It has also been introduced to Hawaii. The cardinal was named by early American settlers, after Catholic cardinals who dress in bright red robes. These birds are strongly territorial and have a loud, whistling song. It has a short, wide bill.
Males have brilliant red feathers, a tall head crest, a wide, red bill, and a black face.
Cardinals eat seeds, insects, snails, and maple sap. The Cardinal's nests are bowl-like and made from grass and twigs. Nests are built in bushes.