Cardinalis cardinalis
A common, 8 -9 inch bird, native to Virginia all year round.
Males are bright red with a black mask and a red-orange beak. They have a prominent crest.
Females are brown with hints of red on wings. They also have a red-orange beak and a prominent crest.
Juveniles are the similar to females but have a black beak.
Northern Cardinals eat seed, insects and fruits. They love sunflower seeds! Male Cardinals feed the females during courtship and help in feeding on the young.