Yes, there are different types of cardinals, though the term usually refers to a specific, widely recognized species. These birds belong to the family Cardinalidae, a group of passerine birds found throughout the Americas. The common name reflects the brilliant red plumage of many males, inspired by the robes of Catholic cardinals. Different types are defined by distinct species within the Cardinalis genus and variations within a single species.
The True Cardinal Species
The Cardinalis genus contains three distinct species, all sharing the characteristic crest and robust, conical bill. The most familiar is the Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, instantly recognizable by the male’s vibrant, uniform crimson body and black facial mask. The female Northern Cardinal is less dramatically colored, displaying an olive-gray plumage with reddish accents on the crest, wings, and tail, and a gray mask around the beak.
The second species is the Pyrrhuloxia, or Desert Cardinal, Cardinalis sinuatus. The male Pyrrhuloxia is predominantly brownish-gray with a splotchy red breast and belly, a red mask, and a distinct stout, yellow, parrot-like bill. Its crest is tipped with red, but the overall gray body contrasts with the Northern Cardinal’s bright red plumage.
The third species is the Vermilion Cardinal, Cardinalis phoeniceus. The male has vibrant red plumage, similar in intensity to the Northern Cardinal. However, the male Vermilion Cardinal has a gray bill, and the female is largely grey above and pale buff below, though she retains a red crest.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat Diversity
The three species of the Cardinalis genus occupy distinct geographic areas across the Americas, and their habitats reflect the adaptations required for survival in each region. The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) has the most expansive range, spreading from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States and into Central America. This species is highly adaptable, thriving in a wide variety of environments including woodlands, forest edges, shrublands, and suburban parks and gardens.
The Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) has a far more restricted distribution, found primarily in the American Southwest and northern Mexico. This bird is often called the Desert Cardinal because it thrives in arid environments like desert scrub, mesquite thickets, and the edges of woodlands. The brownish-gray coloration of the Pyrrhuloxia provides effective camouflage within the muted tones of its desert habitat.
The Vermilion Cardinal (Cardinalis phoeniceus) is found even further south, inhabiting parts of northern Venezuela and Colombia. This species prefers tropical and subtropical dry shrublands, a specialized habitat that differs greatly from the temperate settings of the Northern Cardinal.
Recognizing Subspecies Variations
Beyond the three distinct species, numerous subtle variations exist within the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), which are classified as subspecies. Taxonomists currently recognize nearly 20 subspecies, often distinguished by minute physical differences related to their specific location. Variations often include slight distinctions in the intensity of the male’s red plumage or the coloration of the female’s facial mask. For instance, cardinals in the south-central part of the range exhibit a considerably brighter red than those found along the East Coast. Subspecies are also sometimes separated based on the size of the bill or the overall body size, though these differences are often minor and require expert measurement.