Birds of West Virginia Field Guide (Bird Identification Guides)

Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the originator of the popular state-specific field guide series. Stan has authored more than 190 educational books, including field guides, quick guides, nature books, children’s books, playing cards and more, presenting many species of animals and plants. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 30 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers, and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations. Stan can be followed on Facebook and Twitter. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis Size: 8-9" (20-22.5 cm) Female: Buff brown bird with tinges of red on crest and wings, a black mask and large red bill Male: red bird with a black mask extending from face down to chin and throat, large red bill and crest Juvenile: same as female, but with a blackish gray bill Nest: cup; female builds; 2-3 broods per year Eggs: 3-4; bluish white with brown markings Incubation: 12-13 days; female and male incubate Fledging: 9-10 days; female and male feed young Migration: non-migrator Food: seeds, insects, fruit; comes to seed feeders Compare: The Cedar Waxwing (pg. 129) is slightly smaller and has a small dark bill. The adult female Northern Cardinal appears similar to juvenile Northern Cardinals, but the youg birds have dark bills. Look for the bright red bill to help identify the female Northern Cardinal. Stan’s Notes: A familiar backyard bird. Look for male feeding female during courtship. Male feeds young of first brood by himself while female builds a second nest. Their name comes from the Latin word cardinalis , which means “important.” Very territorial during spring, it will fight its own reflection in a window. Non-territorial in winter, they gather in small flocks of up to 20 birds. Both male and female sing and can be heard any time of year. Listen for their “whata-cheer-cheer-cheer” territorial call in spring.