The term “cardinal” often evokes an image of a striking bird, instantly recognizable by its brilliant plumage. This common North American songbird stands out in various landscapes, from dense thickets to backyard feeders. Its vivid coloration makes it a familiar and fascinating sight.
The Iconic Red of the Cardinal Bird
The Northern Cardinal exhibits a notable difference in coloration between its sexes. The male cardinal is known for its brilliant crimson red feathers across its entire body, complemented by a black face mask and a prominent crest; this vibrant hue can appear slightly duller on its back and wings. In contrast, the female cardinal displays a more subdued palette, typically fawn-colored or pale brown, with hints of reddish tint on her wings, crest, and tail feathers. Her face mask is gray to black, though less sharply defined than the male’s. Both male and female cardinals share a bright coral-colored, cone-shaped beak.
The vivid red of the male cardinal’s plumage is not inherent but acquired through its diet. This coloration stems from carotenoid pigments, which birds obtain by consuming various fruits, seeds, and insects. These organic pigments are the same compounds responsible for the colors in carrots and ripe tomatoes. Once ingested, male cardinals metabolize these carotenoids, sometimes converting yellow pigments into red ones, which are then deposited into their growing feathers. The intensity of a cardinal’s red plumage is directly influenced by the quality and carotenoid content of its food sources, with a diet rich in these pigments resulting in a more brilliant red that can signal the bird’s overall fitness to potential mates.
Beyond the Bird: The Color “Cardinal Red”
Beyond its ornithological association, “cardinal red” refers to a specific shade of color. This hue is a vivid, deep red, often described as striking and intense, and is considered brighter and more intense than maroon, yet deeper than a simple bright red. The name “cardinal” for this shade is believed to originate from the distinct red robes, or cassocks, historically worn by cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church. The first documented use of “cardinal” as a color name in English dates back to 1698. Today, this deep red shade is widely used in various contexts, from sports team uniforms to university colors, signifying attributes like power and strength.