![]() All the subspecies are instantly recognizable as cardinals, but there are subtle variations in overall size, crest size, and color intensity. There are more than a dozen northern cardinal subspecies, though only four subspecies are typically recorded north of Mexico.However, other birds called cardinals, such as the yellow-billed cardinal, red-crested cardinal, and masked cardinal belong to the Thraupidae family, while the yellow cardinal is a member of the Emberizidae family. Northern cardinals belong to the Cardinalidae family.Because these birds are so familiar and easily recognizable, they are often just called cardinals rather than their full name, northern cardinals. The Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis) is also called the common cardinal, redbird, and Virginia nightingale.Cardinals will also attack their reflections in mirrors, windows, chrome bumpers, and other reflective surfaces, often spending hours attacking what they perceive as unwelcome intruders. These can be aggressive birds that violently defend their territories, and males will chase away competitors.A flock of cardinals can be called a college, conclave, radiance, or Vatican. Cardinal pairs remain together year-round and join with other northern cardinals to form large flocks in the winter, making a stunning sight when a large group of these birds is spotted in a snowy landscape.A mated pair is often seen feeding together, with the male gently offering seed to his mate in a kiss-like gesture. If the pair can produce healthy offspring, they may remain together for some time, though cardinals will separate or "divorce" if necessary to find a more suitable mate to raise more chicks. ![]()
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