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Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a vibrant songbird renowned for its striking red plumage and melodic songs, commonly found in the parks and forests of Montreal. This species is easily recognizable, with males displaying a brilliant red color, while females exhibit a more subdued brownish hue with hints of red, making them a delightful sight for birdwatchers year-round.

Identification and Whereabouts

Both males and females are easily identifiable. The male is completely red, while the female is brownish, with a light brown, almost yellow breast, and a darker, almost olive back, with partially red wings. Both have a black mask around their reddish beak.

There is no park where I haven’t seen Northern Cardinals. Early in the morning, the male reveals himself by perching on a branch and singing his song. Due to his intense red color, he is easy to spot. The female may not be far away, often hidden in the bushes at lower ground.

"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.

All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz

Last updated: 2025-01-08