered l’acc which may venture too near the 
place where the nest is hidden, perchance upon some low bush or tree, near to a running brook, we cannot say ; but w r e may feel 
assured that his brilliant plumage, and lively, graceful movements, as he flits rapidly from twig to twig, — now in full view, the sun 
glancing in fiery rays from his scarlet livery, now half hidden behind some leafy screen, — would attract the attention of the most 
unobservant person, and gratify even those who may take but little interest in the beings that compose one of the most beautiful and 
attractive of the Almighty’s creations. 
The female closely resembles that of G. Virginianus, but may be distinguished by its very much larger bill. 
The figures are of the size of life. 
