northern cardinal

Male Northern Cardinals, Scarlet Tanagers, and House Finches all have striking red plumage that’s thought to play a role in attracting mates. Males with the brightest red feathering tend to have the best luck with the females. Scientists think that a male’s redness signals to females that he has just what it takes to help produce superior offspring. But just because a male is a brilliant shade of red... does that mean he’s stronger or more fit than his duller-colored competitors? It might be so, but it’s complicated…

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This week we discuss a bird that is common in most of the US: The Northern Cardinal. The state bird in 7 states, this bird wasn't always as widespread as it is today. Learn what has led to their increased distribution, and also what gives the males that bright red color. John Bates, Shannon Hackett, RJ Pole, and Amanda Marquart discuss The Northern Cardinal. Like all of our episodes, this is great for people who are brand new to birding, or expert level. Please share with someone who you think would enjoy!

Email us at podcast.birdsofafeather@gmail.com 

Follow us on instagram for pictures of the birds that we discuss: @birds_of_a_feather_podcast

Thanks for listening!!!

My guest is Frank Mead, an Arizona native who’s spent the last 10 years in the horticulture industry. Some of his experiences include working in the Conservation Core, a branch of Americore, where he helped to build trails in national parks and cooperated with fire crews during fire season. While he doesn’t have a formal background in birding, his older sister is an avid birder and has taken him along for many birding outings.

Conveniently, right before the backyard bird segment began, a nearby Northern Cardinal began calling!

I apologize for all the cicadas in the background, as their sounds come and go throughout the episode. 

Chapters

• 0:00 - Intro
• 00:59 - Some of the Birds that Visit Green Things
• 01:36 - Frank’s Background with Birds
• 05:07 - Bird of the Episode: Northern Cardinal
• 8:53 - Native Plant: Desert Ironwood / Olneya Tesota
• 16:11 - Canyon Hackberry / Cletus Reticulate
• 22:22 - Yellow Bells / Tacoma Sans
• 29:33 - About Green Things
• 31:28- About Poinsettias
• 33:08 -  Frank’s Role at Green Things
• 34:25 - Upcoming Classes @ Green Things
• 35:43 - Outro

For more about Green Things, please check out:

• Their website: https://greenthingsaz.com/ 
• Their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenThingsAZ
• Their Instagram: @greenthingsnursery 

For pictures of the Northern Cardinal and some of the native plants discussed, please check out the podcast's Instagram: @lookingatbirdspodcast

Thank you for listening!

Is there any doubt about the identity of America's best known red bird? Surely it's the cardinal or, as you'll find it in a bird book, the Northern Cardinal. The beautiful bird seen on so many bird feeders takes its name from the cardinals found in the Vatican, whose hats and robes are red. Only the male cardinal — seen right here — is red; females are a tasteful olive-brown with red highlights. Share this show with someone who likes cardinals. Thanks!

More info and transcript at BirdNote.org. 

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BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.

My wife and I traveled to Palm Beach for a final vacation before our daughter arrives in August. Captured an evening storm and some early morning chatter of frogs, crickets and a boisterous Northern Cardinal near the beach.

You know how everyone is always talking about the cool rare birds they've seen? Time to shut up the haters with these amazing facts about common birds.

We believe that all birds should be appreciated every day...so why not learn more about the birds we see every day? This episode covers lesser-known facts about common songbirds found in both urban and rural environments.

Also, learn how zebra finches are learning songs via light-pulse transmissions (?!) and the unique dual-breeding patterns of a western North American flycatcher. It's all here in "Birds in the News!"

Got something you want us to talk about? Want to give us some feedback? Send us an email at hellobirdshit@gmail.com!

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BIRDS WE MENTION (in order)

• Bald Eagle
• Peregrine Falcon
• Turkey Vultures
• Zebra Finch
• Phainopepla Flycatcher
• Northern Cardinal
• Stellar's Sea-Eagle
• Shoebill 
• American Robin
• Red-Winged Blackbird
• Common Grackle
• House Finch
• European Starling
• House Sparrow