Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis

Size: 8-9"

Male: (Shown) All red bird with a black mask that extends from the face down to the chin and throat. Large red-orange bill and crest.

Female: Buff brown body with tinges of red on crest and wings, same black mask and red bill as male.

Juvenile: Same as female, but with a blackish gray bill.

Nest: Female builds cup nest. Two to three broods per year.

Eggs: 3-4; bluish white with brown markings

Incubation: 12-13 days; female and male incubate

Fledging: 9-10 days; male and female feed young

Migration: The Northern Cardinal is found in St. Charles County year round.

Food: Seeds, insects, fruit, nuts (especially shelled peanuts), and will come to seed feeders.