Red Cardinal

Ohio Outdoors: Red birds help ease winter blues

- Julie Watson

Cardinals, also known as red birds, are very common throughout Portage County and the Eastern United States. Their estimated population across North America is 100 -130 million strong. Even though they are a species of least concern, they are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. It is illegal to capture, possess or kill a cardinal. Despite their healthy numbers, cardinals are still affected by factors such as habitat loss, warming climates, and predators such as cats.

Yellowcardinal
Yellow cardinal
These bright birds get their name from their plumage. Native to North America, when Europeans first came to the continent and saw the birds, they were won over by the bright red which resembles the robes worn by cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. Much like their pink brethren, flamingoes, their crimson color comes from the food they consume. However, one in a million cardinals is born without a particular enzyme that converts carotenoids (yellow pigments found in their food) to red. This mutation results in rare yellow cardinals! 

Join our community of supporters to access this article

Articles older than 30 days are available to Portager subscribers with a Plus or Premium plan. Subscriptions start at just $1/month.

Already a paid subscriber? Log in here

Plus

Get more from your email newsletter.

$1+ /month

View subscription options
  • Email newsletter delivered Monday, Wednesday and Friday
  • Full access to The Portager website
  • Participate in the community forum
  • Access articles older than 30 days
  • Read the publisher's comments in the email newsletter
  • List of real estate transactions
  • Local comic strip, Headwater Tales
  • Donate one free ad per year to a local business or charity
  • Print newspaper home delivery via USPS
  • Sudokus and crosswords
  • 20% off everything in The Portager shop