Momma Bear
Magic
The Red Bird of Wonder: Cardinal
Named after the Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church, this bird with his bright red feathers really brightens up the winter landscape. He forms a strong attachment to home and can be found as a year-round resident wherever he builds his nest. These funny songbirds are locals in another sense, too. Their songs and whistles are regional in their pattern, much like a local accent. They are good parents, with both partners sharing the responsibility of rearing the young. These are proud and regal birds, bringing luck wherever they go. Many cultures associate the cardinal with our beloved spirits that have passed on. Thus they serves as messengers of comfort for the bereaved. I have lived in Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, and New York. I imagine them singing in different accents in each of those places, and it makes me laugh. It only adds to their character.
If cardinal has brightened your landscape, it is time to think about courting. Do you need to pay attention to a partner, or is it yourself that needs a little romance?
The Magic of Cardinal
Significant Qualities
Love
Much like a single red rose, the Cardinal is evocative of romance and love. He has a striking courtship which involves copious wooing. He romantically feeds his partner, and sings to ensure that his territory is secure.
Courage
Cardinals are strong defenders of their territory and will chase away those who are not welcome. That being said, the male may also attack his reflections with persistent aggression. Indeed, they are brave, but this bravery can be misplaced.
Harmony
The Cardinal will create harmonious music with his partner. Together, they sing romantic duets, calling similar melodies back and forth.
Intuition
As harmonic birds, cardinals can listen as well as sing. Cardinal carries the wisdom of the universe in his song, bringing us messages when we choses to pay attention. Perhaps he is the source of the phrase, “a little birdy told me.”
Luck
It is believed that if you see a Cardinal, that luck will follow within 12 days. Why are they associated with the number 12? The lovely Cardinal can be found in each of the 12 months.
Time
Day: Mid-day
Month: December
Season: Winter
Sabbat: Yule
Moon: Unknown
Planet: Mars
Celestial: Unknown
Magic
Chakra: Sacral
Tarot: Ace of Cups
Rune: Unknown
Archetype: Lover
Gods: Unknown
Nature Spirits: Unknown
Symbols
Stone: Garnet
Herb: Pine
Element: Fire, Air
Number: 12
Direction: Unknown
Gender: Masculine
Color: Red
The Science of Cardinal
Ornithology
Latin Name: Cardinalis cardinalis (Northern Cardinal)
Family (Family): Cardinalidae (Cardinal Family)
Other names: Redbird
Group name: A college of cardinals
Female: Cardinal
Male: Cardinal
Baby: Hatchling
Type: Bird
Size: 8.3 – 9.3 in.
Weight: 1.1 – 2.3 oz.
Life expectancy: 3 – 10 years
Sustainability: Least Concern
Behavior
Shelter
The female cardinal will build a new nest for each clutch, however her partner may bring her some building materials. This cup shaped nest will be hidden in dense shrubs or low trees, roughly 3-6 feet above the ground. The frame will be constructed from coarse twigs and then lined with leaves. Bark, grass, and pine needles will be used inside.
Range
Originally native to the Eastern United States, they are easily found from Maine to Minnesota, as far north as Southern Canada and as far south as Mexico. Additionally, the have been introduced in Hawaii, California, Arizona, and Bermuda.
Diet
Adult cardinals are mostly (90%) vegetarians, preferring seeds, grains, and fruit. A ground feeder, these birds can be seen hopping about finding their meals at the base of shrubs and trees. The cardinal will also eat insects and snails, which is what they feed the chicks when they are young.
Mating
During the mating season (April to September), the male will show off to attract a female. Appealing features include his coloring, his head plumage, his beak, and the size of his face mask. However, it is his beautiful singing that will most likely seal the deal. The male will sing and dance his best when wooing. He will follow his musical performance with “mate feeding” by picking up a seed and transferring it from his beak to hers. Once paired, the cardinals will stay together throughout the year and may in fact remain together for several seasons.
Reproduction
The mother cardinal will lay 3 or 4 eggs which she will incubate for about 10 days. By the time the chicks are 10 days old, they will be able to fly. Once they leave their nest, the father will assume the care of the fledglings for another 3 weeks or so while the mother prepares for her next brood. The male is believed to have such an overwhelming instinct to feed, that he will also feeding fledglings of other species.
Predators
Predatory birds such as falcons, hawks, eagles, and owls will all prey upon the cardinal. The chicks and eggs fall prey to snakes, blue jays, crows, squirrels, chipmunks, and domestic cats.
The Folklore of Cardinal
Proverbs and Sayings
American Proverb
Traditional Proverb
American Proverb
Lord Byron
Meghan O'Rourke
Yiddish Proverb
The periodic pleasure
of small happenings
is upon us—
behind the stalls
at the farmer’s market
snow glinting in heaps,
a cardinal its chest
puffed out, bloodshod
above the piles of awnings,
passion’s proclivities;
you picking up a sweet potato
turning to me ‘This too?’—
query of tenderness
under the blown red wing.