You might want to mention that the Cardinals here in Arizona are a distinct Mexican subspecies. They’re smaller, have taller crests and their songs are completely different than their east coast relatives.
Thanks Lori. There are 19 subspecies of Northern Cardinals and, from a Tucson Bird Alliance article, "Our desert subspecies is the largest of the recognized eighteen subspecies with a stouter bill, taller crest, and less black across the forehead."
The taller crest makes them appear larger, but their body is smaller. Mostly the sounds are so different. People from the east hear ours and say “that’s a Cardinal?”
Lori, Both Wikipedia and the Tucson Bird Alliance state that our subspecies is the largest of all of the subspecies. And each subspecies does have a different regional dialect.
Measurement wise, yes. Because the crest is longer/ taller. Just like the Rivoli’s HB is technically larger than a Bluethroat, but only because its bill is longer. Bluethroat has a larger body.
I love Cardinals! I was lucky enough to have a family in my backyard a couple of years ago. So enjoyed watching them interact. Your pictures are amazing and brought back such good memories of that experience. Thankyou!
Great pics, Dan. Years ago, when we had a cardinal family in the yard behind us, I saw a male cardinal supervising his youngster as he learned to fly. It was pretty wonderful.
You're very fortunate to have the Cardinals nesting nearby. I got good views of mature and immature birds I can now look out for, thanks for the pictures.
The crest on the juvenile is hilarious!
I'm not sure if it is functional or just a fashion statement!
You might want to mention that the Cardinals here in Arizona are a distinct Mexican subspecies. They’re smaller, have taller crests and their songs are completely different than their east coast relatives.
Thanks Lori. There are 19 subspecies of Northern Cardinals and, from a Tucson Bird Alliance article, "Our desert subspecies is the largest of the recognized eighteen subspecies with a stouter bill, taller crest, and less black across the forehead."
The taller crest makes them appear larger, but their body is smaller. Mostly the sounds are so different. People from the east hear ours and say “that’s a Cardinal?”
Lori, Both Wikipedia and the Tucson Bird Alliance state that our subspecies is the largest of all of the subspecies. And each subspecies does have a different regional dialect.
Measurement wise, yes. Because the crest is longer/ taller. Just like the Rivoli’s HB is technically larger than a Bluethroat, but only because its bill is longer. Bluethroat has a larger body.
I love Cardinals! I was lucky enough to have a family in my backyard a couple of years ago. So enjoyed watching them interact. Your pictures are amazing and brought back such good memories of that experience. Thankyou!
They are special birds Marylou. I'm glad you have such fond memories of your backyard Cardinals.
It's so nice to see those gangly youngsters turn into beautiful adults! Beautiful photos.
Thanks Michele. That transformation is really wonderful to see.
Great pics, Dan. Years ago, when we had a cardinal family in the yard behind us, I saw a male cardinal supervising his youngster as he learned to fly. It was pretty wonderful.
Thanks Patt. I'm glad you had that special experience.
Dan,
You're very fortunate to have the Cardinals nesting nearby. I got good views of mature and immature birds I can now look out for, thanks for the pictures.
Thanks Pete. They sure are good birds to look out for!
Yes, we enjoy them here in Wisconsin, but I never saw the funny looking juvenile.
Thanks, Dan!
I imagine the youngsters don't always jump out into plain view. Maybe you'll get a glimpse of them next season!
Lovely photo essay.
Thanks Calvin!!
Beautiful
thank you
We've had all shades of reds and a couple, over the years, that were on the orange side. Beautiful birds.
Aren't they nice to see so regularly?