Meet the 3 Types of Cardinals in North America

Northern Cardinal

Northern cardinals are commonly spotted across the eastern half of the United States, and also show up as far west as Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, and in Mexico. They are the most well-known of the types of cardinals for most U.S. birders. Males have vibrant red feathers, which gives the species the nickname, “red birds.” Female cardinals are more muted in color, mostly brownish with red accents. Some lucky birders have even spotted rare yellow cardinals and leucistic or albino white cardinals.

You can attract cardinals by offering their favorite types of bird seed in cardinal feeders. These birds do not migrate, so you can see them in your yard year-round. Pairs form close bonds and often mate for life.

Courtesy Katie Buchanan

“I took this picture of a hungry northern cardinal (above) in my backyard. I love this picture because I got to watch him and his lady all year long. They even have a baby cardinal. I feed them every day,” says Birds & Blooms reader Katie Buchanan of Salina, Kansas.

Don’t miss magical bird photos of cardinals in snow.

Pyrrhuloxia

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This cardinal-look alike is commonly known as the desert cardinal. To spot one of these types of cardinals in North America, you’ll have to visit the southwestern United States or Mexico. Pyrrhuloxias eat seeds, insects, berries and cactus fruits. Like northern cardinals, these birds do not typically migrate. They are primarily gray with red accents; males have a red mask and belly.

What does a cardinal song sound like?

Red-Crested Cardinal

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If you want to see these stunning types of cardinals, you’ll need to book an island vacation. Red-crested cardinals are typically only found in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, as well as in South America. While it’s clear that these gorgeous crested birds do resemble northern cardinals, with their dark gray and white feathers and solid red heads they also somewhat resemble red-headed woodpeckers! Their diet consists of seeds, fruits and insects.

Next, find out if cardinal sightings have special meaning.