Happy Mystery Monday! Can you guess what is pictured in photo #1?
The answer to last week’s mystery is the northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, pictured in photo #2.
The northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, is one of the most familiar birds of the Eastern Shore. Unlike many songbirds, cardinals do not migrate, remaining year-round residents. The males’ brilliant red plumage and black facial mask make them instantly recognizable, especially in Winter, while females display warm brown plumage with red accents. Both sexes share a prominent crest and a stout, cone-shaped bill, perfectly suited for cracking seeds.
Cardinals are frequent visitors to backyards, woodland edges, and shrubby habitats. Ground feeders, they find food while hopping on the ground or through shrubs. Seeds make up 90% of their diet, though they will also eat insects such as grasshoppers and beetles. Their clear, whistled songs, sung by both males and females, can be heard throughout the year.
Highly adaptable and closely associated with people, northern cardinals have expanded their range northward over the past century, aided by bird feeders and ornamental plantings. As seed dispersers and insect predators, they play an important ecological role, while their vivid color and bold presence continue to make them a symbol of resilience and beauty in every season.
Mystery Monday is sponsored by the Spy Newspapers and Adkins Arboretum.
Cardinal photograph by Larisa Prezioso.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.