Hello, everyone! Are you familiar with the bird known as the “Northern Cardinal”?
The Northern Cardinal is a bird about 21cm long. Let’s start with its appearance. Male Northern Cardinals are brightly red, while females have a brown body with red-tinted crown feathers, wings, and tail feathers. As males age, their redness intensifies.
Interestingly, the name of this bird comes from the cardinals of the Catholic Church. It was named after the red vestments worn by the cardinals. In Hawaii, it’s called “ʻUlaʻula”, a word meaning “red”.
The Northern Cardinal has a significant connection with American sports teams. The Major League’s St. Louis Cardinals and the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals are named after this bird. Particularly, the St. Louis Cardinals were named because the Northern Cardinal is the state bird of Missouri.
In the United States, especially in the northern regions, they are commonly seen in urban parks. They eat insects, seeds, and fruits, and are not particularly wary, exhibiting a curious nature. They are often observed near the ground, adding to their charm.
An interesting fact is how these birds were introduced to Hawaii. It began in 1929 when a Northern Cardinal escaped in Honolulu. Subsequently, hundreds were released from San Francisco into Hawaii, leading to their naturalization. This bird, designated as a state bird in many states of the mainland USA, is also found in Hawaii, often surprising tourists from the mainland.
So, there you have it! The Northern Cardinal, named after a Catholic cardinal and deeply connected with American sports teams. Its vibrant red appearance surely brightens the hearts of those who see it. While you can’t see it in Japan, if you ever visit America, do try to observe this beautiful bird!
