10 replies to this topic

[collegegirl1984]

I'm about 90% sure this is a young female cardinal, due to the tufing of hair on the head. I would just like some confirmation though. Found in Southern Indiana.

Thanks!

http://s1218.photobu...nt=DSCN9026.jpg

[mtdavid]

I don't think you can tell males and females apart at this age, but I agree with young Northern Cardinal.

[Liam]

It could be, but Cardinals often have wacky crests. Juveniles are more often than not with adults and vibrating their wings and tail to get the parents to feed them. Was this bird behaving like that, or was just acting like a normal cardinal?

[collegegirl1984]

Thanks for the replies.

I assumed female cardinal because of the coloring. I would imagine the male would be a more vibrant red.

As far as behavior, this bird was just sitting in the tree. Not making any noise or looking nervous to be away from the parents. I did not see any other cardinals at that time. After about 10 minutes this bird flew away.

[mtdavid]

Liam, the bill is not red in the picture. I'm pretty sure it would show up if it was, so I don't think it's an adult female.

[spyonabird]

I'm not seeing cardinal here. Not that I doubt those with more experience than i have.... but why is there so much yellow along the sides of the breast? also, aren't cardinal feet dark?

[NatureLady]

Thanks for the replies.

I assumed female cardinal because of the coloring. I would imagine the male would be a more vibrant red.

As far as behavior, this bird was just sitting in the tree. Not making any noise or looking nervous to be away from the parents. I did not see any other cardinals at that time. After about 10 minutes this bird flew away.

I saw a fledging N Cardinal a few weeks ago and they parents where keeping an eye on the chick and making all kinds of noise letting us know they didnt like us there but the one we saw was a maroon color. But I'm not seeing northern cardinal in this bird. Bluebird is a thought but I don't know for sure. any other pictures?

[NatureLady]

I'm not seeing cardinal here. Not that I doubt those with more experience than i have.... but why is there so much yellow along the sides of the breast? also, aren't cardinal feet dark?

Totally agree about that yellow....and juvie feet are dark....

[collegegirl1984]

Sadly this photo was the best of the 3 I took. One is really grainy and the other is showing the bird grooming themselve, and as a result the face is not shown.

I have never seen a bluebird in my backyard, of course there is always a first for everything.

I've seen some similar looking birds on flickr being identified as young female cardinals, but I'm not sure I can vouch for the validity.

Oh well...Maybe this one will remain a mystery.

Thanks for all the replies!

[mtdavid]

I would put plenty of money on this being a Cardinal. Compare this photo... reddish feet, dark conical bill, brown crest, big black eye...everything fits. http://www.flickr.co...@N00/243788315/

[Liam]

Liam, the bill is not red in the picture. I'm pretty sure it would show up if it was, so I don't think it's an adult female.

If you say so. I wouldn't really be able to tell.

Definitely a Northern Cardinal though.