The cardinal became Kentucky's "Official Bird" in (1926).  Cardinals are considered one of America's favorite backyard birds.  The cardinal is the state bird for six other states besides Kentucky: Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia.  Cardinals are especially popular at Christmas and are featured in many types of decorations from ornaments to Christmas cards. The Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a type of finch that can be found near gardens, streams, thickets, mesquite patches, and woodlands throughout the east and southwest sections of the United States.  The cardinal does not migrate in winter, even those found in southern Canada.  However, the cardinal prefers areas with mild winters. The male cardinal is bright red with a tufted head (crest) and black mask.  In winter, the color of a male cardinal fades, then brightens during molting in the spring in order to attract a mate. Studies show that females prefer the brightest and reddest males; presumably the hue and intensity of color are indications of the male's fitness.  Females are olive-brown with reddish wings and/or tail, and also have a crest and black mask.  The drab color helps the female be camouflaged from predators, especially during the nesting season. The name cardinal is linked to the color of the male, reminding people of the bright red robes worn by Catholic Bishops.

Kentucky's State Bird - Cardinal

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