Red Hot

You might have observed that the Northern Cardinals aren't looking their finest lately. Molting appears to be in full swing among birds, and the Northern Cardinals certainly create quite a spectacle during this period. Some are nearly bald as they shed the old feathers that attracted their mates a few months back, eagerly anticipating their new plumage before winter sets in. Similar to many birds, Northern Cardinals molt in late summer and early fall. This timing aligns with the end of the breeding season and the peak abundance of summer food such as insects and berries.

According to a 2009 article from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, cardinals will still have to wait a while before they look their best. Often, the new feathers that replace the old in late summer and early fall are tipped in gray, giving the birds a dusky look. It is not until late winter that these edges wear off that the male cardinal will look his best. This will be just in time to woo a mate for the spring breeding season. Studies have shown that brighter males will often hold higher quality territories and nest earlier than others, which can mean a more successful nesting season.

Native fruits give the cardinal the carotenoid pigments it needs to maintain its scarlet color and body conditioning needed for survival and mating. According to the study, non-native honeysuckle, often found in urban areas, may lead to brighter plumage, but the berries are less nutritious can lead to lower body conditioning and lower reproductive rates.

So GO NATIVE! with your yard and enjoy the ever-changing robes of red!

Northern Cardinal

Pierre the Eastern Screech Owl at a recent program not enjoying his molt by Christa Denning